Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CLIMATE CONTROL (3) settled a long way back off a wide draw then worked through the gears nicely to get up for fourth when resuming over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Has a far better second-up record and from the good gate should race much closer. The one to beat in a race of few chances. DEHERO (5) backs up six days after a close second over 1100m at Quirindi. Both her wins have come at today's trip. Looks the obvious threat. MOVIN' DENMAN (7) has finished second within a length of the winner at all three runs this time in work, the last two at this circuit. Cherry ripe and gets his chance. PENNYPACKER (4) has failed recently in longer races. Gets a few gear changes and drops a little in the weights so might improve back to 1000m. THREETIMESALADY (6) resumes. Has won when fresh in the past so worth monitoring for market support.
RACE 2 - MAD HARRY (1) put the writing on the wall last start when he worked home late to get up for second over this course and distance. Very fit after three runs back and maps nicely coming off a strong tempo. Gets his chance to finally break through. OFF THE SCALE (13) has found the line with purpose at her two starts to date, both in shorter races. Probably goes back again from an awkward draw but over this slightly longer journey will be hard to hold out. TWENTY FOUR GUNS (5) found the line well to grab third, 0.7 lengths behind Mad Harry, here at this trip recently. Still has improvement to come at the third run back so one to keep in mind. HOKU (11) finds a nice race after hitting the line well in his two runs this prep over shorter distances. Still a maiden after 19 starts but should be in the finish. SNITZENEGGER (4) on a six-day back-up is not without claims.
RACE 3 - SUPER STORY (5) was 32 days between runs when seventh, although beaten under a length, in a frantic finish over this distance at Scone last start. Will tighten up following that hit-out and this looks a shade easier. The one to beat. NEGATION (4) just missed first-up over 900m at Scone then found the line well again to claim third over 1100m at Bathurst last time out. Placed 2/3 at this distance and a subsequent trial should have her cherry ripe. Promising mare RUSSLEY TIARA (8) was strong late when runner-up in a similar race to this here a fortnight ago. No reason she won't be thereabouts again. BRAVE MAX (11) appreciated dropping back to an easier maiden last time out and got the cash at Narromine. Has taken a while for the penny to drop but he is worth following now. DEEBO (3) battled on gamely first-up in a Class 2 at Tamworth. Live chance with that run under the belt coming back a level.
RACE 4 - Some promising types come together. PRIMA BELLA (2) returned from an 11-month spell with a tidy second over this distance at Kembla three weeks ago. Has only been to the races twice so she has a lot more to offer. BOLD AS LOVE (3) has not raced since he led all the way to win on debut over this distance at Scone in July. Started $2.05 that day so it surprised no one. Expecting a strong return. TALUK (7) had a change of stables and a nine-week let-up between her first and second starts, and the difference was remarkable. Coasted home for new trainer Roy McCabe over this distance at Orange after showing good gate speed. One to follow. IN SUMMER (5) resumes. Won at Scone on debut then started at $1.55 but just missed the placings over 1280m here before spelling. Big chance back to this more suitable trip. ROYAL BOMBADIER (1) ran a nice race first-up at Newcastle and will give a good account out of the inside alley.
RACE 5 - The sparingly raced four-year-old SPACE ACE (9) is still a maiden but has the numbers to be highly competitive in this field. Just missed on debut at Canberra when heavily backed then boxed on well for second last start over 1500m at Hawkesbury. Blinkers go on and he is looking for this trip. Will be very tough to catch. TORIE'S ROSE (8) is deep into her prep but still going well. Went back to last and worked home late but was never a factor most recently over the mile at Canberra. New to this distance but worth plenty of thought. ROYALE VELOUTE (6) ran a better race last start at Hawkesbury - cannot be ruled out. SCOTTISH PEARL (14) is well-placed second-up and can improve.
RACE 6 - GUSTAV (4) has been about the mark in his three runs this prep, all at 1000m. Started favourite last Sunday at Port Macquarie but lacked a kick when just out of the placings and clearly was looking for more ground. In the right race today and looks the biggest threat. SIZZLING BOY (5) is another whose runs have been restricted to 1000m this campaign. Finding the line well and can play a big role out to this trip. AUTUMN BURST (7) mare by The Autumn Sun from Ballet Rose on debut. Scored at her latest trial. Must be respected. OSSIANIC (14) also in the mix on debut.
RACE 7 - OLLIE'S SECRET (2) worked into the race before the turn and tried hard but was just edged out of the placings in a thrilling finish over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Strips fitter after two runs back from a spell and Morgan replaces a 4kg claimer. Ready to win. New Messara/Gavranich acquisition GALANO (1) caught the eye when resuming over 1250m at Taree last start, passing half the field to get up for third. Won over today's trip at Sandown when second-up last prep so despite lumping 63kgs he has the right credentials. ROSSY'S TYPA GIRL (10) has been thereabouts in her three runs this time in work. Cherry ripe today and carries the same weight here as she did when beaten under three lengths in open company at Taree last start. Definite contender. JESSANDI (7) worked home late when resuming over 1400m at Coonamble recently. Might need one more but throw her in the exotics. COLOMBE D'OR (3) has struggle lately at the provincials and will appreciate this drop in grade.
