Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GOD'S GATE (1) was only collared late last start over this course and distance when favourite. This looks a much better set up for him today as he draws inside in the small field with no other noted leader engaged. Can lead, dictate and go one better this time out. MAGNA'S CHOICE (2) was very impressive over 1100m at Northam when running over the top to score. The horse behind him won as a $1.40 fav at Northam on Sunday. He may end up back from the draw, but he looks a nice horse in the making and can bring up back-to-back wins. KARNUP QUEEN (7) has been trialling like a nice horse coming into this event and looks to have plenty of ability. She may sit off the speed in running, but if she can run up to her trials then she should be going close on debut. SURF PATROL (4) closed off well on debut and the form out of that race has stacked up nicely. Ticks a few boxes today and has to be included.
RACE 2 - We'll get a guide to the trial form of MELANGE (13) in the first, though this looks a great race for her to begin her career. She's only had one trial this time in work, but she impressed there and now Pike goes on for the debut. From a sharp stable and this race looks hers for the taking. THE AGENCY (7) just couldn't sustain the run last start when sitting up on the speed, being swamped late in the race. On the quick turnaround today and that effort should have him rock-hard fit third-up today. Tricky draw but can bounce back to his best. SPANGLEDSTAR (11) jumped a 100-1 chance in much tougher company first-up and wasn't disgraced there. Back in trip today, though it's the easiest race she's been in thus far and it wouldn't surprise to see her turn her form around. CABLE ROCK (3) trialled well coming into this. He's had a few goes now but his best figures stack up nicely. ZEEZEA (8) just felt the pinch late fresh and can improve on that effort today.
RACE 3 - MOHEGAN RULER (7) won like a smart horse on debut when Pike barely breathed on him back in July. He's since trialled nicely twice coming into this and Pike hops back aboard for his return. This looks a nice race for him and if he can pick up where he left off, he'll remain unbeaten. BLUE LAGOON (1) has placed 2/4 fresh and looks to be in good order judging by his recent trial. He was tested in much stronger company last campaign and wasn't disgraced there. Has to carry top weight but he'll take beating if he's close to his best on resumption. ARCADIA PARK (5) has plenty of class but pulled up lame following his latest outing in Saturday grade. This is much easier than what he's been racing in of late, with Parnham remaining in the saddle from a better draw. Expecting him to bounce back. OUR NEMESIS (2) disappointed when favourite first-up 31 days ago but can bounce back.
RACE 4 - KHUTOS (3) resumes today on the back of a really nice trial behind a progressive type just last week. CJP hops in the saddle for his return effort and he's placed 2/4 fresh. Didn't get back to his best last campaign, but he looks on song now and can resume a winner. GOLDEN DORE (1) was left flat footed as the leader's kicked clear last start but did grind away well late in the race. He may get back in the run from the draw, but improvement is expected now third-up and he looked a progressive type from his debut win. Can measure up again today. DIAMOND TIPPED (10) has been racing well of late, though his latest win did come some 703 days ago. The form out his last few starts has been red hot and he draws the best fate he's had in a while. Can make his presence felt. BELTA OF A SONG (5) was far too good at Northam last start and can repeat the dose with Pike in the irons. SPICE IS RIGHT (4) faded late fresh and this looks a nice setup for him second-up.
RACE 5 - POND MASTER (4) steps out to this trip for the first time, though it doesn't appear it will be an issue. He was good to the line last start at Northam and Pike remaining in the saddle is a big tick. He can work across from the wide draw and prove too good for his rivals as he keeps progressing. ROCKING SOCIETY (1) was strong over further last campaign, not disgraced in a Melvista and Derby to end last campaign. His recent trial was very nice behind a horse who ran well in Listed company on Sunday. He'll suit the mile first-up and he's open to plenty of improvement. SKY GOD (5) dropped back in trip last start and nothing really went right for him. Now back out to this distance, he'll be back in the run but it'll give him time to get through his gears. Can bounce back in a big way. CRIMMO (3) is a long time between drinks but looks ready for this trip now and can feature. PROPORTRAIT (6) is another who can improve now third-up and out to this distance.
RACE 6 - PLATO OR PLOMO (5) can return with a bang following a sneaky trial recently coming into this. The wide draw is no issue as he tends to get back anyway and CJP hops in the saddle for the first time. He was a first-up winner last campaign and he's sure to be storming over the top late. MOI CHOUX (1) wasn't disgraced in much tougher company first-up when 60-1 and peaking on the run late. He hasn't won for 613 days, though he's been racing at a much higher level than this. Can put himself close to the speed and end his winning drought. BUTTERFLY HOUSE (7) ran over the top to win narrowly at Northam 13 days ago and produced a strong figure there. Drops in weight today and draws to be just off the speed. There's plenty to like about her. OUTFIELD (3) disappointed last start but rates highly on her previous form, some of that in tougher races as well. Can feature today.
RACE 7 - YORGA PRIDE (10) was just too good on debut when leading throughout to win by 0.4L at Bunbury. She draws to be prominent again and the form coming out from behind her has produced four winners from 9 starters. She has all the makings of a nice horse and can bring up back-to-back wins. GOLD FLAKES (8) picked up where she left off her 2YO campaign in Saturday company first-up. Drawn a little awkwardly again, though she does possess good early speed and Brad Parnham remains in the saddle. Can improve second-up and is likely to feature in this easier grade. CLOSE TALKER (1) has only just missed in both runs this time in and rises up to 1200m for the first time today. Open to further improvement now and should be in the finish despite the wide barrier. JANNY (2) was fair without setting the world alight first-up and can improve on that effort today. DON'T TELL NAN (9) just missed at York last start and has claims.
