Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MOUNTAIN TOP (8) returned from a 32-week spell recently and was a different horse to the one we saw last prep, quickening impressively to score by 3.4 lengths in a 1200m Newcastle maiden. Steps up sharply in trip but will handle it. McDonald taking the ride is a strong leg-up. LA BELLE CLAIRE (4) made it two all-the-way wins from her last three starts when she fell in last time over 1500m at Kembla. Needs to step up a level but on current form she deserves this chance. EXCEED PERFECTION (6) has led for the judge at each of his five runs this prep but only held on once. Blinkers go back on today so he might be tough to reel in. CALIFORNIA SUNRISE (3) continues to race well and poses a threat just seven days after a solid second over the mile at Warwick Farm. The speedy STAR DIESEL (1) might be a risk at the trip but is going too well to rule out entirely.
RACE 2 - Maher and Waller dominate this race. Ciaron saddles up AXIUS (8) 21 days after his impressive debut over 1100m at the Kensington track where he led until the final stages. Has a wide gate to contend with but of Clark can cross without burning much fuel he looks a great chance to go one better. LISTENTOZOU (7) is back from a six-month spell for Waller. Finished third to the promising Franz Josef at the beginning of last prep. Two trial wins in July indicate he is ready to run a big race. Stablemate PINK SHALALA (4) was a bit flat-footed when a distant third last time out as favourite over this trip at Warwick Farm. Gets a couple of gear changes today so might be able to turn things around. SUNDAY TYCOON (5) was claimed near the line when facing the starter for the first time recently over 900m at Newcastle. Likely improver who should appreciate a bit more ground today. LE CHOCOLAT (6) trialled well at Warwick Farm a week ago and is ready for a strong return.
RACE 3 - This race thins out after a few key scratchings. MISTY LEGEND (4) returned from a 170-day spell with an authoritative win in a Class 1 over 1000m at Wyong last start, coming from next to last at one stage to win going away. Won't find this any harder and the extra 100m is ideal. The one to beat again. KING GUTHO (7) has been about the mark in his three runs this prep, the latest an even fourth in a Class 6 over 1175m at Grafton. Very fit and good enough to test this field. Veteran LANCASTER BOMBER (2) is back after a six-month absence. Has a win and four minor placings from nine first-up runs so it will be no surprise to see him in the finish. VILNIUS (6) returns. Campaigned in Victoria last prep and progressed nicely. This looks a bit short but he will be running on. DEBELLO (9) gets back so the small field will suit. Can grab a minor prize.
RACE 4 - ZEITUNG (14) is a promising filly from Godolphin back from a four-month spell. Progressed nicely in the maiden prep, culminating in an easy win over 1200m at Kembla at the latest appearance. Won a recent trial and looks ready for a bright return. DEVINE MISS (4) found the line strongly to finish a close third when fresh from a long break over 1080m on the Canberra Acton last start. Honest mare who should hold that form second-up. MAGNUCAT (6) tasted defeat for the first time when returning from a six-month spell recently, beaten just 1.1 lengths over this course and distance. Has a wide gate to contend with but possesses good gate speed. Big chance to bounce back. BOLERO BELLE (9) returns from a 21-week lay-off. Didn't fire as hoped when last in work but is good enough to be competitive if back in good order. Promising mare BONITA QUEEN (7) is also back from a spell. Will be better for the run but cannot be ignored.
RACE 5 - DEMARCAY (2) improved sharply last start when second-up from a spell, beaten under a length by Monarchs Brae who subsequently ran a big race in Saturday company. Ready to peak and gets his chance to break a long win drought. GUZUMPED (5) made steady inroads to finish fourth, 1.5 lengths behind Demarcay, in a comparable race to this a fortnight ago. Has been up for a while and has less room to improve than today's rival but still poses a genuine threat. VICTORY ROLL (7) took charge a fair way out and kept going to record a game win over 1800m in a Randwick Highway last start. Progressing well and is in the mix again. MOSTRO (4) is a lightly raced four-year-old who is new to this trip but is bred to run it right out. THE ENGLISHMAN (3) doesn't win often but is very fit and will enjoy dropping back to midweek company.
RACE 6 - SILENTSAR (4) just missed first-up over this course and distance then disappointed when he came from a wide alley in Saturday company last time. Big chance to make amends in this more suitable contest. FLYING DESTINY (3) made it two minor placings in a row when she closed well but found one better over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Gets a better gate this time. Major player. MOLLY NAILS (10) has struggled at her last couple in Saturday races. Big chance based on a 0.6 length third over this course and distance three starts ago. SUMO STAR (12) is a non-winner but his top-three stats at this trip are impressive. One for the exotics. TOO MUCH CAVIAR (2) resumes. Didn't come up last prep but has plenty of ability and a couple of good recent trials suggest he is ready to run well.
RACE 7 - LA SANTE (9) hasn't won in ages but his recent form in good country sprints/miles has been sound. Will get back but a solid tempo will assist. In a tricky race he is one to watch for at big odds late in the piece. Waller brings NOBLE CONQUEROR (6) north after a solid Victorian campaign to date. Worked home steadily to be beaten under a length last time out over 1400m at Sandown. Needs a bit of luck from the wide alley but will be attacking the line. GO ELLIE GO (13) comes back in distance after failing at the Canberra Acton recently. Is a winner at the trip and could surprise with the light weight. GOLD PATTERN (12) strips fitter following a couple of nice efforts at the provincials to kick off this prep. Can make his presence felt. GRACILISTYLA (2) wasn't beaten far last start and will be hard to toss coming back to midweek company.
