Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SUPER INTELLIGENT (11) improved again on a heavy track here before the near miss at Murray Bridge at 1800m on the slow. Draws inside and sits at the bottom of the weights. Keeps Holder and she should be better again over the longer journey. KETCHIKAN (2) was back in trip and plain on the dirt at Port Augusta but went close on the turf the two prior (including here) over this trip. He's had plenty of tries but the blinkers are on again and this is winnable. SHIFFANY (10) was plain here two back but the form around that reads okay. Maps well and is in the mix. MOTO MOTO (4) finished ahead of the above last time beaten 1L over 1800m. He's a hope building on that
RACE 2 - ASTROMANCER (9) resumed much improved narrowly beaten here on a heavy track. She's trialled well since and Crowther sticks aboard. Races forward and fitter she will take beating. GILDED AGE (5) will be at his best over further but has trialled well for his return and has ability. No surprise to see him finishing hard. ROB THE BANK (8) has been solid in two runs following a spell. Ready to peak at the third run in. LOVERBULL (13) Bull Point filly from Lolly Lover on debut. Watch for any market moves.
RACE 3 - VAL D'ISERE (8) resumes and has switched from a Sydney yard. He's raced in better Maidens than this and Toeroek's booking suggests he's pleasing. Maps well and the betting will be key. FRESH AIR FRED (1) has had plenty of tries but was narrowly beaten in country Victoria last time easily running his best race. He will likely control the race and may have turned the corner. PERILOUS LASS (13) creates plenty of interest on debut. She's trialled sharply and races at home. Looks to have good ability and this is winnable. JURA VAUDOIS (12) will be fitter and has more to give. She's also a chance.
RACE 4 - TENTERK (1) wasn't fancied here last start and raced accordingly. He's been threatening prior and he'll appreciate the step up in trip. Maps well today and the top hoop replaces the 2kg apprentice. He gets another chance. AMBER NOOK (10) resumes and has had a soft trial. She will naturally improve and has shown enough to say she's a winning chance. PRIDE OF SHALAA (6) showed plenty in town early doors and fourth up should be ready to show more. The 2kg claim is handy but he draws wide again and will need some luck. ZAIN PRINCE (5) went much better when racing forward at Strathalbyn and then was plain at Balaklava following from a wide gate (vet cleared). Has the 3kg claim and has been kept on the fresh side. In the mix.
RACE 5 - HEADSMART (2) is a Victorian who placed at Werribee three back. He was quickly back on track last start when beaten a whisker at Murray Bridge. The extra metres will suit and he can go one better. MONSEAGLE (5) missed a whisker at Murray Bridge over 1800m and is ready to break back. Races forward and carries 1kg less. JAMROCK (3) won that contest and it was a good effort after settling rearward. He draws inside today and the 3kg claim brings him into it. Ditto with COVERED CALL (6) who peaks today and is going well enough to consider. The barrier is awkward. FLIGHT DECK (8) maps well and no surprise to see him show more.
RACE 6 - MORTGAGE MAN (6) was back on track beaten a nose at Balaklava and then raced in town at 68 level and things didn't work out. He's suited in this contest and Holder is reunited. Hard to beat. WEEKEND WARRIOR (5) came back to this trip and led beaten a nose here three weeks ago. Keeps the 3kg claim and will push forward. Hard fit and this is winnable with average luck. SPELMAN (7) led and spiked his figures winning the 62 here. A 3kg claimer goes on and the rails gate is there to use. A chance. VEE ROD (8) tries hard and maps for the run of the race. Finds easier and can't be ruled out.
RACE 7 - LEADER'S PRIDE (1) had been threatening before winning here 11 days ago in stronger. They have elected not to claim but he still looks suited and can go on with the job. APEROL SPRINT (13) hasn't been winning but has figures that would see her competitive on a quick backup. Sits on the minimum and maps for the run of the race. SCAMSTER (5) has been within range his last two and finds easier. Needs a good ride from the outside barrier but is a hope. MILITARY PRESS (3) won his Maiden here and then came back and wasn't fancied on the heavy track in stronger. Keeps the handy 3kg claim and he should be around the mark.
RACE 8 - GLOBAL TURN (2) wins this at best and she will be better for the first-up run when she settled too far back as a short-priced favourite. Not sure the inside barrier suits but the extra metres should advantage. SAINT MICHAEL (1) led and just missed here in stronger class over 1700m spiking his figures off the Maiden win at Balaklava. Has the early speed to clear the wide gate and the 3kg claim brings him into it. COVERT WITNESS (8) keeps Holder and is better than the recent form suggests. Races well here and has to be kept onside. WEE DRAM (5) landed her maiden success last time when resuming from a spell over 1100m at this track. Has upside and may pay to follow.
RACE 9 - Tricky. TUPOLEU (4) was on the speed and just missed here first-up on a heavy track. He has more to give and is proven second-up. Maps for a soft run and keeps the handy 2kg claim. Can go one better. SCRIPTA (10) missed a lip at The Bridge over this distance showing more like her best. That stacks right up and she arrives at peak. NICISH (7) was an impressive Maiden winner two back at The Parks. She's raced in better class since and has the early speed to clear the wide gate. In good hands and a much better effort is likely. AZTEC DANCER (8) has been racing in town in stronger. Gives away starts but should finish hard.
