Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KING SOLEIL (4) three start maiden who started favourite when an unlucky second over 1200m at Port Macquarie on November 14. Finds an easier contest and gets his chance to break through. KITSILANO (3) stretched out in trip at his last few outings and freshened up for this with the 2kg claim. Rates highly and look for him late. PRINCE IS GAME (5) another who stepped up in distance when a disappointing seventh over 1500m at Port Macquarie on November 14. Races better over this distance range and trained on the track. KING CARLOS (2) came out fast from the inside draw before fading late to finish ninth over 1100m at Armidale on November 18. Nose band and tongue-tie go on and worth one more chance.
RACE 2 - MOSGIEL DAISY (2) brings an excellent record over this track and trip and back in grade after racing in town two back. Snagged back early from the draw when a solid fourth over 1250m at this track on November 17. Well drawn with the claim and will prove hard to hold out. CHESTERAY (3) racing in career best form and back in trip after tiring late when third over 1400m at Wellington on November 17. Won over the 1280m two back and will take catching again. MANAGE THE CYCLE (4) tough gelding who brings some of the strongest figures here after attacking the line late when third over 1300m at Scone. Backmarker who handles all types of going. SHEILA'S FANTA SEA (6) got off the mark at start seven with a gritty victory over 1250m at this track on November 17. Claim helps again from the better draw and sure to be thereabouts.
RACE 3 - THINK WE'RE THERE (3) much better effort second-up when jumping in trip for an eye catching second over the mile at Scone on November 11. Morgan keeps the ride and goes close today. SEARCH WARRANT (8) best run in four starts this prep when motoring late from well back to secure third over 1600m at Wyong on November 23. Will find this easier on the quick back-up. CATS QUARTERS (9) trained locally and has the four minor placings at this track. Came out fast from the good gate and overhauled late when second over this track and trip on November 17. Will need a good ride from the gate. OAKFIELD ZENA (12) even effort first-up when chipping away late to finish fifth over 1250m at this track on November 17. Showed ability at the provincials last time in and not to be underestimated.
RACE 4 - CALIDO MAGIC (2) improving mare who was unlucky not to get off the mark first-up when a fast finishing second last start over 1000m at Port Macquarie on November 14. Trained locally and can race closer from the better gate. VOLARE (12) strengthened up over the break with the two-sound minor placings and has her hoof on the till here with the claim. Has the speed to get across with cover and sure to be thereabouts. SIR TOM (3) has mixed form from the wide gates at his last two outings and hard fit today. Came from last on the turn with an encouraging third over 1000m at Muswellbrook on November 5. This is easier and worth including. QUEEN CALANTHE (1) struggling to draw a barrier this time in and today is no different. Was a month between runs when covering ground for an even fifth over 1000m at Port Macquarie last time out. Stays in the mix.
RACE 5 - ETUDE (7) started hard in the market on debut ($1.90 fav), when an impressive winner over 1000m at Muswellbrook five-and-a-half months ago. Since fitted with the two trials and finds a fairly weak C1 to kick off. No excuses from the low draw. ZOUBEAUTY (3) back in grade at her second race start when recording a commanding maiden victory over 900m at Muswellbrook on October 21. Kept fresh and the stable looked to have found the right race for her. MR TRACKSIDE (1) only the one win from 14 starts and resumes with good fresh figures. Gelded over the break and the tongue-tie comes off with the 3kg claim. Has won both trials and look for him late. PRINCESS VITTORIA (2) best effort in three runs back when sitting on the pace for a gritty second over 1000m here on November 17. Fitness can see her go one better today.
RACE 6 - CANAMBLE (3) won well on resumption at Dubbo two back, before heading to Flemington when outclassed to finish 18th over 1000m on November 5. Back in right grade and can return to winning form. JO JO SUN (7) bounced back to form third-up when a fighting head victory over 1100m at Port Macquarie on November 14. Up in weight today and can play a leading role again. WHERE'S THE FIRE (4) has raced in tougher grade at his last two outings and good enough to turn it around from the inside gate. Stalked the speed and not far away on the line when sixth over 1000m at this track in C3 class on November 17. Each way prospect. BOB'S LAST ONE (2) gelding resuming with a good first-up record. Outclassed in town on the heavy (9) track when a wilting 13th in Highway grade at Randwick on June 8. Returns without a trial and must be kept safe.
RACE 7 - OAKFIELD PEEWEE (5) rewarded for his consistency when a dominant 2.25 len winner over 1600m at this track on November 17. Confidence is high and can win again. DAMASCUS GATE (3) handy type with the five wins from 24 starts. Resumes today after ploughing through the heavy (9) going when scoring over 1800m at Bathurst on July 30. Has good figures at this track and trip and handles all conditions. THE COAT HANGER (11) strong win two-back, before disappointing when seventh over 1410m at Grafton on November 25. Backs-up quickly and can take a hand in the finish. YORIKIRI (6) returned from a seven month break with a plugging sixth over 1400m at Scone in Cl3 grade on November 11. Look for him late in this weaker grade. Each way.
