Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GRASSBURN (1) is the most experienced runner in the field and looks a great chance to break through. Came from last at one stage to be beaten just 1.5 lengths last start over 1100m at Warwick Farm. Sure to prove hard to hold out over the extra 100m. SWEET PATRIOT (2) contested the same race as Grassburn at the Farm and also turned in an eye-catcher, making significant late inroads to get up for second. Drawn out a bit so will be giving them a start but watch for her late. CANPIKAPONY (12) has not raced since failing on debut over 1100m at Warwick Farm 20 weeks ago. Trialled impressively at Rosehill recently and McDonald rides for Waller so keep her very safe. ZOUNAKA (11) returns from a 144-day break. Thrown in the deep end at her only run when she was outclassed in the Sweet Embrace. Betting watch advised. MONTANA DAWN (9) is another that came through the Sweet Embrace at her only start. Keep an eye on the market.
RACE 2 - TRUNK (5) returned from a five-month spell last start and did a good job to hold onto third over this distance at Warwick Farm after leading for home. Should take it up again from the inside draw and will take a ton of catching around this tight circuit. MARACAIBO SUN (1) resumed in 1200m maiden here three weeks ago and managed to get up for second after overcoming an awkward start and racing just behind the leading pair. Significant that McDonald takes over the reins. Could be the big improver. CASH AND CARDS (6) went under in a head-bobber on debut recently over this distance at Newcastle. Faces a deeper field this time but he is sure to have plenty of improvement in the locker. THE GREY (7) has been beaten under a length at the provincials in his two runs to date. Should appreciate getting to six furlongs for the first time. PINK SHALALA (2) has disappointed favourite backers in two appearances this time in work. One for the exotics.
RACE 3 - BROADWAY BOUNCER (1) was eight weeks between runs when down the track over this distance at Randwick a couple of Saturdays ago. Draws a little better, strips fitter, and is more at home in the midweekers. Watch for a spike in form. COSMONOVA (4) ran a nice race first-up at Warwick Farm then disappointed in heavy going at Rosehill subsequently. A lightly raced filly who can turn things around back in this more suitable race. GOLD DUST (7) attacked the line well but just missed when resuming over this trip at Hawkesbury recently. Faces her toughest assignment to date but is back in great order and deserves her chance. KHAZNAH (3) led all the way to score at prohibitive odds in a maiden here three weeks ago. Good enough to take this next step. The unbeaten MAGNUCAT (5) resumes and cannot be underestimated.
RACE 4 - PROPHET'S PRIDE (1) led for home and tried hard but couldn't hold out subsequent Saturday winner Llanddwyn over this course and distance three weeks ago. Very fit after three runs back from a spell and drops in grade today. Ready to win. EXCEED THE DREAM (7) drove hard late but just missed in a three-way go when resuming over 1200m at Sale last time out. Raced well in similar grade in Melbourne last prep so she is good enough. Comes right under notice with McDonald taking the ride. LADY EXTREME (11) caught the eye at Hawkesbury most recently when she chimed in impressively over the final stages only to just miss out at the end of 1100m. Lightly raced mare who looks perfectly placed out to this trip at the third run back. LONRIOLI (3) did a good job at Newcastle last start when coming off a 62-week lay-off. Open to plenty of improvement from a far better draw today. FLYING THINKER (6) is impressing in easier races and deserves a chance in the big smoke.
RACE 5 - ALL IN THE MIND (5) was hard to miss first-up here at this trip then tackled a similar race last time out and failed to run on in a leader-dominated race. Nicely drawn and very fit now so he deserves another chance. DANISH PRINCE (3) made it three minor placings in a row when he battled on well for third as favourite over 1600m at Warwick Farm last time out. Distance specialist whose recent form is good enough to take this out - the four-week gap between runs is the only niggle. OSMAN (6) continued his long run of top-three finishes when a minor placegetter over 1400m at Newcastle recently. Hasn't raced in town for a while but is going well enough to play a big role. TARAASHOQ (1) hasn't landed a glove in two runs this prep. Might be worth another chance on a firmer surface today. Victorian visitor PRINCESS NEFERTITI (8) next best despite being off the scene for five weeks.
RACE 6 - FLYING DESTINY (2) has returned in good order and hasn't been beaten far in his two runs this prep. Loomed up but peaked on his run when third last start over 1300m at Warwick Farm. Ready to find his best form. THERE THERE (11) is yet to fill a placing in four runs this prep but hasn't been beaten more than 2.5 lengths in that time. Freshened up before the latest outing at Newcastle so she strips fitter for this and looks a threat down in the weights. VALIANCY (10) has disappointed this prep although there was a glimmer of hope last start when she was only 2.5 lengths off the winner in Saturday company at Randwick. Rock hard fit and capable enough if right. NO DRAMA (3) shouldered a big weight to win first-up in a 1200m BM74 at Moruya recently. Smart gelding who won at Moonee Valley last prep so he is good enough to compete at this level. HOW DARE YOU (5) deserves another chance off a 39-day let-up following a mediocre performance at Rosehill.
RACE 7 - MONARCHS BRAE (5) blew alarmingly and raced accordingly last start over 2130m at Warwick Farm, gone before the corner. Form prior to that was strong including a close second over this course and distance after leading the run prior. Worth the benefit of the doubt. ASGOODASSOBERGETS (1) settled back in the field before working home late to finish fourth last time out over 2130m at the Farm. Not living up to expectations but he is sure to give a good account in this company. FUN SUNDAY (11) warmed up when the race was all over a fortnight ago over the mile at Warwick Farm. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and is looking for this sort of trip now. BRYNNER (12) has been poor in his two runs this prep but is open to improvement now that he gets out to a more suitable journey. DEMARCAY (7) gets a tick for his first-up effort over 1550m here. Will attract some interest with McDonald taking the ride.
