Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DIVINE DIAMONDS (3) was a touch disappointing last time out but go on the strong Doomben win two back. Worth another chance. SHERAQUAY (6) shed the maiden tag at the latest appearance and will have derived a stack of confidence from that victory. Top-three candidate. I'M HEROIC (5) has placed two from two over this distance range and may earn some minor money. MISHANI SUSPECT (2) best of the rest in a race with only a handful of chances.
RACE 2 - DIRTY DANCING (6) had trialled well leading into her debut and went to a C4 at Doomben where she wasn't disgraced, beaten 2.2L there. Fitter now and she is a second-up winner in the past, as well as a winner in heavy going. Should have come on from the fresh effort and may just be too good for this field. JUKEBOX GLOW (7) just beat home Dirty Dancing last start at Doomben when only 1.8L off the winner in a C4. She was a winner here prior to that, though her record on wet ground is a niggle. Racing in top order though and has to be in the mix ZAHER (5) went straight to 1200m first-up without a trial and didn't go well at all. Suspect he will derive plenty of improvement from that effort and a much better performance is on the cards today.
RACE 3 - Scratchings have left this a one act affair. DIVAKARA (4) resumed after a lengthy spell with a solid second here and will have derived a stack of benefit from that hit-out. Looks the runner in this field with the most upside and would only have to hold his form to be getting the job done in this field. WICKED'N' LOVIN'IT (6) appears the closest danger following a 6th placing over this track and trip most recently. She does possess some handy figures from earlier this campaign and she may be able to trouble Divakara if she can get back to that level. OLE BAZZLE (5) is next best.
RACE 4 - HEARTONI (7) is a very honest campaigner who has only missed the top-five once in 14 career outings. Has a solid record over this track and trip with three wins and two placings from seven attempts and rarely puts in a poor one. Rates the testing material. RELIABLE RUBY (2) is a five-time winner over this course and distance and winning hoop Dolan sticks in the stirrups. Nicely placed here. FASTCONI (9) has been right there in all four runs this preparation and looks to be nearing another victory. Top-three contender.
RACE 5 - WANDA'S OUTLAW (9) has strung two wins together on the bounce and it's hard to ignore mares in form. This isn't much tougher than he most recent win at this track and trip where she was far too good. Can handle the slight rise in class and land the knockout blow. THESECONDATPORTSEA (4) has won over this course and distance and can feature if she brings her A-game. Her wet form is a big tick in this race and she's the main danger. INDY ROSE WARRIOR (7) should be around the mark as she steps out to this trip again today.
RACE 6 - PHAROAH'S PROPHECY (1) has hit the top-four in all three metropolitan starts to date and will find this assignment a touch easier. Strips fitter third-up from the spell and should be going very close to shedding the maiden tag here. EIGHT CYLINDERS (20) (full to G3 winner and G2 placed Cylinder Beach) has placed two from four over this track and trip and rates a genuine top-three hope if he brings his best. MARAVILLAS (5) is a beautifully bred son of Justify out of the star mare Atlantic Jewel. His half-brother Russian Emperor was a stickler for wet tracks, winning a HK Gold Cup on wet going. Didn't do much on debut but has been given time to mature and it wouldn't surprise to see an improved commodity step out today.
RACE 7 - FLYWHEEL (1) is a consistent campaigner who has hit the top-five at his past six outings and this is not an overly strong contest. Has placed three of four over this distance range and should be playing a major role in the finish. ITALIAN DANCER (6) has been well in the market at the past couple of starts and where there's smoke there's fire. Can bounce right back to form against this lot. CRYPTIC PRISM (19) hasn't done much wrong with a win and four placings from just five starts and must be included.
