Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SLAVICA (4) ran a much better race for third here last time out and the step up to a mile should suit her. She has fewer convictions than most of her rivals and can take this out. FAIR GRACE (5) is a lightly tried 7-year-old mare who has improved somewhat since joining a new stable before the start of this campaign and was in the money for the first time when finishing third here a week ago, albeit beaten by over 6 lengths. That was her first run in blinkers this prep and this field really lacks depth, so she is among the hardest to beat by default more than anything. PRIZED BENEFIT (3) needs to improve a lot and can do so over a mile but she isn't the most reliable proposition. ENORME (8) will strip fitter after a fair effort fresh up on this track last week. She has the advantage of the pole position and is worth including in all combinations.
RACE 2 - MULTINOVA MAN (1) won in this class here second up from a spell and was fifth in a tougher grade on this track last week. The blinkers are back on and he drops back to weaker company this time. Hard to beat after drawing the pole position. ALKALINE (4) was a fair fifth behind the top pick when that horse won 4 weeks ago and he should be at his peak fitness after 3 runs back from a spell. His third here before his last run was good and he can improve his woeful distance stats in this. PORTRAIT LAO (6) is a usually reliable veteran who saves his best for this course. He copes with a mile better than most and should be thereabouts again in an average lineup. MAN FROM MEMPHIS (5) has hit the line strongly in his last couple of starts on this track and will be ready fourth up to put his best hoof forward. Each-way value.
RACE 3 - THE KING'S AFFAIR (3) has improved since joining a new stable and racing at country level with back-to-back placings on this track to open her campaign. She won't mind the drop back to 1000 metres and is poised to break through for her first win here. RAGING BEAUTY (7) broke her maiden status on this track and has found it hard to win again since then, Her last 2 starts on this track have left a lot to be desired but she is down a grade and has also never missed a cheque in 2 runs over this trip. She is worth one more chance. MRS KANGAROO (4) was unlucky at Roebourne 2 starts back and then raced wide throughout here last week, finishing sixth. She has a superior draw this time and can bounce back. Each-way value. CITY MISTRESS (1) was tried in front on this track last start and gave a good kick to improve her form and run third. She has a furlong less to travel this time and could take them all of the way this time.
RACE 4 - MIR (3) has been a beaten favourite in 2 starts since winning here fresh up at the beginning of June. He was just over a length from the winner on both of those occasions and it is always a good sign when the bar plates are taken off. He drops 4 kilos in weight from his most recent effort and can set the record straight this time. Follow your money. WELD (4) is a handy veteran who still has some zest in his legs. He ran his best race this prep when third here nearly 5 weeks ago and the brief freshen-up will ensure that he will have no problem reverting back to a shorter journey. He is nicely placed after a 2-kilo claim and with the advantage of the pole position, he can run in the money again. CASTILLO DEL LAGO (5) is resuming from a spell and he has won fresh-up in the past. If he runs up to his form of old, then he is capable of a top 3 finish in this. A market watch is advised. PROTECTED ACTION (2) has battled since winning here 3 starts back but is worth another chance. Include.
RACE 5 - HEARTFORD HOUSE (6) has been racing well since joining the local stable of Rick Evans and his last couple of placings followed up a handy win fresh up at good odds. He is ready now for 1200 metres and will go close to taking this out. WISE WORDS (3) finished second behind the top pick 3 starts back and led all the way to score here by half-a-length a week ago. A 2-kilo claim means that she carries less weight in a similar field and another win is not beyond her. ORTUM KRISP (5) has been placed in 3 of her last 4 starts all on this track and will appreciate having a 3-kilo weight drop this time. A handy draw helps and she should be right in the finish again. MANTELLI (1) won a trial prior to starting this campaign and has not had much luck in his last couple of starts off wide trips. He gets a big swing in the draws this time and is set to put his best hoof forward.
RACE 6 - WHO'S YOUR MAMA (1) caused an upset when winning her penultimate run here and then did not have much luck here a week ago when getting the shuffle-up at the wrong time. She is worth another chance in a slightly easier contest here. Stick with her on an each-way basis. WOJTEK (4) was runner-up behind the top pick when that horse won here 4 weeks ago and he is never too far from the action. He can make full use of the pole position and should be right in the finish again. WAR TACTICS (3) was a comfortable maiden winner here 2 starts back before being a beaten favourite here last week when he was running on late and looking for more ground. The extra furlong will make all the difference and he is set to make amends. DRAGONFLIES (2) is a lightly tried 9-year-old gelding who took his time to win his first race which came here 2 starts back and he then won again immediately after that last week, scoring by over 2 lengths. There is no reason why he can't complete the hat-trick.
