Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - The maidens kick us off. LA COMETA (7) has gotten better with each run this time in work and looks ready for the step-up to the 1800m now. Will be near her peak now fourth-up from the spell and should be going very close. SNOW SHOW (1) has been thereabouts in all three starts to date including a runner-up finish around this circuit two back. Gets 2kg weight relief with the claim and looms as the main danger. The well-related NAPA VALLEY (3) (half to G1 winner Capital Gain) has been plying his trade in town and should find this assignment a touch easier. In the mix. READY LIGHTLY (4) next in line from the astute barn.
RACE 2 - Tricky race to assess with a few of these facing the starter for the first time. DRANITZELLE (6) is one of them but has looked handy winning both trials to date and is sure to be well-educated from the Gollan camp. Orman was on board for the latest trial victory and sticks which is a decent pointer. No surprise to see him start the career with a win. BRAZEN ACT (4) has placed over this track and trip and is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley. Top-three candidate. OOHLALOUVRE (16) has placed two from two around this circuit and may trouble the judge with any luck from the wide draw. BELEGATO (2) next in line while fresh.
RACE 3 - ARAMINTA (11) just missed the placings in town last time out and has placed three from four around this circuit. Drawn to get the run of the race from the inside alley and expecting a strong appearance in this contest. PIVOTAL LAD (6) has won over this distance range and strips fitter second-up for Gollan. Right in this. FOURANDAHALF (8) looked handy winning over this track and trip on debut before being tipped out for time to furnish. No surprise to see a forward showing. CARRAVILLA (15) has placed two of three this time in and is a must for the exotics. FLYING SHELLY (12) is having her first run for the new stable and a watch on betting is advised.
RACE 4 - Tricky contest to assess with many of these facing the starter for the first time. Of the raced brigade PROVANCE (4) just missed the placings in town when resuming and will strip fitter for that hit-out. The form he showed when last in work was good enough to feature in this and should be going very close from the favourable draw. FLYING SHELBY (1) has revved up for this with two quality trials here and gets Orman on board from gate three. Keep very safe. SHADOW CRUISER (21) is having his first run for the new stable and any market support must be noted. LAND BANK (7) is at the races for the first time but has shown ability at the trials and gets the deadly Gollan/Jones combination. In the mix. SOBUTE (18) rounds out the selections in an open affair.
RACE 5 - LAVONI (12) is an honest campaigner who is yet to miss the top five in ten career starts to date and has placed over this course and distance. Goes well for Collett who has two wins and a placing from four steers and should be right there at the business end. PENTITO (2) has won over this track and trip and gets 3kg weight relief with the claim. In the mix. CHARLIE'S CASE (5) draws low and can feature with any luck in running. BARELLO (4) is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley and looks one for the multiples.
RACE 6 - LA PETITE MAISON (4) is yet to run a poor race and looks a serious contender. Gollan/Jones a tick and looks the one they all have to catch. GREY IMPACT (9) broke the maiden status last time out and Cartwright stays on board from the low gate. In the mix. IRON POWER (3) strips fitter second-up from the inside alley and may trouble the judge. MISS MONEYPENNY (16) saluted over this track and trip on debut and no surprises to see anoher forward showing.
RACE 7 - RASHFORD (1) has placed two from two around this circuit and has been right there at the past four efforts. Gets the services of Orman to navigate from the wide draw and can revisit the winners' stall with any luck in running. STATE A FACT (6) broke the maiden status here last time out and will have derived a stack of confidence from that victory. Can go right on with the job now. NIPPA'S NIGHTCAP (7) is yet to miss a drum in both starts here and draws the inside marble. Top-three candidate. LIKA WRECKIN' BALL (3) gets the Melbourne Cup-winning combination of Symons/Laxon/Dolan and must be included.
