Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - RELUCTANT DIVA (11) having her third career run today after failing to handle the heavy (9) going when a wilting fourth over 1400m at Scone on September 27. Fitter now and can turn it around on the firmer surface. MEDDLESOME (7) finished third in all four career runs and will find this easier after stalking the good tempo when third over 1200m here on September 30. Extra trip suits with the blinkers going on. JUST BREATHE (6) recent efforts have been encouraging and can race a little closer from the low draw today. Strong late when third over 1300m at Dubbo on October 4. Follow up on the quick back up. OFF THE SCALE (10) motored late from well back on debut as fav when fourth over 1200m at this track on September 30. Further improved and must be kept safe.
RACE 2 - CALGA POWER (9) big drop in grade today after drifting in betting on debut when a sound fourth over 900m at Newcastle on October 1. Strips fitter now and finds a nice race to get off the mark. SIZZLING BOY (3) has clearly strengthened over the break and a win looks imminent after two good runs back. Poorly drawn for this but fitness should see him take a hand in the finish. HAPPY CAPPY (11) knocked up late on resumption when sitting on the speed to finish fourth over 1007m at Taree on September 24. Strips fitter and has solid top three claims. KICKOFF (4) returns from a 14-month break after disappointing when eighth over 1300m at Scone on August 6, 2023. Fitted with two sharp trial wins and has the ability to take this out.
RACE 3 - INTERNATIONAL (3) lightly raced mare who resumes from a lengthy spell. Closed off late when an encouraging fourth over 1300m at Kembla Grange last October. Fitted with two even trials and expected to go close in this easier contest. BAKHITA (10) powered late on debut when a narrow third over 1000m at this track in a tougher race on September 30. Drawn out today and will relish the extra trip. No shock to see her finish over the top of these. IT'S A WRITTEN (9) best performance in three runs when resuming with a solid fourth over 1000m at this track on September 30. Further improved and look for her late from the awkward gate. HALLE BEE (6) had mixed fortunes last time in and looks ready to go today after scoring a strong 800m trial win at Muswellbrook on October 9. Well drawn and expected to make good use of the gate.
RACE 4 - PERENNIAL (2) was well supported on resumption when a classy neck victory over 1000m at Randwick in Highway company on September 21. Goes just as well second up and looks set for a good preparation. BOURBON FLYER (3) not far away of late and will appreciate the sharp drop in weight. Made up good ground late with the 61kg when sixth over 1000m at Port Macquarie on September 29. Go on his win three back at Newcastle when assessing his chances. CUSTO (1) underrated gelding racing in career best form. Taken straight to the front and found wanting late when third over 1100m at Dubbo on September 29. Genuine top three contender. SCARZEL (5) returned to form on resumption with a gritty on pace second over 1000m at this track on September 16. Gets in light with the 4kg claim from the good gate. Stays in the calculations.
RACE 5 - GLORIEN (13) twenty start maiden who finds her race today. Snagged back early and like the way she finished off when sixth over 1600m at Narromine on September 23. Can race a little closer today with cover and play a leading role. MARGARET'S MISSILE (10) starting to hit her straps this prep after winning two back, before attacking the line late with an unlucky third over 1600m at Dubbo on October 4. Sure to be competitive from the good gate on the back up. KOVANOS (14) is a five-start maiden with upside from the Neasham & Archibald camp. Total forgive in the heavy (9) going when resuming with a poor sixth over 1400m at Scone on September 27. Well drawn and no shock to see her take this out. MAD HARRY (11) fitter after two runs back and ready for the mile. Poorly drawn and has slim place claims.
RACE 6 - ALPINE KANDY (6) was well supported when resuming and rewarded for her consistency when a tenacious winner in the heavy (9) going over 2200m at Scone on September 27. Maps to get the right run again and expected to go close. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN (5) continues to race well and gets some nice weight relief with the claim after surging late when a head second over 2350m at Grafton on October 1. Ready for this stiffer assignment and goes well this track and trip. RAIDING (4) not far away of late with the big weights and she will also appreciate the big drop in weight. Chipped away over the final 150m when fourth at Dubbo over the 2200m on October 4. Solid top three claims on the back up. TOROWOTO (8) fitter after two runs back and is desperate for this trip. Brings solid figures here and not without each way claims.
RACE 7 - MAGIC FLYER (5) due for a change of luck and a win looks imminent. Got out late from the low gate when an eye-catching fourth over 1300m at Armidale on September 22. Goes well at this course and will relish the 1400m. PARIS LAD (2) improving gelding who looks set for a good preparation. Sent forward and showed plenty of fight late when a game third over 1300m at Scone on September 27. Firmer surface helps and will need a good ride from the draw. RELEASE POINT (4) lightly raced with gelding with a ton of upside. Got into the right spot early from the good draw and chased right to the line when a fighting second over 1400m here on September 30. Ready to win now. DIVINE NOTE (18) is a top three hope from the good draw.
RACE 8 - STING JET (1) progressive gelding who caught the eye on resumption when sixth over 1000m at Randwick in Highway company on September 21. Has a solid second up record and saves his best for this trip. Hard to hold out. EXTREME MERGER (10) improving type going nicely through his grades. Snagged back from the wide draw before making up good ground late when fourth over 1300m at Narromine on September 23. At his peak now and maps to get the right run. FLYING MIRACLE (15) drops sharply in weight with the 2kg claim and will relish the good tempo in this tougher contest. Regular rider sticks and looks good each way value. ZENTI (3) undefeated at this track and recent form has been solid. Won three back at Taree and was unsuited over the 1007m when fifth at Taree last time out. Stays in the mix.
