Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - WHO EVER THOUGHT (5) a month between runs when returning to form with a tough nose win over 1300m at Scone on June 11. Up in grade here but racing too well to dismiss. Go close. FILL A PROMISE (4) chasing her fourth-straight victory after leading throughout for a slick win over 1007m at Taree on June 25. Up in grade and trip and sure to play a leading role again. INDIAN THUNDER (3) tough old sprinter who was a total forgive from the outside gate when a plodding eighth over 1000m at Tamworth on July 5. Back in class and go on his win two-back when assessing his chances. LEICA MODEL (7) returns from a four-and-a-half-month break with a handy fresh record. Back without a trial and has the ability to sprint well fresh.
RACE 2 - CASUAL MOOD (5) at her peak for this fifth-up and a win looks imminent. Taken to the front and nailed late when a close-up second over 1400m at Dubbo on June 30. Well drawn again and a senior rider goes on today. JUHVATI (12) beaten for early speed on debut before warming up late when a solid fifth over 1200m at Scone on July 2. This looks easier and expected to figure prominently. SUNSET PANORAMA (10) 17-start maiden with mixed form. Came out hard and failed to go on with the job when a tiring sixth over 1400m at Tamworth on June 28. Worth another chance in this weaker affair. FULL COMMITMENT (8) improving filly who looks ready for the 1450m now after motoring late when second over 1300m at Gunnedah on July 1. Tongue-tie goes on and can race a little closer today.
RACE 3 - REALLY MOTIVATED (7) racing well and looks ready for the 2000m now. Comes out of a strong race after sitting on the speed for a gritty neck second over 1600m at Dubbo on June 19. Brings the right figures to take this out. SPECIAL DAY (8) has been a model of consistency this time in and has her hoof on the till. Made up good ground late when a swooping third over 2000m at Wyong on June 27. A repeat of that will put her right in the frame. SHE'S GOT TEETH (11) win record hardly excites but recent runs have been satisfactory. Jumps out to this trip for the first time and gets weight relief with the claim. Has each way prospects. PICCAPEPPA (2) lone victory came at this track and has the ability to take this out. Had to work hard early from the wide gate when a gritty third over 2100m at Tamworth on July 5. Backs-up quickly and not to be underestimated.
RACE 4 - TAYLA THE SAILOR (6) sharp improver at second start back when attacking the line late in the heavy (9) conditions for a solid third over 1100m at Dubbo on June 30. Goes well this track and trip and the extra distance suits. Expected to go close today. KERMASTAR (10) nine-start maiden fitter after two tuns back. Down in weight for this and should appreciate the 1200m. SHOWTIME SASSY (12) holding her form well and due for a change of luck. Came out fast from the low draw when run down late to finish fourth over 1300m at Gunnedah on July 1. One of the leading players.
RACE 5 - NOMORENIGHTSHIFT (4) rounded them up effortlessly from well back on debut when a slick winner as fav over 1100m at Dubbo two weeks ago. Looks to have a ton of upside and can take on the older horses and win again. ALERTADO (3) got off the mark at start nine then had no luck from the wide gate when seventh over 1200m at Tamworth on July 5. Hard fit for this and gets the claim from the inside gate. Can return to form. MOON ZONE (6) fourth-up here and will prove hard to stop with the 3kg claim today. Sat on the speed from the sticky draw when third over 1300m at Dubbo on June 30. Could be the value play. MARYLAND BRIDGE (7) Stepping out at this course for the first time. Last appeared when she finished fourth over 1200m at Mudgee on July 7. Has claims.
RACE 6 - WHISTLING STRAITS (4) looks primed for this after improving sharply at second race start when a fast finishing second over 1000m at Gunnedah on July 1. Well drawn with the claim and looks the one to beat. BARRIEANNA (5) Impending gelding out of a Commands mare on debut for the Gavin Groth yard. Won a recent 900m trial in good order and just needs luck early from the sticky draw. SAMITA (8) big improver second-up when held on to finish third over 1000m at Tamworth on June 28. Maps well and has top-four claims. RANSOM'S GIRL (7) former WA filly now in the Sally Torrens yard. Only had the four runs, including latest fourth over 1000m at Northam on May 16. Can stalk the speed and take a hand in the finish.
RACE 7 - HARBOUR GOLD (4) fourth-up today in a fairly open race. Has been around the money of late and races best with his runs spaced. Expected to go close. THE AFFIRMATIVE (6) returned to form with a surprise neck win over 1000m at Gunnedah on July 1. Confidence is high now and can race closer from the low gate. SUNDAY BELL (1) racing in career-best form and nearly made it two-in-a-row when a narrow second over 1000m at Gunnedah on July 1. The 1.5kg claim helps from the wide barrier. SHE'S A BAD GIRL (2) made nice progress last time out when third over 1007m at Taree. In the mix.
