Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - COOL STORM (7) handy filly who resumed in stronger company with a plugging third in the heavy (8) conditions over 900m at Newcastle on June 22. Comes to hand quickly and the tongue-tie comes off in this easier contest. Go close. JEWELS STATEMENT (3) placed in all three runs and resumes from a four-month break. Showed plenty of grit with the 58kg when run down late to finish a narrow second over 1000m at Ballina on March 1. Hard to hold out. EXOREALM (5) started a firm favourite when a dominant 1.75 len winner over 1007m at Taree on June 25. At his top and looks one of the main players.
RACE 2 - RAINBOW LASS (12) Pariah filly out of Rainbow Bridge on debut for the Ethan Ensby yard. Has two trials under the belt and kicks off in a fairly weak maiden. Sure to figure prominently. MISS MOOV (9) having her first run for the Tony Ball yard after mixing her form up in Queensland. Fresh for this after tiring from the wide gate when tenth over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast on June 14. Finally draws a gate and drops in weight with the claim. Improver. ONE SMART COOKIE (6) placed twice from three starts and gets the blinkers and tongue-tie added for the first time. Came out fast in the heavy (10) going when a narrow second as fav over 1200m at the Sapphire Coast on June 9. Has genuine claims if she can navigate the wide gate.
RACE 3 - HEZANUFF (2) returned in order last start when powering late from well back to secure fourth over 1110m at Lismore on June 18. Tongue-tie goes on and shouldn't be a maiden for too much longer. SO YOU CAN TORQUE (7) well supported on debut when a sound fifth over 1110m at Lismore on June 18. Further improved now with the run under the belt. TOSEN DREAMER (13) put in a much better effort last start and appears the next in line.
RACE 4 - PLEADEEL (11) drops many grades today after failing to get into the contest from the outside gate when a poor 13th in the LR Gold Crown over 2143m at Eagle Farm on June 29. Tongue-tie goes on and assess on her run two-back. Will take holding out from the inside gate. CASTEL TROSINO (1) just over a month between runs when back in trip for a flashing third over 1600m at Ballina on June 30. Better placed out to this distance and expected to figure prominently. PUNJABI LANDING (7) improving gelding who shed his maiden status at start four when a commanding winner over 1800m at the Sunshine Coast on June 16. This in no tougher and should relish the 2200m.
RACE 5 - I AM GOOD AT THIS (1) Matt Dunn-trained gelding out to his right trip today after showing little in three runs back. Not a bad effort at Doomben two-back before tiring late when tenth over 1526m at Lismore on June 18. Can turn it around in this fairly weak contest. DO IT FOR YOU (8) big improver at second run back when sitting on the speed for a gritty win over 1600m at Ballina on June 30. Gets in light with the claim and can go on with the job in this tougher line-up. FLYING BANJO (5) finished runner-up at his last two outings and on the quick back-up after charging late to secure second over 1600m at Tamworth on July 5. Gets weight relief again and look for him late.
RACE 6 - TIME QUEST (13) starting to hit his straps this time in and indicated he was close to his top after powering late when fourth behind BEAR ON THE LOOSE at latest. Drops sharply in weight and expected to go close from the good gate. DIAMOND DIESEL (2) racing in a rich vein of form and chasing his third-straight victory today. Charged late in the heavy conditions when a slick 2 len winner at Warwick Farm in the LR Civic Stakes over 1400m on June 26. Form has since been franked and can win again. ESTADIO MESTALLA (4) stretches out to his preferred trip today and a win looks imminent. Loomed to win inside 150m before finishing second over 1400m in the LR Civic Stakes at Warwick Farm. Can get cover early and play a leading role. Multiple Group 2 winner CEPHEUS (1) is fitter after two runs back and reunited with Nash Rawiller. Much better effort when a gritty fourth over 1600m in the LR Tattersall's Mile at Eagle Farm on June 29. Has place claims from the draw.
RACE 7 - NORTH OF ELI (6) holding his form well and due for a change of luck. Made up many lengths late when a solid third over 1200m at Doomben on June 26. Undefeated at this track and expected to go close. INFERENCIA (10) racing in career best form after giving them a galloping lesson when sitting on the pace for a dominant victory over 1400m at Tamworth on June 28. Has the figures to take this out. ARTZINO (2) Tarzino gelding having his first start for the Jack Bruce stable. Returns from a ten-week break after running on late when fourth over 2004m at Morphettville on May 4. Cross-over nose band comes off and can sprint well fresh.
