Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - AQUAFIRE (1) two career runs have been full of merit and expected to go one better today after sitting on the speed for a narrow second over 1030m at this track on June 8. Maps to get the right run and will take holding out. TAKEOVER LAD (5) top debut performance when boxing on strongly to finish third over 1000m at Tamworth on June 21. Strips much fitter now and Baker rides again with the 3kg claim. Leading prospect. HELLUVA TEEN (7) looked good on debut two starts back when a narrow second at the Gold Coast. Up in grade and never comfortable in the heavy conditions when ninth over 900m at Newcastle on June 22. Will find this easier and can return to form. BETTY CEE (6) returns for second prep without a trial after tiring late when fifth over 900m at Newcastle on February 10. In top stable and should have strengthened over the break.
RACE 2 - THEIR FINEST HOUR (6) showed good early toe on debut when holding on well to finish second over 1110m at Lismore on June 18. Can go one better today from the good draw and the task is made easier by a couple of key scratchings. They mean FOO FIGHTER (3), a first starter by Heroic Valour on debut for the Matt Dunn, can have a great chance of getting off the mark at the first time of asking. Had two trials in readiness for this and market moves must be closely monitored. BRUTAL BELLE (7) is another newcomer with the right sort of profile. Improved nicely from trial to trial.
RACE 3 - SIRIUS FLYER (13) well bred filly with her hoof on the till. Stretched out to the mile for the first time when a gritty second over 1600m at Tamworth on June 21. Can improve further today out to the 1700m. Looks one of the hardest to beat. MORE ELEMENTS (5) ten-start maiden mixing his form. Gets the 4kg claim today and go on his solid second two back when assessing his prospects. Placed this track and trip and looks well placed in this contest. WEE KAHUNA (10) progressed nicely last start when returned to form with a fast finishing second over 1550m at Murwillumbah on June 22. Well drawn and gives the impression this trip suits. BELLABATOOTA (11) found form at her last two runs and surprised at big odds ($51), when a narrow second over 1614m at Taree on June 25. Gets weight relief with the claim and can surprise again.
RACE 4 - WAHINE GALAXY (9) progressive filly who returned good figures when snagged back early before launching late when a nose winner over 1350m at Doomben on June 25. Can go on with the job here. NIGHT FIGHTER (6) fitter after two runs back and ready for this trip now. Made up good ground late when fifth at Scone over 1200m on June 23. Down sharply in weight with the 3kg claim and has genuine each way prospects. LADY SHOTGUN (4) Gold Coast-trained filly back in grade when improved with a sound second over 1050m at the Gold Coast Poly after giving away a big start. Undefeated this trip and on heavy going. Must be kept safe. MILITARY AWARD (5) placed at Doomben two-back before pulling up with cardiac arrhythmia when a dismal 12th over 1526m at Lismore on June 18. Better than latest showing and worth another chance.
RACE 5 - DUSAN (4) chasing his third-straight victory today and going nicely through his grades. Gave them a galloping lesson last time out when a dominant 3 len winner over 1010m at Murwillumbah on June 23. Can win again in this stronger contest with the claim. MORE THAN A STAR (7) looks to have strengthened up over the break after returning with a slashing second after coming from last on the turn, over 1000m at Scone on June 23. Goes just as well second-up and the extra trip suits. BOAMBEE BEACH (12) racing in good order and has solid each way prospects when a tiring fourth over 1450m at Kempsey on June 20. No shock to see her take this out.
RACE 6 - TWO SMOKIN BARRELS (8) got in light with the claim when improving sharply to score a half- length win over 2020m at Murwillumbah on June 23. This race thins out and its there for him to make a strong winning play now. SIX FOOT SONG (7) won two of his last three starts and deserves his shot in this harder contest. Carried the 61.5kg with ease when a dominant winner over 2100m at Tamworth on June 21. Looker keeps the ride and not to be underestimated. MINDSPACE (11) continues to race consistently well and there is no reason to think that he will drop off now.
RACE 7 - MONTE CRUISE (9) handy filly who returned for her second prep with a commanding victory in the heavy (10) going over 1012m at Coffs Harbour on June 8. Expected to go close again with the claim from the inside gate. CRIMSON SKY (7) lightly raced filly who gave her all from the wide draw first-up when tiring late to finish a gritty third over 1110m at Lismore on June 18. Drawn out again and Looker keeps the ride. Strips much fitter now. TSUNODA (5) at his peak now and total forgive from the outside draw when a tenacious fifth over 1250m at Kempsey on June 20. Will hold a forward position and give plenty of cheek. STRONG MARTINI (8) Gold Coast-trained mare fitter after two solid runs back on the Gold Coast Poly. Drawn out but can sneak into the minor money.
RACE 8 - FENDER (1) third-up today and won third-up in the past. Sat on the speed from the wide gate when a fading tenth over 1300m at Randwick in BM94 grade on June 8. This is much easier and can return to winning form. HARLEQUIN FIELD (17) Matt Dunn trained gelding who drops in weight after failing to get into the contest when seventh over 1110m at Doomben two-and-a-half weeks ago. Six weeks between runs at latest and expecting more today. Maps to get the right run. CORFE CASTLE (9) consistent gelding resuming for leading Gold Coast yard. Gave his all when a tough second over 1350m at Doomben in BM78 grade on February 10. Fitted with a recent trial placing over 1000m and looks ready to go.
RACE 9 - IMMORTALITY (1) former Victorian-trained gelding now in the Stephen Lee yard. Resumes after dropping out sharply when eighth over 1200m at Sandown (L) on January 31. Fitted with two solid trials and the stable has taken all the gear off. Expected to go close. PROCYON MISS (10) lightly raced filly who got off the mark at first run back with a slick maiden win over 1050m at the Gold Coast Poly on May 25. Clearly come back well and can play a leading role again from the good gate. SCARLETT THUNDER (7) big improver second-up when taken straight to the front for a solid maiden win over 1110m at Lismore on June 18. Will need a good ride from the sticky gate.
