Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MY CRACKLING (5) finds the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Came desperately close to shedding the tag here last start when beaten a lip. Only has to hold his form to get the job done. ISUSPECTJEU (10) has been solid without threatening in her two runs back. Has a sticky draw to overcome but should be nearing her peak third-up. Can measure up. AM I LACY (9) only got going late in the piece here last start. Further improvement anticipated third-up and is worth keeping safe. TUFF OPERATOR (7) was better last start without threatening the winner. In the mix.
RACE 2 - EL EXPLOSIVO (5) took another step in the right direction last start when beaten 0.5L here. Cherry-ripe now and carries a feather on his back with the 3kg claimer engaged. The one to beat. INNOCENT SIPS (7) wasn't far away when resuming here last month, showing good tactical speed and battling on gamely into second. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and is the obvious threat. LITTLE PRINCESS (12) looked sure to be winning soon after being beaten a head in town two back but has since struggled. Draws well for Crowther and has to be kept safe. OK GERRY (9) stuck on fairly into fourth when resuming here last month. Fitter now and deserves respect.
RACE 3 - EFFORTKAT (2) took another step in the right direction here last start when finishing in the frame. Shoulders a strong record on her home track and is drawn to favourably. Doesn't have to find much more to be winning. ANDAMOOKA (1) knuckled down gamely to get the verdict and shed her maiden tag here last start. Not a great deal tougher this time and has upside. GRINZINGER BURG (3) was better here last start when closing off nicely into fourth. Fitter again and has the 3kg claimer sticking to get her in light at the weights. ZOFFERELLA (6) wasn't far away fresh and is sure to have come on with that run under the belt. Don't overlook.
RACE 4 - ROSE RING (3) wasn't far away in fifth last start after being prominent at the bend over this track and trip. Further improvement is anticipated third-up and she's a leading player. HARLEEN (2) strikes a nice race third-up to turn things around. Rates highly on best figures and we could see the best of her today over a winning track and trip. CATALINA BLUE (11) hasn't made an impression lately despite market confidence but does carry a fitness edge. Boasts a handy record over this course and distance. Have to include. KINGSON (1) has gone better than his form reads in his two runs back. Goes well here and is worth considering third-up.
RACE 5 - THE HASS (3) hasn't done much wrong in his last two without getting the verdict. The form around him is sticking up. He will only need to hold his form to prove very hard to beat. MESSERSCHMITT (2) was a barnstorming winner here last start when coming from a long way back. Rochelle Milnes who has four wins when partnering stays on. Expecting a bold showing. TYDEUS (8) hasn't been far away recently including last time out when second over this track and trip. Shoulders a handy record here without winning and he should run well. ARTFUL AMBITION (1) improved nicely here last start and should be nearing his peak now. Is a course and distance specialist, so sure to be competitive.
RACE 6 - SIR PANAMA (7) has put the writing on the wall in his last two when beaten by narrow margins. Strips rock-hard fit on the short turnaround, wide alley the only knock. Watch for him taking the strongest strides late. CHILKO LAKE (8) was a determined winner here two back, before following it up with an eye-catching minor placing again here last start. Drops significantly in the weights this time. Expected to feature. IRISH MIST (3) is yet to strike through this campaign but is knocking on the door. Draws well and is among the key chances on best form. TOAST THE DEEL (2) ran a better race last start when finishing fifth here. Warrants safekeeping.
RACE 7 - BELMONT AVENUE (4) is on the quick back-up after missing by under a length here last start, following up his brace win the start prior. Boasts a strong record here and is a leading player. MOUNT MADEIRA (3) knuckled down gamely to get the verdict over the track and trip last start in a much-improved run. Has more up his sleeve and can repeat the dose. HEY MICHAEL (1) improved again third-up when finishing in the frame. Shoulders a terrific record over the track and trip and is one of the key chances. TIME WARRIOR (10) put the writing on the wall last start when chinned here. Gets another great chance to break a long run of outs.
RACE 8 - CHEF DE MISSION (5) hasn't taken a step wrong this time in as he shoots for four on the bounce. All three wins have come over this track and trip. Leading player again. A THOUSAND DEGREES (8) made it two on the bounce here last start when arriving just in time. Not a great deal tougher this time and he's an obvious threat. Nicely placed to add to the outstanding run of form. TRYGVE (4) hasn't won for a long time but generally races well at this track. Holds genuine claims on best form and is worth including. SWIFT TERCEL (13) next best.
