Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky race to open the card with a few of these facing the starter for the first. Of the raced brigade OCTABOOM (8) has been right there in both starts to date and will strip fitter second-up from the spell. Hails from an astute barn and should be going very close. HERE'S TO POWER (6) returned in good order with a close-up second at Beaudesert and will have come on with that run now under the belt. Looms as the main danger. The well-related REMLAP KAVA (3) (full to G2 winner Chrysaor) resumes here but showed glimpses of ability in his first preparation and can run a race while fresh. CHAPARRAL CHASE (2) is on debut and any market confidence must be noted.
RACE 2 - UNO MOON (5) has hit a purple patch of form this campaign with two wins and a placing from three outings and strikes another winnable contest here. Winning hoop Jones sticks in the irons and should be going very close again. I AM VOODOO (4) loves this sprint trip with two wins and two placings from six attempts and gets 2kg off with the claim. Rates a serious contender. HEARTONI (3) is two from two when second-up and is another to get some weight relief. In the mix. ZOUMETEOR (1) is a three-time winner over this course and distance and can feature if he brings his A-game. FASTCONI (2) next in line from the inside alley.
RACE 3 - This race has changed complexion after scratchings and leaves GOOD KARMA (9) on top. The mare put the writing on the wall with a strong showing last time, beaten 0.8L into fourth at this course. Kept up to the mark with a solid trial since and this looks a winnable assignment. CYPHER PRINCE (2) has yet to feature this campaign but has trialled since the last outing so should have come on further and steps up in trip. Can show more today. DIVINE CHARM (8) can do better rising in trip third up while a 400m distance increase should suit VENCE (4).
RACE 4 - AROUND THE BUOY (6) wasn't disgraced in town at the latest outing and will be rock-hard fit for this. Has placed over this track and trip and is sure to get a cosy run in transit from gate two. Has been well in the betting at the past couple and can return to the winners' stall here. TARANAKI (2) was a touch disappointing last time out but go on the strong Ipswich win two back. Again gets the services of Maloney in the saddle and expecting a much better run this time. BIG TICKET BOY (3) is a consistent type who has hit the top-five at his past nine efforts. Has to be included. SON OF SATONO (10) has placed over this staying trip and will find this easier than recent metropolitan runs. Top-three contender on best form. DELORME (8) is one from one over this course and distance and cannot be discounted.
RACE 5 - QUALITY MISS (8) is knocking on the door of a maiden victory with two runner-up finishes this preparation and this is not an overly strong affair. Drawn to take a forward position from gate two and can go one better against this lot. CROC FIGHT (2) is a son of Spill The Beans on debut. Showed ability when going under by just a head in a trial. Expect a strong showing. CONTILDA'S LOVE (5) raced just twice at the maiden campaign and the efforts were sound. Likely to have progressed since then so keep safe along with debutant BE FRIENDLY (1).
RACE 6 - LOST HIS BEANS (2) hasn't done much wrong with three wins and a second from four starts to date and looks the runner in this field with the most upside. Orman is two from two in the stirrups and should be going very close again. A LOT OF BOOTY (3) got a confidence building win over this course and distance last time out and gets some weight relief with the claim. Likely to play a role in the outcome. MISS TAMBO (7) could be close to peaking third up and is next in line with Maloney on board. STRAPPARSI (9) is also in the mix.
RACE 7 - MERCHANT FLYER (4) has come back in fine fashion placing here on both occasions and looks ready for the mile journey now. Strips fitter third-up from the spell and should be right there when the judge calls a halt. NEWMARKET MISS (15) doesn't win out of turn but has remarkably hit the top-five in 14 of her past 15 starts and doesn't know how to run a bad race. A must for the exotics players. WARRANT (2) draws the inside and has claims off the win two starts back. DUMA (12) has placed over this track and trip and may earn some minor money.
