Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Four runners, four chances. SHELSTEIN (3) started favourite when fresh from an 18-week spell last start and got the job done by the narrowest of margins over this distance at Kembla. Steps up a level today but his figures suggest he is up to the task. AYE AYE CAPTAIN (1) won a good quality maiden here at this trip first-up then didn't run a strong 1400m most recently. Big chance back over this more suitable trip. GLORIOSO (2) wound up late to win by a whisker over 1100m at Hawkesbury last start. Honest filly with substantial claims again. UNLEESHING (5) has not raced since a win on debut at Mudgee in May. Trialling well and cannot be underestimated.
RACE 2 - BRIGIDINE GAL (6) has been in the money at both of her runs, the latest a tough third over this distance at the Kensington track when she was ridden nearer to the pace. Big chance with a repeat of that performance. LECONFIELD (7) had trouble securing a run in the straight and was never fully tested last time out over 1300m at Warwick Farm. Trialled since and with a bit more luck today on a bigger track over an extra 100m he can turn things around. SACRED FORT (1) found the line well when resuming over 1200m at Newcastle recently. Peaked last prep when second-up so worth plenty of thought. JOLLY GOOD FELLOW (5) did his best work late but found one better over a mile at Wyong last start. Back in trip but the application of blinkers should add some spark. BENGAL (2) disappointed at the Kensington track last time - maybe put that down to second-up syndrome.
RACE 3 - MISS HADES (1) has drawn wide gates and been snagged back in her two runs this prep over shorter trips, working home fairly on each occasion without threatening. Fitter now and is looking for this trip. Will settle closer from the nice alley and is ready to peak. LITTLE JEANIE (2) started favourite last time out over 1400m at the Kensington track but gave away a big start and could only manage fourth. Very fit after three runs back and this slightly longer trip helps. SHE'S GOT VEUVE (5) made a long, sustained run to score with a bit in reserve recently over 1630m at Wyong. Back in trip and up in class makes her a query runner, but Waller can never be underestimated once his mares find form. The consistent STAR ACT (3) battled on well to finish just ahead of Little Jeanie at the Kenso last start. Will enjoy a lovely run from the good gate and is worth an each-way investment. CONCORDIA WIND (4) has been about the mark at her last three runs, just can't draw a decent marble.
RACE 4 - BESTOWER (8) improved sharply last time out at the second run of the campaign, make good late inroads to get up for second over 1500m at Newcastle. Was runner-up over this distance at the same stage last prep. Nicely weighted and looks sure to feature. FIRST INNINGS (2) missed the kick and was never in the hunt first-up over 1350m at Doomben. Might need one more run but out to this trip he should be competitive. DANISH PRINCE (4) hasn't been all that far away in his three runs this prep. Did a lot of work from a horrid gate and was only beaten 3.3 lengths by the in-form Kingston Charm in the $500k Midway at Rosehill most recently. In the right race to find peak form. MORNING SUN (1) resumes. Strong first-up performer who missed by a neck when resuming last prep over a mile at Warwick Farm. Sure to be competitive. POINT COUNTERPOINT (3) hasn't won for a long while but is back in class today and not the roughest.
RACE 5 - All of these have decent claims. EDITED BY (1) was racing well before turning in a plain effort on a seven-day back-up last start over 1400m at Warwick Farm. Drops a little in grade today and maps nicely up front in a race with little pressure on paper. Worth another chance. DAZZLE LEGEND (4) tried hard and only went under by 0.7 lengths last time out over this course and distance in Saturday company. Cherry ripe after three runs back and is ideally placed back in the midweekers. EVENFLOW (7) blew the start and any chance of winning over 1400m at Warwick Farm recently. Promising colt who peaked at this stage last prep. Capable of testing this field. PASIMA (8) has been ridden quietly at his last couple from wide draws and failed to feature. Draws a better marble today and can make amends. DECIMUS (10) went well at 100-1 first-up and is better placed today over the extra furlong. Pre-post favourite CONGREGATION (2) is ready to peak but the early price is unappealing.
RACE 6 - DRIFT NET (7) was well backed first-up over 1150m at the Kensington track and had every chance but peaked late and found a couple better. Her form at or around this trip is hard to fault, with two wins and two placings from four tries. Just needs luck from a sticky gate to be right in this. LITTLE BEGINNINGS (1) is back from a 31-week spell. Struggled at the end of last prep in Provincial Championship races. Won a recent Newcastle trial so he seems forward enough. Hard to beat at this level despite the gap between runs. GOLD CARD (8) comes here off a tidy win in open company at Taree recently. Distance specialist who still has improvement to come at the third run of the prep. PIERCING ARROW (5) has been freshened up since a poor run here six weeks back. Will roll forward and give a sight. The consistent CROP DUSTER (6) boasts a fine record at this journey. The wide gate is a negative but he is always competitive.
