Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SWITCH HIT (5) failed to live up to market expectations on debut at Mt Gambier but was making late inroads. Better for the hit-out and is among the main chances. COLLATED (1) is a Hualalai gelding stepping out on debut for Matthew Seyers. Worked solidly into the placings in the sole lead-up trial. MENTAWAI (3) failed to offer a shout when resuming at Mildura. Blinkers going on first time should help him focus. Watch for sharp improvement. EXTRA BOUNCE (12) is an Alpine Eagle filly facing the starter for the first time from the Clarken & MacGillivray stable. Strips fitter for a Balaklava trial and should be focused with the blinkers on. Pay attention to the market.
RACE 2 - MORLAIX (12) chased solidly into fourth when resuming at Gawler just under three weeks ago. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and looks to strike an easier maiden. Ready to get off the mark. INAUGURAL (5) has been an eye-catcher in his two runs back with both races boasting good form-lines. Comes in on the fresh side with 30 days between runs. Can give this a big shake. ZAIN PRINCE (4) was denied by the barest of margins from getting off the mark last time at Gawler. Only needs to hold his form to be very competitive again. GRUNT FOR GLORY (14) was good first-up at Warrnambool before disappointing at Bendigo prior to the spell. This is much easier than the events he's taken on so far. Keep safe.
RACE 3 - SANTELMO FUEGO (2) was a complete forgive last start when clearly going amiss. Wasn't too far away in his two starts prior when tackling a stronger grade. Will appreciate the drop in grade and is a leading contender on best figures. RICH CHAMPAGNE (1) showed good early toe again last start when leading pillar-to-post to break the maiden at Ballarat Synthetic. Tougher this time but is drawn well and can give another bold sight. FIFTH HUSBAND (4) is yet to threaten in his three runs back but is expected to be nearing his peak now. Regular rider in Walters reunites and deserves each-way consideration. ABAN (7) next best.
RACE 4 - DUNMAGHLAS (3) returns for the Clarken & MacGillivray partnership. Has run into a few handy types in his last two preps, horses that would jump very short in this line-up. Looks to have returned in great order on the back of a stylish trial win in readiness. Expecting him to take plenty of stitching. ALL BEANS (1) tackled some strong races at the back end of last prep when out of his depth but has been ticking along nicely in a similar grade to this prior. Shoulders a solid record at this venue and is drawn to get all the favours. Main danger. Smaller cases can also be made for STORM VOYAGER (7) and CHOSEN BLONDE (4) on best efforts and are worth keeping onside.
RACE 5 - PRICILLA'S CHOICE (7) closed off strongly to just miss last start at Murray Bridge. Is already a winner over this trip and only needs to hold her form to be winning again. Last start winner MELISSA KATE (3) had a bit up her sleeve when getting the job done at Mt Gambier. Slightly tougher this time but she can step up to the mark. ANNIHILATE (2) looks to strike an easier assignment this time despite tackling the same grade. Is 1/1 over the track and trip. Expect him to take a strong account of himself. PERDITION (4) stuck on soundly into the frame behind Melissa Kate last start. Meets her better at the weights this time and is drawn kinder. Don't underestimate. WHISKEY HANGOVER (6) returns and usually runs well fresh. Keep safe.
RACE 6 - MIDNIGHT RUSH (1) was too bad to be true last start at Gawler when always well back. Drops back to more suitable trip this time with 20 days between runs and can turn things around quickly. JOHNNY CIGAR (4) caught the eye first-up at Mt Gambier when flashing home into the frame. Shoulder a handy record over this trip but is expected to head back again from the draw and be saved for the final shot at them. LADY TUCAN (8) knuckled down gamely to get the verdict last start at Port Augusta. Enjoyed a ratings spike and is among the main hopes if he can hold that form. ONEHUNDRED PERCENT (2) doesn't win out of turn but but has been showing some positive signs. Drawn sticky but holds claims on best figures. FIGHTING FUND (12) next best.
RACE 7 - WHENTHEDEELINGSDUN (7) has hit the line nicely to finish in the frame in both runs back. Should be nearing her peak now third-up and is drawn favourably again. Bold showing is anticipated. ORPHELINE (12) stuck on gamely to the line when resuming at Warracknabeal, only beaten 2.3L back in seventh. Likely to drift back from the wide alley and be saved for the final crack at them. BRIDIE JEAN (5) returns and gets a jockey booking in Crowther. Don't take lightly. LAVA LAD (4) may not have handled the heavy track first-up at Gawler and will appreciate the firmer surface today. Can improve on that effort.
