Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MYSTERIO (5) well bred filly who strips much fitter today second-up on a firmer track. Tried hard in the dismal heavy (10) conditions when a plugging second over 1300m at Scone on July 2. Finds a very weak race to shed her maiden status. The one to beat. COAST GUARD (8) snuck into the minor money at second race start when a plugging third over 1300m at Scone on July 2. Looks the main danger on the drying track from the good gate. LUCKY STAR (2) went forward last start before tiring late when sixth over 1500m here three-and-a-half weeks ago. Blinkers go on and place prospects best. SHINE LIKE IT DOES (6) only the three runs to date and go on his plugging third two-starts back over 1300m at Kembla. Blinkers and tongue-tie come off and should be able to hold a forward position from the good gate.
RACE 2 - TAJAWAL (3) drops back a level today after mixing it up at his three Australian runs. Kept fresh for this after running on late when fourth over 1900m at Canterbury in BM72 company on June 19. Placed over this trip in the UK and worth another chance. Group 3 placegetter OUR ANCHORAGE (2) is another import who's failed to set the world alight in four Australian starts. Massive drop in grade today after finishing eighth over 1600m at Randwick in BM78 grade. Expecting a much-improved showing here. FERNAO (1) Irish import who's placed at both his Australian starts. Battled away when third in the heavy (10) conditions over 1700m at Scone on July 2. Will appreciate the firmer deck and expected to run well. DALIO (4) registered his first win at start four over 1850m at Newcastle on July 13. Meets stiffer opposition here and can sneak into the minor money with the claim.
RACE 3 - AFTER MATCH (6) Zoustar colt who wilted badly on debut when fifth over 1000m at Randwick Kensington on March 13. Fitted with two recent trials and expected to hold a forward position in this easier contest. MAJORCA SUNSET (9) warrants a market watch on debut. Won his latest trial in readiness for this. ROYAL DEFENSE (10) debuts after a Hawkesbury trial win and is worth a market watch in the four horse field.
RACE 4 - OUR LITTLE STAR (4) has race fitness on her side and a win looks imminent. Loomed up strongly when a narrow third over 1100m at Warwick Farm on July 10. Maps well again and should prove too good for these. AUSBRED MIMOSA (2) Blake Ryan-trained mare resuming from a six-month spell. Comes to had quickly and has placed in town. Ran second in a recent 800m trial here on July 8. Sure to be strong late. WINGS OF DESIRE (10) and WRITTEN SCANDAL (11) are both on debut and each have trial wins to their names. Watch betting.
RACE 5 - TORIE'S ROSE (12) close to her top now third-up and will appreciate this trip and a firmer track. Disappointed after failing to get through the going when fifth over 1200m at Scone on Jul 12. Trained on the track and go on his solid third here two-back. Goes close today. GLORY START (9) surprised at big odds when resumed with a fast finishing third over this course and distance on June 18. Goes equally as well second-up and will need luck from the tricky gate. SASHABELLA (11) has needed the two runs back to bring her to her top. Battled away late when sixth over 1200m at Newcastle on June 29. Winkers go on and not without each way claims. ROYALE VELOUTE (10) eight-start maiden resuming. Placed in town last time in over 1900m and has a handy first-up record. Ran a close-up fourth in a recent 900m trial here on July 8. Don't dismiss.
RACE 6 - CANDY WOMEN (6) racing in career best form after being in the money at her last three outings. Won well two-back then sat on the speed for a nose second over 1200m at Newcastle on June 15. Kept fresh for this and will be hard to catch from the low draw. UNWRITTEN (4) scored a well-deserved victory in the heavy (9) going with the 62.5kg over 1200m at Goulburn on July 5. Has placed at this track and watch for him powering late from the sticky gate. Has the figures to win again. THE EXTREME CAT (3) drops in grade today after having no luck at both runs back in city class. Firmer tracks are in his favour and has genuine top-three claims. DUBAI EMPRESS (8) resumes on her home track and lone victory came over this course and distance. Fitted with two 1000m trials and stays in the mix.
RACE 7 - MORPHEUS BRAGI (1) carries the big weights well and will appreciate the 2kg claim today. Drifted back and covered plenty of ground when a disappointing seventh as fav over 1000m at Wyong on June 27. Finds a nice race and can make amends. YENDY (4) looked good early on but has failed to recapture her form in two runs back. Tongue-tie comes off and will relish Roper's 2kg claim. Worth another chance here. PICASSO'S DREAM (7) placed first up at Goulburn. Will be fitter for the run and has placed in each of her previous two second up outings.
RACE 8 - CROSS THE RUBICON (3) back in grade and a win looks imminent from the low draw. Had to work hard early from the outside gate when a tiring sixth over 1400m at Randwick in BM78 company on July 13. Schofield sticks and no surprise to see him take this out. FROM THE BUSH (4) tough old gelding who's put together back-to-back placings at his last two outings. Gets some nice weight relief with the 3kg claim and will take running down from the good draw. LET ME REIGN (11) two runs back in city company have been solid and desperate for the firmer footing. In leading Sydney yard and has each way prospects.
