Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CAUGHT ALIGHT (4) debuts and won a recent Longford trial by a space. Maps for a soft run and Newitt is a key jockey booking. She appears promising and this is winnable. DUBAI AFFAIR (10) had excuses on debut and comes back to the races owning two trial wins. She has an inside barrier and a bold effort is likely. ASTRO TED (1) wasn't beaten far on debut and 4 winners have come out of that. Resumes with two nice trials under the saddle and she won't have to be much improved to feature. SHE PLAYS GAMES (8) led and was only beaten 1.6L here two weeks ago. She's had plenty of chances but deserves consideration. BOULDER COUNTY (3) resumes and the former Victorian will use the rail. May need one but she's a betting watch.
RACE 2 - Tricky. RICH GLOW (4) races forward and was narrowly beaten here over a shorter sprint. She was heavily bet again and will hit this contest at peak fitness. Just has to run out the extra 200m. WHO CAN IT BE NOW (5) finished a whisker behind the above and will be fitter. He should run it right out this time around. DYNAMIC DEEL (1) is a former Victorian who was last seen 38 days ago at Tatura over 1980m. May find this a touch short but rates well and Newitt is a positive jockey booking. The betting moves will be key with him. Ditto with HENLEY EXTREME (7) who switched from a Sydney yard and will be better for her run at Hobart from a wide barrier. She will also be better over longer but has good figures and can't be ruled out.
RACE 3 - Tough. YELLOW ROCK (3) was switched from a Victorian barn and was last seen 33 days ago beaten 2.7L on the Ballarat synthetic over 1400m. She will likely give away a start but will be fitter and is showing enough. SPECIALIZED (10) trialled well and was narrowly beaten here on debut at big odds. It was a good effort and she's a chance with the extra fitness. ENSIGN EAGLE (1) peaks and maps well. He's knocking on the door and will get every chance. DELAMERE (5) led and went close here last time. She can skip over and control the race and will give a sight over the longer sprint. MISS PRIVATE (8) has had plenty of tries but missed a nose here this trip two back and forgive the latest over a mile. Has an inside gate and a 2kg claim and is also in the mix.
RACE 4 - TURK BOY (3) resumed at Hobart with e near miss (further improved) and was too good here following as a short-priced favourite. The wide barrier needs managing but he can keep improving and should go close. CHICANE (6) disappointed as the favourite at Hobart but his form here the two efforts prior stack right up. Peaks on a 7-day return but needs a good ride from the outside gate. EXALTED CROWN (4) impressed winning easily here over a mile. Has to come back to a sprint but should secure a soft run but the in-form Pires takes over from the 3kg apprentice. He can win again without surprise. EASTCOAST MISS (9) resumes and would be a chance if presented on-song. Gets in well with the 3kg claim but also needs luck from the awkward gate.
RACE 5 - Competitive. LI'L HAIL MARY (9) has threatened but starts this preparation and drops back to a sprint on a 7-day return. Has a handy gate and a 3kg claimer replaces Newitt. A winning chance. SQUARE DONUT (3) resumed this track/trip with a dominant win. He rates strongly and is proven second-up. The niggle with him is the outside gate. GALLANT WARRIORS (4) has the ability but has been giving away starts. Good enough if things go his way. CARNEROS (1) also holds some appeal and is worth including.
RACE 6 - Competitive. VOKES (13) peaks and is busting to win. She can lead or trial from a low gate and she gets in light with the 3kg claim. She will get every chance to break back into the winner's stall. CORNELIAN BAY (3) deserved the win here in this grade two back and then was never in the hunt with a big weight jumping from a wide barrier. This suits him better and the blinkers go on again. Peaks and can bounce back. INTISAR (11) missed here this grade/trip by a whisker and then didn't enjoy the best of it at Hobart from the awkward barrier. Carr replaces the 2kg apprentice and she can get back on track. CHAMPAGNE CINDERS (14) won three back and has gone close her two since. Uses the rails barrier and is sure to give a sight.
RACE 7 - Tricky. GO JEANIE (14) was good on debut and resumed with the Maiden win here over this distance. She will improve off that and Newitt stays aboard. She will position forward and can take the next step. RUBBLE 'N' FUDD (1) ran equal favourite at Hobart on debut and just missed. Resumes today and has trialled sharply. Has an awkward barrier but the 2kg claim is handy. A winning chance with average luck. MUISCA (13) peaks and assess her hopes on the near miss here two back. Peaks today and will skip over and ride the speed. She also has decent claims. MISS DAVISAND (4) led and won at Launceston on debut and she's sure to have come on. Maps well and has to be kept safe. CAIRNS (5) resumes and is good enough at best. She's trialled well and draws inside.
RACE 8 - ES AND ES (1) came home hard narrowly beaten over 1650m. Draws better today and gives every indication the extra 230m will suit. Peaks and deserves another win. OZTURK (10) finished a touch behind the above in the same contest. Has the ability but will need a good ride from an outside barrier. PEPPARONI (11) brought strong turf form to that race but gave away a big start. Keeps the handy 3kg claim and can get closer. RISIST CAPTURE (13) peaks and Newitt is reunited. The extra metres suit her and she's worth a look.
