Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HE'S POPLAR (2) finished a game second of nine two starts back over 1175m at Grafton but disappointed last start when after making a poor beginning after jumping from a wide gate settled well back in the running and was never in the hunt, finishing eighth over 1125m at Grafton. Trained here and over a longer trip is worth another chance. TOP ACT (9) after racing in behind the speed fought on well to finish a close-up third of nine at Murwillumbah over 1550m last start as the favourite. Having her fourth run this prep so should strip cherry ripe fitness wise and is worth another chance. BRIGHT THE SUN (10) after jumping from a wide gate raced wide without cover, then came home strongly on debut to finish third over 1410m at Lismore. Trained here and fitter rates highly. NICODEMUS (5) resumed from a spell last start and finished second over 1410m at Lismore in the same race as the above selection. With a 2kg claimer riding and fitter has each-way claims.
RACE 2 - DISCOTHEQUE (4) after jumping from the widest gate last start over 1300m at Gold Coast raced wide throughout for the entire trip and battled on to finish seventh. He jumps from an inside gate today and having placed in his two previous runs should be returning to form. SO YES IT IS (6) is a six-start maiden who finished fifth when well fancied last start over 800m at Ipswich when resuming from a spell. Fitter for that run and dropping back to country grade looks well placed to take this race out. ODETTE'S ORCHIDS (11) resumed from a spell and finished a close-up fourth last start over 1010m at Murwillumbah when trying to lead all of the way. Fitter and jumping from a good draw should prove hard to peg back. CHARGIN' (2) is on debut and starts from the perfect inside draw which is always a big advantage when having your first start. The blinkers are on. Watch closely.
RACE 3 - COOL SHALAA (1) resumes from a spell following a last start third over 1000m at Grafton when trying to lead all of the way. She jumps from an inside gate and with a 3kg claimer in the saddle is expected to go close to taking this race out. She has won fresh-up previously and should be fighting out the finish. She opened up as the $2.20 favourite on the TAB 'Fixed Odds' market yesterday. THE LIGHT FANDANGO (6) resumes from a long spell and is having her first start from a new stable. She finished second over 1000m at Grafton in her only start last prep and having had the benefit of a recent trial run should be ready to fire. SEPTEMBER GIRL (9) showed early speed from an outside draw to race up on the speed but faded out in the run home to finish 10th over 1106m at Grafton. She races well over today's track and distance and can return to form. HEAD CASE (3) resumes from a spell and after winning a recent trial is worth including in combinations.
RACE 4 - AZZAREACH (1) resumed from a spell last start over 1200m at Doomben and after making a poor beginning recovered well to take over the lead and fought on well to finish third over 1200m at Doomben last time out. He will appreciate dropping back to country grade and jumping from an inside gate rates well as a leading chance. STRAPPARSI (6) after racing midfield battled on okay to finish fifth over 1200m at Doomben last time out when well supported. She drops 2.5kg in weight and back to country grade is well worth considering. SKYWOLF (5) looked well in need of his two resuming runs and having placed third-up previously is a must include in exotic bets. Don't overlook his chances here. CACOFONIX (3) was back in winning form last start when he scored over 1200m at Ipswich after making a slow beginning. Racing over a longer trip and back in country grade should be finishing in the money.
RACE 5 - ZAYNUDIN (1) is trained on the track and following a last start close-up third at Grafton over 2220m when coming home well should prove hard to roll. Racing over a longer trip today and has to be respected. MORE SAINTLY (2) raced up on the speed over 2110m at Lismore last start and battled on well to finish third. He is having his third run this prep and having won in that state previously should be figuring in the finish. WHYTEEPEE (7) made a mid-race move to lead at Lismore last time out and stuck on bravely to finish third. He has 4kg less to carry this time and should be thereabout again. GODRA (5) should have no problem with the trip and should have finished closer to the winner when finishing fourth at the Gold Coast 16 days ago. Stick with her. Each way. CAMELOT STAR (12) plods away in his races so the extra distance will suit him. He won't lack fitness and is worth including in all combinations.
RACE 6 - DISSELATION (1) resumes from a new stable following a last start victory over 1400m at Pakenham synthetic when well supported. Has a 1.5kg claimer in the saddle and jumping from the inside gate fresh-up rates well as a leading chance. SELFLESS VALOUR (8) won well two starts back over 1300m after racing in behind the speed, then last start disappointed when finishing last of 11 over 1526m at Lismore after jumping from the widest gate. She is better than that last run would suggest and dropping back in distance today is worth another chance. KELANOA (7) after jumping from the widest gate settled well back in the running last start over 1100m at Gatton and then stormed home to score an easy win as the favourite. Racing well this prep and rates highly. VOCALS (9) found the right race and broke through for her first win last time out Murwillumbah nearly 3 weeks ago. She has place claims in this. DUBAI DAME (5) is also a last start maiden winner. Stick with her.
RACE 7 - MEGHAN (9) came home strongly from seventh at the turn as the favourite last start to finish second over 1125m at Grafton. Having her third run this prep and jumping from an inside gate over a longer trip looks well placed to go one better. SHOOT THE DIVA (11) resumed from a spell here last start and finished a game second when trying to lead all of the way. Racing in a fitter state she should be finishing in the money once again. KOBAYTERA (8) after jumping from the widest gate was forced to race wide without cover over 1210m at Lismore and fought on well to finish third. Jumping from a better draw today is well worth considering. INTREPID LAD (4) is trained on the track and will be peaking third up. The pole position will suit him and he is ready to put his best hoof forward here. Each way value. SPOILER (13) finished fourth at Lismore last time out and has top 3 claims in this.
