Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TWIRLING (9) is a first-starter by leading sire I Am Invincible from the stakes-winner Twirl. Has impressed at the trials and is expected to measure right up. ALINEA (1) returns for the smart Waterhouse & Bott partnership. Has run into two pretty sharp ones to kick-off her career in Manaal (Gimcrack) and Lady Of Camelot (Widden). Strips fitter for two lead-up trials and should be making her presence felt. SAKIMA (6) was only warming to her task late on debut here back in March. Returns and takes benefit from two soft trials in readiness. Inside draw should see her settle closer to the action. In the mix fresh. QUEEN'S RHAPSODY (5) is another debutant that has shown some positive signs at the trials and is worth keeping safe.
RACE 2 - CALL ME MOJO (4) is a Toronado colt stepping out on debut for David Pfieffer. Has shown good ability at the trials, scoring with a fair bit up his sleeve in most recent. Bright start anticipated. GRAM (8) was met with solid market support when resuming at Warwick Farm but could only manage to finish second. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt but will need a smart ride from the outside draw. AXIUS (1) is a Justify colt stepping out on debut for Ciaron Maher. Worked nicely to the line in most recent trial and is drawn well for Rawiller. Looks one of the main hopes. DAWN SERVICE (6) is a Justify colt stepping out on debut for smart Waterhouse & Bott partnership. Has shown good signs at the trials and is another that warrants serious consideration.
RACE 3 - MAGIC SHADOW (3) was doing his best work late when resuming at Newcastle, closing off solidly into the frame. Can take closer order from the better draw and strips fitter. Looks the one to beat. WIPEOUT (4) never looked likely last start at Newcastle but did show some positive signs fresh. Expecting him to be nearing his peak third-up and the inside draw could prove very favourable with Clark piloting. FAKHRA (2) was denied narrowly from resuming a winner last start at Newcastle. Improvement to come second-up and takes benefit from in-form hoop in Rawiller taking the ride. Expect her to be featuring. NOSFERATU (1) is a first starter by Almanzor for the Joseph Pride camp. Hasn't been asked to push too hard in his trials so flies under the radar. Don't underestimate.
RACE 4 - VEGAS RAIDER (3) was much more competitive last start with a change in tactics when charging forward from a wide draw. Expecting much of the same this time and he should be further improved with fitness. Note front-running rider in Tim Clark taking over is a bonus. Expecting him to prove very tough to reel in. OCEANS ONE (1) was also denied by the barest of margins two back. Gave a bold sight last start but couldn't hold on. Should be at his peak now and gets a key jockey booking in Rawiller. Right in this. BUNDEENA (7) showed plenty of heart fresh to not be beaten far after a testing run. Drawn much kinder this time and is right in calculations. FAMOUS PEDRILLE (5) can improve sharply second-up and is worth keeping safe.
RACE 5 - AUTUMNMATION (4) hasn't put a foot wrong in her last two as she shoots for the hat-trick. Doesn't have to improve much to be very competitive again and takes benefit with the booking of an eager James McDonald. SHE'S UNUSUAL (5) chased in vain behind a dominant all the way winner at Canterbury. Strips fitter third-up and is drawn to advantage. Have to take seriously. NANA'S WISH (1) has been up since Boxing Day so carries the clear fitness edge. Is aided under the big weight with the 3kg claimer engaged. Expect her to go forward from the tricky draw and be in this for a long way. FAIRWAY STAR (3) is yet to threaten in her three runs back but will appreciate linking back up with Rachel King who has won three times aboard. Interesting to note the application of blinkers first time. Could prove the trick.
RACE 6 - LITTLE COINTREAU (2) was a smart winner fresh in this grade and has since followed it up with two strong chasing efforts to find the frame. Should be hitting his peak now and finally gets a good draw with in-form hoop Nash Rawiller piloting. The one to beat. DON PEDRO (5) returns for the Baker camp and while he's yet to salute fresh he's impressed in his two lead-up trials. Forward showing anticipated. NANSHE (10) was a handy winner at Newcastle in a lesser grade last start. Up in grade this time but the form around her reads well and will appreciate reuniting with James McDonald. One of the obvious dangers. GREEN SHADOWS (1) returned in terrific order back in April but is yet to go on with it, admittedly the victim of some poor draws. Shoulders some ability on his day and could return to his best form from the better draw.
RACE 7 - ALCABEEL (13) was a determined debut winner at Newcastle, picking up strongly late to fend off his rivals. The rise in trip doesn't look a bother with further improvement anticipated. Blinkers going on first time should have him focused and he's well placed to make it two on the bounce. WEST OF AFRICA (4) drove hard to get the verdict two back at Warwick Farm but was far less effective last start. McDonald reuniting is a big positive and he can bounce back sharply. MAGNATEAR (7) comes in fresh (39 days) after a poor showing last start on the main track. Was in much better form prior and is capable of featuring on best efforts. STATE OF AMERICA (9) drops back sharply in trip but does boast a solid record over this distance. Expect him to settle off them and be doing his best work late.
