Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Open race. IMPENDING LOVE (4) got off the mark at start 13 with a tough victory over 1175m here on June 24. Finds a fairly weak C1 and can go on with the job from the low draw. KHALEEJ (8) sound return in the heavy (9) going when he charged late to go under narrowly when second over 1000m at Nowra on June 13. Clearly come back well and will relish the conditions. SPIRIT LAKE (3) returns from a spell of seven months and normally comes to hand quickly. Sat on the speed and failed to go on with the job when fourth over 1000m at Canberra on December 1. Has solid top-three claims. MISS BELGIUM (1) returned from a spell last start and finished fifth over 1000m at Nowra. Fitter and can feature in the finish.
RACE 2 - BERNAY (7) racing with purpose this time in and looks ready to win. Third-up for this after powering late when fourth over 900m here on June 24. Brings the right figures and will prove hard to hold out. BLACK PANTHER (1) returned for second prep with a plugging third over 1170m at Wangaratta on June 2. Strips fitter and will hold a forward position again from the inside gate. KIRREK (4) solid performance from the wide gate when returned with a fast finishing third over 900m here on June 24. Can race closer from the better gate and play a leading role. DITTERICH (2) resumes from a four-and-a-half-month break and now in the Andrew Bourke yard. Had two even runs on the provincial circuit last time in and since gelded and gets the lugging-bit on. Returns without a trial but has the ability to take this out.
RACE 3 - BONNYVILLE (2) eight-start maiden who jumped sharply in trip when a poor tenth from the wide gate over 1500m at Goulburn on June 21. Go on solid earlier efforts over this distance range when assessing his chances. Handles the conditions and this is much easier. JEDINAK (4) sound return when running on late for a close-up fourth over 1000m at Corowa on July 1. Backs-up quickly and looks close to a victory. MESSAGGERO (6) kept fresh for this and finished in the minor money at his last two runs. Came from near last on the turn when a gritty third over 1200m at Goulburn on May 24. Has his hoof on the till. GAELIC GIRL (9) just over a month between runs when she caught the eye late when seventh here over 900m on June 24. Ready for this trip and the claim helps again.
RACE 4 - STAGE MASTER (6) indicated a win was imminent when returning to form with a tough on-pace second over 1500m here on June 24. Claim helps again from the better gate and conditions suit. Will go close in this weak event. SWEET PAREE (12) has returned a much stronger mare this prep and trained on the track. Stalked the speed when a narrow third over 1100m at Wodonga on June 29. Will appreciate the extra ground and conditions. Has solid top-three prospects. ANGEL OF SPRING (7) fitter after two runs back and building towards her maiden victory. Stuck on well when a solid third over 1180m at Gundagai on June 29. Stretches out to the 1400m for the first time and drops in weight. ALFAVITA (3) solid effort last start when third over 1400m at Wagga. Among the chances.
RACE 5 - RISING WATER (6) racing in career best form and strong through the line when a solid third over this track and trip on June 7. Ran fourth in a tick over trial here on June 24. Will go close again with the good tempo anticipated. SLATE RIPPER (7) relished the extra trip when a commanding maiden winner over 1500m here on June 24. Starting to put it all together and can play a leading role again. STAR BLAZER (3) handy gelding who can return to winning form third-up. Showed good early speed from the wide gate when a fighting third over 1300m at Wagga on June 17. Gives every indication of running the trip and drop in weight suits. MOUNT HOTHAM (1) holding his form well and finished third behind TOES IN THE WATER over 1500m at Goulburn on June 21. Form has since been franked and a repeat showing will see him go close.
RACE 6 - TIZSO FAB (2) has a handy record and goes well on his home track. Sat on the speed with the 61.5kg when a tough on-pace second over 1400m at Corowa on July 1. On the quick back-up and will appreciate the 3kg claim. Can go one better today. NATS ENOUGH (3) turned his form around at his last two outings and won over this trip two-back at Goulburn. Down sharply in grade after running third over 1600m at this course in BM82 grade on June 24. Hard to hold out. BONVALANTE (4) won two starts ago then back to earth last time when sixth over 1400m at Corowa. Disappointing last time but can bounce back. WONDER BRAHMA (9) ran a better race last start to finish third at Gundagai over 1400m. Can a run bold race here.
RACE 7 - LITTLE MISS GRACE (6) returned to form when resuming with an encouraging third over 1000m here on June 24. Goes just as well second-up and has a decent record at this venue. One of the leading players. LITTLE BASHEBA (10) lightly raced mare with ability. Had to be used up early from the wide gate on resumption before tiring to finish third over 1175m at this track on June 24. Sure to be thereabouts again. TORONTO RAIN (2) third-up today and won third-up previously. Up in class second-up when a disappointing eighth over 1000m at Corowa in BM66 grade on July 1. Has a good record here and will appreciate the claim. RELEASE THE BRAKES (11) drops in journey from the latest outing when third over 1400m at this track. Can find the frame.
RACE 8 - HE'S MY WARRIOR (6) finished in the minor money at his last four runs and due for a change of luck. Covered ground and kept coming when a fighting second over 1400m at this track on June 24. This is no tougher and can go one better. ZIPITALIST (9) locally trained gelding who drops in trip and grade after being collared late when a nose second over 1300m at Hawkesbury on June 18. Won't want it too heavy. TYCOON ARTIE (14) broke his maiden status two back before disappointing as fav when eighth over 1300m at Wagga on June 17. Can bounce back from the good gate. GUNDAROO (3) struggling to find form and will relish the class drop today. Claim helps and best form is over this distance range.
