Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - VIKTOR (2) is a promising Frankel colt ready to win third up. Close up again when nabbed late to finish a narrow fourth over 1500m at Newcastle on October 1. Will go to the front again from the good draw and prove hard to run down. INDIGO STAR (4) well-bred Zoustar colt near his top after two runs back. Indicated a win was imminent when a gritty second over 1400m at Kembla Grange on September 28. Distance suits and the blinkers go on and the winkers come off. PESCHIERA (5) underrated mare at her top for this fourth up. Well drawn today and has the ability to take this out. GOLDEN SMILE (1) was just fair in his first Australian run, though stepping out to the mile now should suit. Expecting an improved effort.
RACE 2 - ELLIPSIS (9) was in control from the outset on debut when a dominant winner as fav over 1100m at Bathurst three weeks ago. Further improved now on her home track and looks one of the leading players. COUPLES RETREAT (5) narrowly beaten in town on debut, before dropping back to provincial company when a slick 1.75 len winner over 1000m at Hawkesbury on September 7. Kept fresh and has more to offer. Stays in the mix. AMELITA (3) strengthened over the break as was evident when an all-the-way winner over 1100m at Canterbury on September 18. J Mac rides again and gets all the map favours. TARTAGLIA (1) can pick up where he left off following a couple of smart trials coming in.
RACE 3 - KONING (8) just under a month between runs when came out fast from the wide draw before tiring in the straight when a disappointing sixth over 2140m here on September 25. Gets a better set up here and no shock to see him make amends. ARISTONOUS (1) fourth up for this and a win looks imminent after running on late when second over 2140m here on September 25. Osmond sticks and he has the figures to take this out. VAGUER (3) sound return when holding on well to secure fourth over 1600m at Canberra on September 20. Goes even better second up and the distance suits.
RACE 4 - MOUNTAIN TOP (5) underrated mare who was just under a month between runs when a gritty on pace nose second over 1600m here in BM78 class on September 25. Strips fitter and will take holding out in this easier contest. POPPIN' CHAMPAGNE (2) lightly raced mare with a stack of upside. Comes out of the same race as Mountain Top when stalked the good tempo to finish a narrow third at this track and trip. Has further improvement to come and expected to go close. NOISES (8) lightly raced filly with the good record of two wins from four starts. Gave them a galloping lesson when a 2 len winner over 1800m at Hawkesbury in easier company on September 7. Kept up to the mark with a recent 1207m trial and not to be underestimated. SERENE NIC (3) third up today after plugging away late when eighth over 1600m here on September 25. Can race closer here and sneak into the minor money.
RACE 5 - TRUE TO FORM (3) promising import who's won two of his three starts in Australia. Gave his all when up in grade with the 59.5kg when collared late to finish second over 1400m at Randwick Kensington on September 11. Bourke keeps the ride and should go close again. SIR ARTIE (1) dropped in class third up when a tough winner over 1300m here on September 4. Kept fresh and the 3kg claim will help his cause. UNWRITTEN (9) will get the right tempo for this and racing like the 1400m will help his cause. Look for him charging late.
RACE 6 - BONITA QUEEN (2) has been a model of consistency this time in and chasing her third straight win. Kept fresh after giving them a galloping lesson over this track and trip on September 4. Fitted with an 800m trial win and can continue where she left off. NEGOTIATIONS (3) returned good figures late when resumed for an unlucky head second over 1000m at Randwick Kensington on September 11. Gets Osmond's claim again and undefeated second up. EPIC PROPORTIONS (4) third up today and has come back much more dynamic this time in. Nailed late when second over 1150m at Randwick Kensington on September 11. Expected to figure prominently.
RACE 7 - UNFLINCHING (5) speedy customer primed for this second up after holding on well when a gritty fourth on resumption over 1100m at Rosehill in BM88 grade on September 14. Strong race last start, and back to his pet trip with the 3kg claim. Hard to hold out. Group 1 placegetter I AM UNSTOPPABLE (2) hasn't raced since finishing a poor ninth over 1100m in the LR Moomba Plate at Flemington on March 30. Fitted with two slick trials and look for him pouncing late. Group 3 winner THE NOVELIST (7) is a lightly raced gelding who looks back to his best after recording two sharp trial wins. Well drawn and expected to figure prominently. HARD TO SAY (1) is a multiple Group 3 placegetter resuming. Has a good fresh record and looks ready to go with two trials under the belt. Has sound claims from the low draw. The chances don't end there.
RACE 8 - AMBASSADORIAL (5) is an underrated Fiorente gelding resuming. Bumped into some handy types last time in from sticky gates and no excuses today from the inside gate. Fitted with two trials and has genuine top three prospects. SWEYSIVE (8) trained on the track and due for a change of luck after finishing runner up at his last three outings. Nailed late over this track and trip last start and no excuses from the good gate again. GROUNDRUSH (7) close to his top now fourth up and stuck on well when a narrow fifth over 1600m here on September 25. Solid each way prospect. ANDERSON BRIDGE (12) handy Savabeel gelding who jumped sharply in grade when 16th over 2400m in the G1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on June 1. Fitted with two solid trials and expected to go well fresh. The chances don't end there.
