Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SCINTILLA (13) caught the eye on debut a fortnight ago over 1100m at this track, coming from next to last on straightening to be beaten 1.7 lengths. Suited by the extra 100m in a race that should be run at a good clip. TARPAULIN (4) resumed after a six-month break as a $1.80 favourite but found one better over 1100m here recently. Ran much quicker time than Scintilla on the same card so his credentials are solid. DIAMOND FIRETAIL (9) won first-up at Wyong when heavily supported. Trialled subsequently and looks ready for another crack in town. TRUNK (1) returns for Waterhouse/Bott. Debuted with a solid second in a $150k event at Geelong then knocked up in the Inglis Millennium before being turned out. Definite contender. Last start Hawkesbury debut winner GLASSOUT (10) is also worth considering.
RACE 2 - COINCIDE (1) returns from a 15-week break for the Waterhouse/Bott yard. Appeared twice last prep and was too bad to be true. Raced well the prep before including a cheeky effort behind subsequent Group One winner Veight in the McNeil at Caulfield. Expect a bright return with blinkers on for the first time. PINK SHALALA (7) was resuming from a long lay-off when a closing second over 1350m at Wyong last start. Not sure coming back in trip is ideal but trust Waller's placement. Likely improver with strong prospects. NEFERTARI (8) just arrived in time to collect her maiden win at Hawkesbury recently. Open to further improvement at the third run back so don't rule her out. DRAMA DODGER (6) turned in a real eye-catcher when fresh from a spell at Wyong last time. In the mix over the extra furlong today. UNSTOPABULL (2) has been up for a while but continues to race well.
RACE 3 - INCARCERATED (1) was used up early to lead then gave a kick but was nabbed close to home when lining up for the first time recently over 1000m at Goulburn. Better for that experience and is sure to prominent for a long way again. The widely travelled VIACONI (5) led until overwhelmed in the latter stages of a maiden over this trip at Doomben three weeks ago. Three winners have come from that race so the form should stand up. LOVE AND LIGHT (3) battled on fairly when fresh from a spell over 1100m here last start. Might be the one to watch with blinkers on for the first time. On-pacer DU CAP (15) has had plenty of chances. One for the trifecta players. The consistent MCKENZIE (7) resumes after a gelding op - one to keep an eye on in the betting.
RACE 4 - MONARCHS BRAE (5) has progressed nicely in his three runs this prep. Took up the running last start and gave a kick but was nailed close to home over 1900m at Canterbury. Cherry-ripe now and will appreciate the extra trip. The lightly raced GOLDEN PIERRO (13) led all the way to win with a bit in hand over 2000m at Hawkesbury last time out. Needs to go to a new level now but he looks up to the challenge. SEMPER FORTIS (11) has not appeared since a narrow win over 1900m at Canterbury on 10 June. Has form at this trip so don't take him lightly. ELSIE MAY (3) is having her first run beyond a mile but trust the Maher stable decision to go this way. ASGOODASSOBERGETS (1) will enjoy coming back in trip and is rock hard fit after four runs back.
RACE 5 - WORLD ALLIANCE (4) was well backed and got the job done when resuming over 1100m at Hawkesbury last start, finishing over the top of the BM64 field late. Has never won beyond the first run of a campaign but he is lightly raced and looks to be back better than ever. LADY SHENANIGANS (9) had a 40-day let-up before closing well to grab second last time out over this trip at Hawkesbury. Drops 4kgs today and will be tough to hold out. EUROS (8) was safely held by World Alliance when resuming at Hawkesbury last start. Meets him 2kgs better and strips fitter so she should be competitive. ELEGANT EMPRESS (6) resumes. Placed 3/3 when fresh so keep her very safe. WINGARDIUM (3) is going great guns at the trials and must be respected first-up from a break.
RACE 6 - FUN SUNDAY (11) did her best work late to finish third when resuming over 1500m at Kembla last start. Best form last time in work came at 2400m but at this stage of the prep a mile should be suitable. Hard to beat with the aid of a nice run from the good gate. MICKEY'S MEDAL (3) continued his strong recent form when runner-up over this distance at Hawkesbury last time out. Won't find this much harder so despite being nine runs into the prep he looks a serious chance. HEADLEY GRANGE (4) got back to last before sprouting wings late to just miss the placings over 1400m at Rosehill recently. Draws the car park but must be respected back in midweek company. Last start Wyong maiden winner MOSTRO (9) takes a big leap today but he is in good hands. GUZUMPED (8) got too far back here a fortnight ago. Worth another chance.
RACE 7 - KERGUELEN (11) won by panels on debut at Kembla two runs back then just missed here a fortnight ago when ridden a little too conservatively. Will relish a strong tempo up front so expect him to put the record straight in a modest affair, thinned out considerably after some key scratchings. FLYING DESTINY (2) whacked away without threatening first-up over 1100m here recently. Placed 4/6 at this trip so expect a bit more today. The consistent SWEYSIVE (5) is back after a 20-week spell. Raced well at this level last prep and some excellent recent trials suggest he is up for this. THE REPLICANT (9) is back from a nine-week let-up. Ran on well for second in a similar race to this when returning from a break at the latest appearance. In the mix. Stablemate LET ME REIGN (15) did a fair job in mares' company over this course and distance first-up. Must be considered down in the weights.
