Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MISSILE DEFENCE (1) selects an interesting trip to resume at but showed obvious potential last campaign. Coming off two trials looks suited at this level despite the big weight. CHILLY CHARLIE (3) jumped sharply in trip second up before peaking on his run. Like the slight drop back in distance here and drawn to get all the favours. Don't discount. BRAZIL (4) boxed on well in the latest offering and arrives back on home patch fit as a fiddle. Handles all conditions so must respect in similar company. HOW MUCH BETTER (5) did a good job when runner-up fresh at Newcastle. Can progress.
RACE 2 - ENERGETIC LEGEND (1) was solid on debut when working right through the line late. Previous trials were sound and with added fitness can improve further. Has winning claims. HAPPINESS (3) finished close-up to a winning stablemate first up when very soft in betting. Finds the cute draw and an added trip. Comes into calculations now. MICRO MAGIC (10) has been solid so far this campaign, placing fresh at Hawkesbury before a midfield showing in the city. Could peak third up in what looks to be a suitable assignment. Looking for improvement from MARGOT'S DEEL (9) in her second outing.
RACE 3 - INOUE (1) has been super competitive in two runs to date where the sectionals have been very good. Eases out in trip and stable is finding spring a productive season. Lots to like now. MONTE BRAVEHEART (7) gets some genuine weight relief and has been freshened up. Chased the clock in a recent trial and looks like a key player on the home track. WALK THE PIER (3) has been trialling nicely into this and looks capable of early return on investment. Despite a plain draw can easily feature. MEGA FIGHT (6) comes right into calculations if it gets wetter. Yet to win one but two recent trials should have him ready to go.
RACE 4 - KING OF DRAGONS (3) has exploded away in two recent trial wins giving the stopwatch a hard time in both. With a jump and run draw appeals as big time. I AM A WINNER (2) showed potential in a two-start debut campaign and has given them the death stare in two recent trial wins. Capable of a winning return. OUR LITTLE STAR (5) has the speed to burn past a wide draw and her short course form was strong in genuine races last prep. Definite threat resuming in a strong race. DONWON (1) has been very competitive in both starts to date and draws ideally on home track. Each-way chance again.
RACE 5 - FIRE TRIBE (3) is proven first up and has snuck around in two quiet trials of late. Form in stronger races last campaign was sound and looks well placed resuming here. PHYSICAL GRAFFITI (4) has been given a month off since a plain first-up run. Has shown better than that to date and back in grade can bounce back. LLEWELLYN (2) has done nothing wrong in three starts this time in but can't find any weight relief. Expected to race handy and give a great sight again. SCISSOR ME TIMBERS (5) looks an upside type after posting a string of consistent numbers when last in work. Recent trial winner who won't mind some more rain.
RACE 6 - CINDERSEA (2) gave connections plenty of encouragement last campaign and two recent trials have been up to the mark. With a pea in a pod draw should give this a massive shake first up. CODETTA (4) is a filly of promise who ran a nice time in a recent trial win. Went to the paddock a winner and no surprise to see more the same here. SUNRISE (1) won't die wondering and is rock hard fit thanks to recent racing. With a well-used claim can give plenty of cheek. SLINKY (3) finds an easier assignment third up and has a handy record at this track and trip. Respect in soft going.
RACE 7 - HYDROMETER (2) is as honest as they come and gets a look at a longer trip first time in seven starts. Drawn to lob where it suits and expecting another strong showing despite the big weight. BULLY FOR YOU (5) should be set to peak after three runs back and did drift a long way off them last start. Has the right type of overall record to take seriously now. MASTER RILEY (4) finds his toughest to date but continues to step up. Up in weight and grade but stays under notice on home patch. DESERT VOICE (1) was disappointing in her Australian debut but drops back in class here. Respect any market support.
RACE 8 - RYBAKINA (2) profiles as a major threat after two handy maiden class city runs in the winter. Misses Friday night in preference for this and can progress quickly this time in. Go close. AMUSING (3) was far from disgraced as a beaten favourite on debut in what hints as a strong form reference. With added fitness can go one better. SWEET FUTURE (7) has taken a while to show up at the races but looks to have potential off her trials. Poorly drawn but remains a live chance. GLITTERSCRIPT (4) has been around the mark in two runs back from a break and steps up in trip with a big tick draw. Each-way chance in a genuine race.
