Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - OPTIMAL (2) was solid off a year-long break at this track, beaten just 0.6L. He'll appreciate the rise in trip and the figures suggested he didn't lose a yard in the break. Now gets Faithfull in the saddle and he can shed the maiden tag. BOSS HOLIDAY (3) got a long way back at Bunbury first-up but he was a 100-1 chance there. He'll find this much easier and he's been around the mark at this trip in stronger maidens previously. Lands in a nice race and he won't be far away. ARAFISIO (7) ran on gamely over 1240m first-up when finishing around Optimal. Fitter now and out in trip, she maps for a kind run and she'll be right in the finish if she can build on the fresh effort. THE MIGHTY BUTCH (1) has placed at this track and trip and will be fitter for the fresh run. Can improve. MISS SANTA CORRS (10) was tested in strong company on debut as a 2YO and can make her mark in this race.
RACE 2 - KAY TEE WHY (6) makes the most appeal on debut following a very impressive trial coming into this. He sat back there and got over the top to win the Lark Hill heat in good fashion. Maps for a beautiful run on debut and he looks to have the talent to win on debut. GASPARDO (3) gets Faithfull in the saddle today following a strong effort from the front on debut at Bunbury. Onto his home track now and he'll be better for the debut run. Back to this trip doesn't look an issue and he'll take plenty of catching. PURE SASSY (4) showed good signs in her debut campaign when running on wet tracks in both runs. Comes into this without a trial, but the form out of her last start is superb. Can make his presence felt. FOUR SEAS (7) closed off well on resumption and can improve on that effort. CYPRESS MOUNTAIN (14) is best of the rest.
RACE 3 - PLAYIN' HARDBALL (7) got the job done in fine style here last start, running away to win by 1.2L. The rise in trip doesn't look an issue with the way she finished off last start and while this is tougher, she drops plenty of weight. Just has to repeat her latest figures to be winning again. JOLLY LACE (6) went around at York first-up for the campaign and stuck on gamely behind a good winner. Fitter again now and she can make her own luck up on the speed once again. Fresh figures said she's not far off her best and she appears the main danger. ODDONEOUT (4) was beaten comfortably here first-up in this grade but she was good behind the winner there. She improves with racing, having placed 3/4 second-up and she's a live chance in this. CATCH THESE HANDS (1) comes through the same race as Oddoneout and didn't have the best of luck there. Can make his presence felt today.
RACE 4 - SIR BEAR A LOT (2) showed good improvement out to this trip last start when missing out by 1.2L here as favourite. That form may have been franked by now and this looks a beautiful setup for him today. Drawn perfectly, third-up and at the peak of his powers. He looks set to go one better. IMAGE OF PRO (3) finished a further length behind Sir Bear A Lot last start at his first try over this distance when leading. He meets that rival better at the weights today and he should be prominent from the outset once more. Will take beating. PECOS (1) ended last campaign with dominant wins here and he's been tuned up with three trials coming into this. Hearn was on board for his two most recent trials and if he can pick up where he left off, he'll go close to winning. VERRY TIMELY (5) can improve third-up today after pulling up with an issue last time out.
RACE 5 - FLICK THE SWITCH (1) is hard to knock on form, picking up where she left off last campaign. She just missed last start over 1100m here, but she'll be fitter again third-up and she was favourite here last time out. Ticks plenty of boxes and can get back to winning ways. CELESTIAL FOX (4) returns to the Dion Luciani stable following a Kalgoorlie campaign in the Peter Fernie Barn. She absolutely bolted in at the trials recently and she should be right on the speed from a good barrier. Cooper's 2kg claim comes in handy and she'll take plenty of catching. JELLYBEAN JONES (5) improved quickly last start to get the job done in a bunched finish. Back in trip is a slight niggle, though his form may have been franked by now and he maps to get his chance. Don't dismiss lightly. DO DA DITTY (6) hasn't won for a while but showed glimpses last campaign. Has claims.
RACE 6 - HOW PRETTY (6) went around at Belmont last start but didn't feature when always well back in the run. Her fresh run at Northam was superb and returning to that level can see her get back to winning ways. I DREAMED A DREAM (3) disappointed at the end of last campaign but he looks back in order judging by his recent trial. He maps for a lovely run from a good barrier and Faithfull has ridden him to victory before. Form out of his last start was strong and he'll find this much easier. AGENT JAY (5) hits this third-up now and is building nicely into the campaign. Out in trip now can see him improve and he won't be far away. BLUE LINE (1) disappointed last campaign in much tougher company. Nicely placed here and can bounce back.
RACE 7 - LITTLE SILVER (4) went straight into Saturday grade first-up and finished toward the rear, though this is a much better assignment for him. Faithfull takes the ride and he shouldn't be far away from a suitable draw. Big chance to turn his form around and get the job done. EL SALTO (2) was only 2L off the winner over 1100m here last time out and is at peak fitness now. Amy Jo Hayes' 2kg claim is a big tick and he should get every chance from the inside alley. Racing well and will make his presence felt. ODINAKA (7) drops right back in trip today after going around over 1800m last start at Ascot. He's 26 days between runs and maybe the extra trip wasn't suitable for him. Prior form was very good and he can bounce back. HARMIKA (5) has form around Little Silver from last start and will be flashing home late in the race. MORGS FREEMAN (6) can build on a handy first-up performance.
