Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - STYLEBENDER (4) racing in career best form and due for a change of luck. Sat on the speed and stuck on well late when third over 2000m at Port Macquarie on November 14. Placed this trip and finds a fairly weak race. FARRAIGE (7) best performance in 11 starts when a plugging second over this track and trip on November 5. Looks to be running for minor money here. JUBILEE QUEEN (5) has slim place prospects after running on late when fifth over 1900m at Armidale on November 18. MASTER FONTANA (3) finds his easiest race for some time with half the field being scratched. Minor money hope at best.
RACE 2 - CORPORATE LAD (3) Scott Singleton trained three-year-old gelding by Capitalist out of Miss Gai Flyer having his first start. Won his last two trials with plenty left in the tank and gets in light with the 2kg claim. Hard to stop. PHAROAHZANO (4) returns from a 38-day let-up and now in the Cameron Crockett yard. Back sharply in trip when a plugging second over 1860m at Avoca on October 19. Placed over the 1100m and not to be underestimated. MYTHICAL MOOCHI (2) massive drop in grade after failing to handle he heavy (8) conditions when 14th over 1200m at Kembla Grange on September 28. Since fitted with a recent 789m trial at Warwick Farm on October 29. Look for him late. ALL TOO VEGAS (6) returns from a three month break. Goes well fresh and placed this track and trip.
RACE 3 - ZAMPANO (2) undefeated in two runs and resumes today on his home track. Gave them a galloping lesson again at his second race start when leading throughout over this trip at Gunnedah on May 26. Finished second in a recent 800m trial and looks well placed today with the claim from the low draw. The one to beat. ARDONAUGH (6) finished in the minor money at her last two outings and a win looks imminent. Wound up strongly when third over 1100m at Port Macquarie on November 14. Claim helps and lone win came over this trip. THE LUPERCAL (4) anchored with the 58.5kg when a fading third over 1100m at Armidale on November 10. Drops further in weight with the claim and will give a ton of cheek. GOLD LOVER (1) no excuses here in this easier contest after being collared late when fifth over 1100m at Scone in BM74 grade on November 11. Genuine top four claims.
RACE 4 - HARSH MISTRESS (8) lightly raced filly showing ability in four career runs. Total forgive from the outside gate when a disappointing ninth over 1200m at Quirindi on November 14. Will race much closer today from the good gate with the claim. Hard to hold out. CASDAEMON (7) sat on the speed with the 59kg when a gritty on the speed third over 1450m at Quirindi on November 14. Drops in weight and can play a leading role again. APACHE JACK (5) sharp improver second-up when charging late for a solid third over 1200m at Scone on November 11. Ready for this trip and can shed his maiden status at start 10. HALLE BEE (4) promising mare ready to win fourth-up. Sat on the good tempo with a narrow second over 1450m at Quirindi last time out. This looks easier and senior rides engaged today.
RACE 5 - PENINSULA (4) Messara & Gavranich trained three-year-old Snitzel gelding out of a Japanese mare on debut. Has been given plenty of time to develop and comes here with two sharp trials. Goes close in this average contest. TAIPAN LEGEND (1) disappointed second-up when a plugging fifth over 1000m at Scone on November 19. Backs-up quickly with the blinkers going on and the extra trip is in his favour. PENSATIVA (9) in leading country stable and resumes here with two solid trial placings. Senior rider on and should have strengthened over the break. FAST BLUE (8) fourth-up today and will find this more to his liking after fading to finish seventh over 1200m at Kembla Grange on November 5. Well drawn and can take a hand in the finish.
RACE 6 - BELIEVE SO (6) tough gelding with the five wins over the mile. Nailed late with the 59.5kg when collared late for a narrow third over 1900m at Kempsey on November 8. Gets control from the inside gate and will prove hard to run down. JACENZA (4) yet to win past 1300m and gives the impression he's looking for ground now. Drifted back early and was never in the contest when eighth at Canterbury over 1250m on November 15. No shock to see him bounce back to form. LA VESUVIUS (7) in need of the run first-up when a fading eighth over 1500m at Hawkesbury on November 7. Gets in light with the claim and best form is over this trip and further. Improver. RUSSLEY CROWN (1) has a good record here and expecting more out to the mile after running ninth over 1400m at Armidale in the Guyra Cup on November 10. Cross-over nose band goes on and since fitted with a recent trial.
RACE 7 - MY MATE KATE (3) sent to town second-up when a solid fifth over 1200m at Rosehill in Highway company on November 9. Set to peak third-up and has excellent figures over this course and distance. The one to beat. TAVROS (4) first-up after five months found the 1300m too short when seventh over 1300m at Moree Cl1 on November 1. Has a better second-up record and his lone win came over this trip. Sharp improver. ALWAYS SPLIT TENS (6) lightly raced gelding with upside. Resumes here after sitting on the speed when a plugging fourth over 1600m here on August 27. Returns with a trial over 1100m at Scone and his lone victory came over this track and trip. DEEBO (7) third-up today and won third-up previously. Gives the impression this extra distance will suit after running third over 1280m at Muswellbrook on November 3. One of the leading players.
RACE 8 - FLORINO (2) classy gelding who was a total forgive from the outside barrier when sitting on the speed before fading late to run seventh over 1300m at Randwick on November 5. Comes out of a strong race and strips fitter for this. Will take plenty of holding out today. OUR BOY OLLIE (3) saves his best for this track and trip and looks one of the leading contenders after powering late from well back when sixth over 1100m at Scone on November 11. Will race closer from the good gate. CODE IN TIME (6) charged late first-up when an unlucky nose second over 1100m at Scone on November 11. Goes just as well second-up and must be respected. GREAT SIEGE (14) returns from a 57-day let-up with a good record on his home track. Started fav when giving them a galloping lesson from the wide draw in easier grade on September 30. Since fitted with a 900m trial placing at Scone and stays in the mix.
