Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MADE IN MEXICO (3) disappointed at the end of last campaign when a 3-1 chance at Ascot, but his previous efforts rate highly in this event. He trialled well recently and Pike taking the ride is a positive sign. The gear changes suggest he's an improved commodity and he can resume on a winning note. MYTHICAL MISS (10) is better than she showed last start when beaten a long way at Belmont. Her fresh run suggested she's up to winning a race of this calibre and with a touch more luck in running, she can put herself right in the finish. RUN PATTIE RUN (4) rattled home from a mile back on the main course here 27 days ago to be beaten just 0.5L. She'll carry less weight today with the claim of Cooper, although she is likely to be back in the run once again. A repeat effort will see her go close to winning, she'll just need a touch of luck. ONE TARGET (2) has never raced at this trip but if he can hold his form, he won't be far away. CHER (7) is next best from a good alley.
RACE 2 - ZOUCONI (12) looks to have found a great race on debut having won a trial stylishly on July 1. Pike has ridden her at the trials and hops back in the saddle for today's debut effort. There are options from the draw and she can make a winning start to her career. GREAT EDITION (2) got a long way back last week at Belmont and never featured, beaten 4.4L. He may be a touch closer from the inside draw this time and with improvement expected out in trip, he can make his presence felt. TIMELESS GEM (4) started in the market against the exciting Bustling on debut in March when he was caught wide and pulled up with an issue following that run. He's since trialled well for his return and if he runs up to his market expectation today, he'll take plenty of beating. THIS'LL SHOW YA (7) hasn't had the best of luck so far this campaign but does have some class. Include. BOYZ LITE UP (3) can run a bold race on resumption.
RACE 3 - TIVACISAURUS (9) has shown glimpses over the shorter trips but suspect we'll start to see the best of him now as he gets out in trip. The booking of Chris Parnham suggests he's ready to fire and he'll be much closer today from a favourable alley. Looks a nice stayer in the making and can get the job done. VANCOUVER STORM (4) was only 1.9L off the winner over 1400m last time out and steps out to this trip for the first time. He's still lightly raced with upside, but he's shown good signs throughout this campaign. Drawn well and can put his best foot forward. KERMELIA (12) rattled home from a long way back at Bunbury last time out and steps out to this trip for the first time. She caught the eye there and now Pike hops on board. He strikes at 26% when riding for Team Pearce and she's right in the mix. PSYCHIC SESSION (3) will appreciate the rise in trip and may take running down from out in front.
RACE 4 - KINGS SALUTE (1) appears a horse on the way up and he looks to have found a superb race today. He was narrowly beaten in Saturday grade when favourite last start and now drops back to a midweek CL3. Rates clear of his rivals and would just have to run up to recent figures to be winning. LITTLE SILVER (2) wasn't far away over 1200m on this course last start and steps back out in trip today which should suit. Suspect he rolls forward from the wide draw, and if he can do so with ease, he'll take plenty of catching. HUGHBERT (9) was very impressive when bolting in as the 2-1 favourite at Bunbury last time out. The drop in trip may be a slit niggle, but he looks to get a similar run this time and he won't be far away. TIGER LINE (7) got a long way back first-up and never got into the race. Now out in trip with Pike on and an inside alley. Include. RELIABLE QUEEN (6) is racing well of late and is right in the mix again.
RACE 5 - DIRTY CHAI (10) resumed in great touch, just missing out over this course and distance a fortnight ago. She draws a better gate this time and Pike sticking adds to the confidence. Just needs to run up to what she did fresh and she should be ending her winning drought. CLASSIC RULER (1) backed up his maiden win two back with a handy performance at Belmont 21 days ago, finishing 1.2L off the winner. He draws a better gate this time and if he can continue to improve on his current trajectory, he's right up to winning a race like this. LOMBADINA (8) progressed through her maiden campaign, improving with every run to win over this course and distance in fine style as favourite in March. She'll be fitter for a recent trial and Parnham sticks from that outing. She's on the improve and can make her presence felt. KRAKEN TIME (3) bolted in first-up but did pull up with an issue following that run. Include. TEABISCUIT (4) can go on with the job following his last start win.
RACE 6 - IHTSAKING (2) ran on strongly from toward the back to finish 0.2L off the winner over the mile here a fortnight ago. Pike stays in the saddle for today's assignment and the slight rise in trip is no issue. Can put his best foot forward. MR TALENTINO (3) stuck on well from midfield to just miss over the mile here a fortnight ago and gets the concussion plates back on today. Brad Parnham takes the ride. Rates well on his latest effort and he's sure to go close once again. BUCKLAND (13) can find the front once again and will be in front for a long way. ALMIGHTY MISS (11) was solid first-up at Bunbury and can build on that effort.
RACE 7 - Open event to end the day. RED DWARF (7) wasn't far away in the Listed South West Cup 17 days ago and drops right back in grade today. While his latest figure stands out, he has a number of ratings good enough to win a race like this. Fiore hops back in the saddle and he can return to winning ways. QUEEN OF JERUSALEM (11) is searching for the hat-trick following a 0.5L win at Bunbury last time out. She drops back in trip today on the quick turnaround, but it's hard to knock her winning form and Pike sticks with her. She may get back in the run but she'll be doing her best work late. THE GREAT ONE (8) just missed in a close finish last start in Saturday Grade in Belmont and has to be included. SUPER ROMANI (1) can bounce back after a lacklustre effort last start.
