Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SWITCH HIT (3) is a three-year-old gelding by Ambidexter stepping out on debut for the Mitchell Freedman stable. Comes here off a recent trial win and is expected to take a strong account of himself. FALLING LEAVES (5) made up a stack of late ground to finish in the frame when resuming at Bordertown. Not as effective last start but she strips fitter third-up and is well placed to play a major role. FANTASY WARRIOR (6) resumes for the Dodson camp. Only just missed here on debut early last year. May need the run off long lay off but is one to consider, especially if there's market support. DANGEROUS SECRET (4) returns and looks best of the rest.
RACE 2 - BOLTONOVA (3) showed plenty of early dash on debut at Gawler two weeks ago but just tired and was overrun over the concluding stages. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and is drawn kinder with Tourneur sticking. Bold showing anticipated. BOMBISCUIT (8) returns for Maddie Raymond and strips fitter for a solid Casterton trial in the lead-up. Ready to find winning form. LOVE YOU BELLE (6) returns for the Dodson stable. Has shown positive signs without breaking through, going close here on both occasions. Shouldn't have to spend a penny from the inside alley and gets a key jockey booking in Kayla Crowther. Big threat. WALLUNGUNDER (4) is a Wandjina gelding stepping out on debut for the Belinda O'Loughlin stable. Comes here off a Casterton trial. Pay to watch for any positive betting moves.
RACE 3 - RHINESTONE RORY (6) only warmed to his task late when resuming at Balaklava, working home nicely into a midfield finish. Improvement to come second-up. Expecting him to drift back from the alley and be climbing over their backs in the lane. BONANSKI (1) showed good early toe here last start but was reeled in over the concluding stages to finish third. Cherry-ripe now four weeks between runs. Will take some catching. DR VENKMAN (2) is a Turffontein gelding stepping out on debut for Andrew Clarken. Doesn't look a deep maiden to take on. Have to respect any market support. HARD LEAF (11) will enjoy the sharp drop in grade and has to be kept safe.
RACE 4 - LUDO (3) has found it tough to get off the mark but has shown some positive signs of late, finishing in the minors at his last two starts. Drawn well and only has to gold his form to be featuring again. MY CRACKLING (5) never looked likely last start at Balaklava when always well back but did turn in a much better effort the start prior when chasing gamely into the frame. Rates highly on best figures and is a leading player in this line-up. HUGHIE'S SPIRIT (4) failed to make an impression last start at Warrnambool but was denied by the barest of margins here two back. Holds claims on best efforts and is worth including. SANDY'S REWARD (10) returns. Wasn't far away in her last start before going for a break. Gets in light at the weights and is worth keeping safe.
RACE 5 - CALL TO GLORY (1) is racing in terrific fashion this campaign, going close to making it back-to-back wins last start at Ballarat Synthetic. Is aided under the big weight with the 3kg claimer piloting. Has the gate speed to take up a forward position and is sure to be very competitive. GRASSMERE DIAMOND (3) didn't give her rivals a sniff last start when leading pillar-to-post at Casterton. Further improvement to come and is among the main chances. TRUSTFALL (2) has been thereabouts in his two resuming efforts without causing any real threat. Strips fitter third-up and is drawn favourably. Expected to run well. LACEMAKER (4) hasn't made an impact in her last two but will find this easier. Cherry-ripe now and gets a key jockey booking in Tourneur. Gets her chance to break a long run of outs.
RACE 6 - HONOUR THE SKILLS (7) chased soundly into the frame here two back, and then gave backers a bold sight last start at Warrnambool only to be captured on the line. Ticking along nicely of late and is expected to feature. APEROL SPRINT (14) will enjoy the drop in grade. Steps back to a preferred trip where he's enjoyed all but one of his victories. Gets in well at the weights and is a big danger. PERSIAN EMPIRE (1) doesn't win out of turn but is another that should find this easier. Is aided at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged. Expecting the nine-year-old to make his presence felt. OSTILE (4) next best.
RACE 7 - SPIN THE REWARD (4) failed to fire a shot last start at HQ but had been knocking on the door. Is 1/1 at the track and trip and gets some weight off his back. Rates highly on best figures and is a leading player off a freshen. CRACKLE 'N' BURN (6) again showed plenty of early dash last start but couldn't go on with it in the lane. Was a track and trip winner here to kick off the prep and gets in low at the weights. Bold showing anticipated. POWER MISSILE (3) was a stylish winner fresh in testing conditions at Hamilton. Not as effective last start when tackling a tougher field at Ballarat. Better suited in this line-up and is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley. Can give this a big shake. Cases can also be made for the resuming STORM VOYAGER (8) and THREE GRAND (9) who also boast strong ratings.
RACE 8 - MAFIORE (11) chased soundly into the frame when resuming from a small break last start at Warracknabeal. Fitter but will need some luck from an ugly draw. Hasn't won for a long time but is among the better chances in this line-up. LINES OF GLORY (8) hasn't broken through for quite some time but usually performs at his best at this venue. Draws better than many of his key rivals and should be in this for a long way. INNOCENT PEGG (14) missed by the barest or margins three back at Penola but hasn't been able to follow it up since. Doesn't win out of turn but is capable of featuring on best efforts. FIRST TOSEN (16) next best.
RACE 9 - MELISSA KATE (4) was only warming to her task late when finishing midfield last start at Murray Bridge. Strikes an easier assignment and is drawn much kinder. Expected to take up some stitching. ZEYDANA (12) caught the eye last start at Casterton when charging home strongly into the placings. Further improvement to come third-up and will appreciate the extra 200m. Well placed to play a major role. SNAPTOF (7) resumes. Usually needs a run or two before she starts to fire but she boasts a terrific record over this distance and Alana Livesey has built a great association with the mare. Have to include. SOLDIER OF LOVE (2) next.
