Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky maiden to open the program. DOMINETTA (6) returns from a lengthy break. Last appeared when third on debut in a $500k Magic Millions race over 1000m at the Gold Coast in January. Three strong recent trials will have her ready to fly for Waterhouse/Bott. POLYMNIA (14) closed late but just missed when resuming over this distance at Wyong recently. The stable is on fire and McDonald picks up the ride so she is a serious contender. SILVER WEDDING (15) last appeared when a fast-finishing third on debut over 1100m here in June. Recent trial winner who looks perfectly placed over the extra 100m this time. CANARA (3) was competitive in stakes race at the end of last prep so keep her safe fresh from a 16-week spell. REASONABLE (2) worked home well first-up at Canterbury. Dropping back 50m doesn't look ideal but she is still in the mix.
RACE 2 - Easy to make a case for any runner. GAI'S ARTIST (7) gets the nod after her solid return last start over this distance at Canterbury where she led for home but was overwhelmed late. Lightly raced filly who contested the Silver Slipper at her second start which is a strong tick from the stable. YOSHINOBU (9) just got the better of Polymnia (Race 1 today) when resuming over today's journey at Wyong 19 days ago. Also went around in the Silver Slipper when he debuted in February. Promising colt with more to offer. CONCORDIA WIND (11) finished 2.7 lengths from Private Life, who went close in a stakes race in Melbourne on Saturday, when resuming here at this trip recently. Major player with McDonald taking over. AFTER MATCH (2) impressed at Kembla last time and cannot be taken lightly. SPIRIT OF WEALTH (10) was another impressive debutant recently at the provincials. Sure to be competitive again.
RACE 3 - ARISTONOUS (1) has been safely held in both runs this prep but should be ready to improve now. Worked home fairly last start to finish midfield behind the in-form Matusalem over 2000m at Rosehill. Gets in with just 0.5kgs more after the claim and comes back to midweek company. Good chance at odds. Last season's VRC St Leger winner AHURIRI (2) returned last time over 1400m at the Kensington track and did a good job to be beaten only 2.4 lengths. Far better placed out to this trip and her second-up stats read well. Major player. MAJORIAN (5) made it three wins from his last five when he scrambled home over 2000m at Hawkesbury recently. Improving at an impressive rate so cannot be underestimated. Waterhouse/Bott's Irish import ALALCANCE (4) is the query runner. Only won a maiden at her last appearance there 11 months ago but the stable is renowned for pulling off remarkable training feats. KONING (10) is racing well without winning and is a chance down in the weights.
RACE 4 - Lightly raced four-year-old ROCK EMPIRE (2) has returned in great order. Found the smart Yorkshire a shade too good first-up then stalked the pace and was strong late in taking out a 1400m BM72 at the Kensington track a fortnight ago. Ready for the mile and is the testing material again. GROUNDRUSH (4) got a long way back in the race won by Rock Empire last time out and was never a factor. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and should appreciate the extra 200m. CASH ME (3) added to his impressive record when a narrow winner over 1400m at Hawkesbury recently. Yet to miss the frame in three runs at the mile and has placed 2/2 at this stage of the prep. Hard to fault. On-pacer SWEYSIVE (5) has found one better at his last couple, both at Canterbury. Rock hard fit and will be up there for a long way. UNITED KINGDOM (8) battled on well first-up behind Rock Empire and is open to plenty of improvement.
RACE 5 - Black-type placegetter POPPIN' CHAMPAGNE (9) has impressed in her two NSW runs since resuming. Charged home to win first-up over 1400m at Newcastle then tried hard but was shaded over the same trip at the Kensington track last start. At her best over the mile so anticipating her to improve further this afternoon. MOUNTAIN TOP (11) opened this prep with a couple of wins then went to Saturday grade last time and did a good job to box on for third over 1500m at Rosehill. Very fit now and makes plenty of appeal down in the weights and up to her optimum distance. WATCH MY GIRL (3) returned from a brief spell recently over 1300m at this track and was a shade too good after racing just off the leading pair. Consistent mare who bolted in over this trip at Hawkesbury last prep. Cannot be underestimated. SERENE NIC (5) is consistent and always a threat. COLOURS OF AUTUMN (7) has returned in good order and should be thereabouts.
RACE 6 - FRENCH ENDEAVOUR (9) is a two-time Group three placegetter back from a four-month spell. Ran some nice races against quality fillies at the start of last prep. Like the blinkers going on for this return - a sign of intent. HEMAN (5) returns from a 24-week break and has been gelded. Didn't come up in the Autumn but was very competitive on good races this time last year, including a close second in the Flemington Carbine Club. A good recent trial suggests he is up for this. Useful mare TERRESTAR (11) last appeared when successful over 1500m at Canterbury 23 weeks ago. Not a noted first-up performer but her class will go a long way. NORTHERN EYES (4) is powering through the grades with four straight wins. New challenge this time but impossible to knock. RAVELLO (10) is a gun first-up performer who is sure to be ready to run well.
RACE 7 - A race ruined of its appeal by mass scratchings. NOSTALGIA (6) made her first appearance in nearly 14 months when a respectable fifth over 1250m at Canterbury recently. Will improve considerably off that run and McDonald's engagement is a positive sign. STAR ACT (7) has not raced since her win in a 1300m maiden here on 8 May. Late developer who might be in for a decent prep. OPAL FIELDS (9) ran on strongly to score first-up over 1100m at Hawkesbury. Suited by the small field and the extra 100m so another big performance looks on the cards. LOVERO (2) disappointed at Rosehill last time after a nice return at this track the run before. Can make amends back in midweek company. TIME BANDIT (3) goes well second-up and has a solid record at this trip so she can progress for her first-up effort.
