Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - JUST ON FIRE (2) even debut over an unsuitable trip when seventh over 1200m at Kembla Grange a month ago. In leading Newcastle yard and will appreciate the extra trip in this weaker grade. MORE ELEMENTS (4) best effort for some time when he surged late to finish a narrow second over 1400m at Moree on September 1. Fitter now and can go one better with the claim. SUPERCRISP (5) is a 11-start maiden who jumped in trip when a plodding fifth over 2200m at Scone on August 30. Lone placing came over this trip and expected to take a hand in the finish. VALKENSWAARD (7) was well fancied on debut when stalking the speed for a tenacious third over 1450m at Kempsey on September 2. Further improved and the distance suits.
RACE 2 - JUSTIFIABLY (8) deep into his prep now and indicated a win was imminent when a fighting second over 2200m at Scone on August 30. This looks easier and no excuses today. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN (5) placed twice over this trip after racing well over the shorter distances of late. Expected to hold a forward position here with the claim and represents good each way value. MERAPI (7) turned in a nice effort to score two back at Taree, then jumped in grade when a tiring fourth over 2100m here on August 27. Will relish the 3kg claim and can return to form. NATURE BOY (1) tough old gelding who had his first blemish in five runs when a poor sixth over 2100m here on August 27. Go on his strong win two back when assessing his prospects.
RACE 3 - INVINCIBLE RED (3) chasing his third-straight victory today after powering late when a nose winner over 1600m here on August 27. This is no tougher and expected to go close again. SYRIAN STAR (2) deep into her prep and stretches out to the mile for the first time. Caught the eye late when fifth over 1400m at Moree on September 1. Big drop in grade with the claim. Genuine player. VIKING POWER (8) disappointing in two runs back and will benefit with the 3kg claim today. Two of his four wins have been over the distance and expecting more here. OAKFIELD STORM (7) has needed the two runs back to bring him near his top after making ground late when seventh over 1300m at Scone on August 30. Can race a little closer from the good gate.
RACE 4 - LUNAIRE (3) well bred mare progressing in the right direction and can shed her maiden status here third-up. Got out late when third over 1100m at Wellington on September 2. Desperate for the extra ground and should be able to put these away. MAD HARRY (4) resumes for the Cavanough yard after finishing in the minor money at his last two runs. Fitted with the one solid trial and expecting he's matured over the break. KIMBERLEY MOON (2) showed good early dash on debut when a fighting second over 1100m at Mudgee on September 8. Winkers go on and has further improvement to come. DAYTONA DEMON (1) appeals fresh.
RACE 5 - VERY SHARP (6) good fresh mare resuming from the Northam yard. Fitted with a recent 1000m trial placing and gets the good tempo to close off late. Go close. DRIVING FORCE (2) was a model of consistency last time in and returns from a lengthy spell. Scored a slick 1000m trial win at Dubbo and he should be primed for this. IRON HAT (3) has fitness on his side and back in trip and weight after finishing fourth over 1200m here on August 27. Among the chances. RHYTHM IS A DANCER (4) smart gelding returning after racing in stronger company last time in. Primed with two searching trials and maps to get the right run. The chances don't end there.
RACE 6 - MY MATE KATE (10) progressive mare who will relish the sharp drop in grade after finishing unplaced in the Mona Lisa prelude first up. Sat on the speed when a fading 12th over 1400m at Rosehill in Highway grade on August 31. Can return to winning form in this fairly average BM58. ROSES IMMINENTE (12) snagged back early from the wide draw on debut, before launching late with a surprise victory over 1100m at Scone two-and-a-half weeks ago. Looks to have more in the tank and can measure up again. VIS I DO (2) savaged the line late on resumption when a tenacious fourth over 1000m here on August 27. Goes just as well second up and the 2kg claim helps. GOLD COUNTER (3) fitter after two runs back and failed to see the 1300m out at latest when fading to finish seventh over 1300m at Moree on September 1. Go on his strong second two back when assessing his prospects.
RACE 7 - TOO DARN LOVELY (9) progressive filly with her hoof on the till third up. Sat on the speed and improved sharply when third over 950m at Moree in C3 grade on September 1. Maps well again and has the numbers to take this out. INDIAN THUNDER (7) tough old gelding who will find this much easier after jumping in grade and trip when seventh over 1200m at Mudgee on September 8. Trained on the track and has a good record here. YOU HAVE TO GO (10) nice return two back at Muswellbrook before disappointing when seventh over 1100m at Scone on August 30. Improver if he can find his best. The chances don't end there. WHISTLING STRAITS (3) is coming off a win at Dubbo on a soft track and in strong form scoring two wins with one placing from five outings this campaign, can measure up again.
