Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TORN (10) lightly raced colt with ability. Resumes today in easier grade after finishing fourth over 1175m at Grafton four months ago. Sharpened for this with a recent trial placing and shouldn't be a maiden for long. WILD FLASH (7) Press Statement gelding resuming after being completely outclassed when a poor sixth over 1400m at Randwick Kensington on June 12. Returns with two trials and gelded over the break. Hard to hold out. KING CARLOS (5) motored late first up when a sound fifth over 1000m at Muswellbrook on November 5. Returned in good shape and the extra trip suits from the good gate. WILLIAM'S SMILE (8) backs up quickly after fading late when sixth over 1100m here on November 10. Gets in light again and worth one more chance.
RACE 2 - SHARPEN THE KNIVES (7) is a 12-start maiden who finds her race today in this average contest. Sat just off the speed and failed to go on with it in the straight when seventh over 1000m at Muswellbrook on November 5. Senior rider engaged and expected to play a leading role. CLAN D'ORO (2) resumes with a placing at this course. Has the three minor placings from 10 starts and returns here without a trial. Won't find an easier race to shed her maiden status. BAKHITA (8) having her fourth run today and not far away last time out when sixth over 1200m at Scone on November 11. Can race a little closer and figure prominently. ANTHEIA (1) had excuses on debut from the wide gate when eighth over 1000m at Muswellbrook on November 5. Drawn the fence today and no shock to see her take this out.
RACE 3 - TWENTY FOUR GUNS (9) is yet to break through after five career starts and go on his close up third over 1500m at Muswellbrook two starts back. Fitter now and can race closer to the speed here. GANGPLANK (1) returned to form with a fast finishing third over 2200m at Grafton on November 6. Back in trip with the claim again and looks one of the leading contenders. FINGER BUN (10) only the two career runs and will find this easier after racing on the provincial circuit. Trained on the track and bred to run a strong 1900m. Must be kept safe. SUIT DAY (4) blinkers come off and the visors go on after chipping away late when fifth over 1900m here on November 10. Worth another chance on the quick back up.
RACE 4 - ARTIC PANTHER (6) close to a victory on the quick back up after fading late when fourth over 1300m here on November 10. Drops further in weight with the claim and gets his chance to break through. INTERNATIONAL (1) lightly raced mare with a ton of upside. Finished runner up at both her runs back and looks ready for the 1300m today despite drawing out. Goes close. IT'S A WRITTEN (10) three runs back have looked good and drops further in weight with the 2kg claim. Returned good sectional splits late when a fast finishing fifth over 1100m at this track on November 10. A repeat of latest will see her go close to shedding her maiden status. STRASSMAN (2) three-year-old gelding by All Too Hard from Ventriloquism on debut for the Cavanough yard. Has shown ability in three trials and no surprise to see him take this out from the low draw with the blinkers on.
RACE 5 - VIS I DO (6) won at this track and trip and another win looks imminent. Hit the line strongly when fifth over 1400m at this track on November 10. Will relish the good tempo and prove hard to hold out. EXTREME MERGER (1) won three of his last four starts and going nicely through his grades. Gets a similar set up today from the low draw with the claim and can make it three straight. EXONUMIA (3) finished in the minor money at his last three outings and strips fitter today after resuming with a gritty second over 1200m at Coonabarabran on October 27. Blinkers come off and the cross over nose band goes on. PRINCESS MARY (4) surprise winner over this track and trip last time out and gets a similar set up today. Confidence is high and the winkers go on. Must be kept safe.
RACE 6 - PARIS LAD (1) four runs back have been encouraging, and the tongue tie and visors go on for this. Gave his all with the 59kg when fourth over 1300m here on November 10. Will appreciate the claim and looks better than these. HOLY MACKEREL (4) shed her maiden status here last time out with a well-deserved victory over 1400m on November 10. In strong stable and Ashley Morgan retains the ride. Sure to be thereabouts again. HYPOTHERMIA (5) finally got off the mark at start 12 with a surprise win over 1410m at Grafton on October 29. Gets a great set up here and can take a hand in the finish. BEAR'S BEST (10) lone win came at this track and drops sharply in weight with the claim today. Held ground to the line when fifth over 1300m at Moree on November 1. Can add value to the exotics.
RACE 7 - ENTERPRISE LEGEND (3) consistent gelding who races best with his runs spaced. Has his hoof on the till today after going under narrowly when third over 1100m at Quirindi on October 28. Will relish the claim from the good gate. Goes close. CHANDON STAR (7) placed this track and trip and resumed with a strong victory over 1000m at Tamworth on November 5. Clearly come back well and no reason he can't win again. CALAMITY FOX (4) gave a good sight from third at Moree last start. A win could imminent. SWANBROOK GEM (6) has won twice in her career and both have come at this track and trip from just three attempts. Respect.
