Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BONNIE AND BRUCE (5) much better effort at second career run when he raced closer for a solid second over 1400m here on December 3. Backs-up quickly with the claim and finds a fairly weak race. HAZE (6) chipped away late second-up with an even sixth over 1750m at Muswellbrook on November 29. Tongue-tie goes on and sure to be thereabouts. TRUST A KITTY (12) finished in the minor money at her last five runs and desperate for a change of luck. Stretches out in distance and placed this trip when third over 1300m at Narromine on November 24. Blinkers come off and look for her late. UNDER ACHIEVER (4) looks the best of the rest after battling late when seventh over 2000m at Bathurst on November 16. Can improve over this trip.
RACE 2 - GRANDINI (4) set to peak third-up after returning in good order. Sat on the solid tempo when a fighting second over 1300m at Narromine on November 24. Brings strong figures and the blinkers go on from the sticky gate. BEAUTY EDGE (1) has been in the market at his recent starts but hasn't managed to break through. Sound effort last time running sixth at Narromine when fresh. Looks one for the minors. ALCHEMENA (8) is a first starter by Impending. Readied for this with two recent barrier trials. Go well. DENISON BELL (2) is another debutant drawn on the fence. Keep safe.
RACE 3 - STAR OF SALISBURY (4) resumes today and brings the best form lines. Surged late from well back on debut when second over 1200m at Bathurst just over 15 months ago. Fitted with the one searching trial and looks primed for this. SPEEDY HENRY (9) three-year-old Hellbent gelding on debut for the Northam stable. Finished fourth in a recent Tamworth trial over 950m and not to be underestimated with the winkers on. BLOOMIN' HELL (15) failed to fire in two career runs and has slim place prospects in this average event.
RACE 4 - CHARLIE MAGIC (6) rewarded for his consistency at start three when shedding his maiden status over 800m at Narromine on November 24. Capable of making it two on the trot. WONDER STEP (7) failed to fire on the provincial tracks at his last two outings and go on his smart maiden win at Orange on October 10. Well drawn and races best this trip. THE MOOCH (9) professional minor placegetter desperate for a change of luck. Keeps bumping into one better and sure to be thereabouts again. DESIROUS (10) has some upside and is a likely improver second up.
RACE 5 - MAGIC PHAROAH (9) hard fit now and will appreciate this easier contest. Hit the line late and not far away when sixth over 1850m at Newcastle on December 10. Senior rider back on and finds a winnable race. BLUE GUITAR (3) scored an upset win in Highway grade two-back, before dropping out quickly when a poor 15th over 2000m at Rosehill on November 30. On the quick back-up in this easier race and has a good record here. Improver. EPIC POEM (5) made it back-to-back wins last start when swooping late for a narrow victory over 1400m at Wellington on November 17. Saves his best for this track and has a good mile record. Solid top three prospect. BUSH TELEGRAPH (8) put the writing on the wall two-back and then progressed with a tenacious head win over 1600m at Narromine in easier class last time out. Well drawn and can play a leading role again.
RACE 6 - ZAHDI (5) impressed on return when a close-up fifth over 1000m at Tamworth on November 26. Placed second-up and looking for this trip. Solid contender in a race weakened by scratchings. BRUTAL LOVE (2) broke his maiden when resuming as favourite at Gundagai. Lightly raced with upside and could be ready to go through his grades now. ARAMBYS (7) is another that won the maiden first up. Ran on well there so the longer journey should suit. Could go on with it. QUICK ONYX (11) has ben racing consistently and looks capable of playing a role in the finish again.
RACE 7 - SHAQUILA (5) sharp win over this trip two back, before fading sharply when a poor ninth over 1300m at Narromine on November 24. Was a month between runs last time out and expecting more today. STAR INTRIGUE (8) drops in trip for this with the blinkers going on for the first time and the winkers coming off. Disappointed at Narromine over 1600m last time out and best figures measure up nicely. Each way. MS REEVES (6) had been racing consistently before a well-deserved win last start. Could go on with it now. MRS BULL (9) is going well enough to feature again.
