Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - VIKING BLOOD (5) finished in the minor money at his last four runs and finds his race today to get off the mark at start 16. Track suits and no excuses. YARRA PRINCESS (9) goes well this track and trip, and a win looks imminent. Sat on the speed when a game fourth over 1720m here on September 9. No shock to see her take this out. OPPA (10) former Victorian yet to fire in five career runs. Now in the Shannon Manwarring stable and he finds a fairly weak maiden to kick off. Betting best guide. MAX 'O' MAX (3) strengthened over the break and has looked good in his two runs back. Finally drawn a decent gate and has the ability to take this out.
RACE 2 - GOLDEN COPPER (6) lightly raced mare resuming from a lengthy break. Was thereabouts in all three runs last time in and expected to sprint well fresh on her home track. BEL SURPRISE (4) was run off her feet first up when a plugging fifth over 805m at Coffs Harbour on September 5. Fitter now and the extra distance is a bonus with the claim and tongue tie added. ROMI (8) was well in the market last start but sixth over 1005m at Taree. Look for an improved run here. TORQUE TI AMO (12) Castelvecchio filly from Game Of Fame on debut. Ran sixth at recent trial. Worth a market watch.
RACE 3 - THUNDEROUS (6) progressive gelding who can continue where he left off last prep after scoring his maiden victory over 1106m at this track five months ago. Fitted with the two good trials and will prove hard to stop. PRESSALONG (8) made her debut over 1000m at Casino last start and scored by 1.5 lengths at $3.80. In the mix. ARDONAUGH (4) resumes and filled a place first-up last prep. Draws well and everything points towards a big run. DAIMYO (5) next best.
RACE 4 - TARA KODA (13) improving filly who turned in a much better performance at her second race start when powering late to secure a narrow third over 1190m at this track on September 9. Fitter now and Looker rides from the good gate. Hard to hold out. STAVRITZEL (16) finished in the minor money at all four runs back and has the early speed to take up a good position. Went out hard before tiring late when second over 1015m at this track on September 9. Mallyon sticks and the winkers go on for the first time. DIZZY DEE (3) speedy mare trained on the track with ability. Drops in weight for this after being prominent into the straight when fourth over 1205m at Coffs Harbour on September 5. Solid top three contender. I'M NUMBER ONE (5) went down narrowly last start when well in the market when second at Lismore over 1320m, beaten only a nose. in the mix.
RACE 5 - NATURE BOY (1) tough gelding who was a slick winner over this track and trip three back before disappointing at his last two runs. Well drawn again and will prove hard to hold out if anywhere near his best. AUSBRED COOEE (3) kept fresh for this after attacking the line late when fourth over 2220m here on August 20. Will appreciate the claim again and the winkers come off. Solid top three contender. BIG HITTER (6) win record hardly excites but saves his best for this track and trip. Back in her right grade today and looks good each way value. RAHAAN (10) anchored with the big weight when a tiring ninth over this track and trip on August 31. Go on her solid effort two back when assessing her chances.
RACE 6 - VOLCANIC LOVE (1) ready to peak third up after showing ability at Doomben and Rosehill at his last runs. Back in his right class here and gets all the favours from the low gate. The one to beat. I AM CONVINCING (7) well drawn today after having genuine excuses at his last two outings. Goes well here and can race much closer from the good draw. Each way. CHARLES RENNIE (16) massive form reversal at start five when a slick maiden winner on resumption over 1175m here on August 31. Clearly come back well and not to be underestimated. Maps to get the right run. MARGOT'S BULLSEYE (8) holding her form well and rewarded for her consistency when demolishing a maiden field by 3.5 lens over 1405m at Coffs Harbour on September 5. Fitzgerald sticks with the claim and stays in the mix.
RACE 7 - GERETY (14) returned to form with the claim when a gritty winner over 950m at Moree on September 1. Drawn to race handy again and can make it two in a row. SINGLE TOUCH (3) ran below expectations in stronger company when fifth over 1000m at Coffs Harbour in BM74 class on August 2. Kept fresh and earlier efforts were solid. MY MUM'S TOYBOY (6) bounced back to winning form at this track last start and must be respected. GOOMERI (4) five-year-old gelding resuming after a spell of nine months. Trialled well leading into this and has claims.
