Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - WE'VE GOTTA DEEL (6) was well below his best last start at Strathalbyn when finishing down the track. Had been going much better prior, putting together three consecutive second place finishes. Rates highly on best finishes and the engagement of Polly Brewster is noteworthy. Finds the right race to get things back on track. MERCURY FLYER (4) went forward and dug deep in the lane to shed his maiden tag last start at Gawler. Should be giving himself every chance again up on the speed and can go on with it now. JOHNNY CIGAR (3) was warming nicely to the occasion two back at Mt Gambier and the followed it up with a solid effort to grab third at Penola. Can continue on the right trajectory and is worth considering. HASTA LA AMNESTY (2) broke his maiden in good style last start at Penola. Harder task ahead this time but can measure up.
RACE 2 - MADAM JEANETTE (11) returns. Showed positive signs in her debut prep without breaking though. Well placed and happy to have her on top. MATEO (2) put the writing on the wall last start at Port Lincoln when beaten a head. Drawn sticky but is ready to win. IT'SABOUTTIME (8) is an Impending filly on debut for Justin Pickering. Showed ability with a recent trial placing. With the blinkers on a bold run is anticipated. PEYTON JANE (5) is another on debut and also showed good signs in her lead-up work. Draws to get the gun run from the inside alley and is expected to make her presence felt.
RACE 3 - SEE DE NIGHT (7) made good inroads late to the line last start at Penola when filling the frame. Has shown versatility in his racing pattern. Tourneur sticking is a positive. Expecting a bold showing. DAD'S DREAM (2) was an eye-catcher when resuming at Penola. Draws to go back again from the draw but is among the key chances with added fitness. CHEF MILITAIRE (1) finds it tough to get off the mark but has produces some solid efforts. Keeping safe. TITAN RISING (9) improved on the debut performance last time out when fifth over 1270m at Penola. In the mix.
RACE 4 - TESTA DEXTA (1) couldn't live up to his firm market support last start at Penola when beaten a lip. Well placed again so anticipating another big run. FOREVER WAITING (2) came through a strong form race at Murray Bridge to produce a fast finishing minor placing at Penola. Rock-hard fit and should appreciate the added trip. Main danger. PRANCING COUNTESS (9) hasn't won for a long time but has contested some nice form races this time in. Cherry-ripe now and finds a nice race to break a long run of outs. Similar story for REALTIN (5) but he deserves respect on best figures. Don't overlook.
RACE 5 - THE GREY KING (2) has been well found by the market in all three runs back but is yet to strike through. The form around him is sticking up solidly and he steps out to a winning trip. Ready to get the job done. BYWATERS ROAD (3) doesn't win out of turn but was good last start when beaten 0.5L at Strathalbyn. Shoulders a handy record over this journey and is aided at the weights with the 2kg claimer staying on. Rates among the main hopes. GRAFTON AVENUE (9) was much better last start when flashing home into the frame at Strathalbyn. Steps out in trip off 39-day freshen and gets his chance to break a long run of outs. DISSMATIC (10) improved last start but found one better at Penola. In the mix with a repeat effort.
RACE 6 - PORTATION (3) was denied by the barest of margins last start at Penola. Has been much better in his last two and only needs to hold his form to be breaking a long run of outs. RISING LEGEND (5) raced on the speed last start before fading in the lane at Murray Bridge. Tackles an easier assignment this time and is among the chances. MARCOLT (2) returns from a 519-day break and makes his stable for the Tanya Johnston barn. Strips fitter for a solid hitout in readiness. Keeping safe from the inside draw. WHISKEY HANGOVER (6) is coming off a win at Mt Gambier and drops 3.5kg from last run, expected to be in the mix again.
RACE 7 - QUIK RHAPID (6) returns and looks to have come back in great order on the back of a strong trial win in readiness. Has run well fresh and is a winner over this trip. Bright return anticipated. COOL MAGNUM (7) was better last start when chasing gamely into the placings. Strips fitter and is drawn favourably,. Can give this a big shake. Can also make smaller cases for the resuming DALE'S ROCKET (4) and ANJOPIN (3).
RACE 8 - FROSE (11) is knocking on the door after adding a second straight placing to the tally last start. Gets a key booking in Crowther and holds plenty of appeal on the eight-day turnaround. Great chance to break a long run of outs. EXALTED KATE (10) returns. Worth noting she filled a minor placing when returning from a spell last prep over this journey at Gawler. Lead-up trial will have her forward enough to play a major role. FIRST RANK (5) was better last start when just missing the frame at Penola. Further improvement is anticipated now but he will need some luck from the wide draw. CORK HARBOUR (14) ran tenth last start at Morphettville over 1600m. Easier here and well-drawn he can challenge.
