Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - 2yo debutants and the betting moves will be instructive. STAR FORTIAN (9) owns a Hobart trial win and jumps from the paint. Newitt is a key jockey booking and a bold run is on the cards. BELLA CHINKARA (5) trialled well on the same day and Pires is a positive jockey booking. She is set to race well. ARCTIC ATTRACTION (4) presents off a Longford trial win and the in-form Muhch sticks from that. A QUEENS BUZZ (3) just missed in that contest and also deserves consideration. GEEGEES MISSILE (7) won her trial at Longford and she'll carry 53kg with Boxall's claim.
RACE 2 - SKY LAND (12) peaks off two narrow defeats. She races forward and tackles a shorter sprint briefly freshened. Newitt sticking aboard is a lead. GEMS EAGLE (4) resumes here beaten 1.4L off a longish break. It was a tough effort from back in the field and he has plenty up his sleeve. WANNABE ZIGGY (9) resumed on the same day narrowly beaten. She will be further improved but an outside gate needs managing. OXIDIZE (11) was beaten 1.8L in the Gems Eagle race and will be fitter again. Maps for a soft run and gets in light with a 2kg claimer engaged.
RACE 3 - PEAK A BOOM (8) missed a nose at Launceston easily running her best race. Draws outside again but Pires offsets again and fitter the former Victorian can take it out. MONCLERE (4) mixes the form but he'd be right in it at best. He went close here in September and will get every chance from an inside barrier. STEEL RAIDER (9) went well here two-back but was slow off and plain after. The 2kg claim is handy and she should be around the mark. TRANSOM (12) is an improver with the claim.
RACE 4 - MATEUS (2) has been beaten a whisker both starts this preparation and the step-up to the mile looks ideal. Draws awkwardly again but keeps the 3kg claim and he can finish over the top. ELLA MAY (12) was much improved in the same race. Newitt is likely to push forward again and the longer trip shouldn't be an issue. A gap then to MILES 'N' MILES (3) is up to this at best but has been plain in CL1s his last two. Just missed here before those so has the ability. Keeps the 3kg claim in easier grade and look for him late. MISS PRIVATE (9) has had plenty of chances but is going well enough to fill a minor slot.
RACE 5 - KABOOM KABOOM (4) has raced well at Stakes level and quickly found form winning a 60 at Launceston this trip. She has more to give and will finish hard. DON'T GIVE UP (13) is promising. Missed a whisker on debut and then went back to Launceston and delivered a CL1 as expected over this distance. Fitter and is sure to keep improving. DANTES (1) is good enough and ready to win. The outside barrier is the niggle with him.
RACE 6 - ANYWAYS ROXIE (6) is third-up seeking the hat trick and has been winning by spaces. Was heavily bet this grade last time and the promising mare can go on with the job. EASTCOAST MISS (8) won a 60 here on the same day as expected. She also rates well and draws inside. Has weight relief in this grade and she deserves plenty of consideration. ETOSHA (2) was safely held first up but can show good improvement and is expected to be prominent again from the outset.
RACE 7 - Multiple Stakes winner TURK WARRIOR (1) resumes and flies fresh. Has won 2/4 at this course /trip and maps well. A bold run is likely. PRESS FOR BOOM (6) resumes and the promising mare has won 4/4. She's trialled well and Pires sticks from those. It's a step up but she can keep improving. The veteran GALENUS (4) has needed the two runs back and has won third-up. Uses the rail and Newitt is a key jockey switch. May control the race and will give a sight.
RACE 8 - Competitive. CREATIVE LICENCE (3) is a leader who found better form in a 64 before just missing in a 60. Peaks today and will ride the speed from an inside gate. He gets his chance. TURF PUZZLE (10) posted his best figure winning a CL1 this trip from the speed. He has tactical speed and should manage the awkward gate. A chance to go on. VAN SCOTIA (11) was outgraded at Launceston and disappointed their prior. She went close twice here prior and they would see her competitive. Will enjoy a soft run and will sit on the limit weight with the claim. STEEL MIST (1) was tracking well before struggling in Open grade on the synthetic. Needs a good ride but is better suited.
RACE 9 - DIOS (8) peaks and the former Victorian keeps impressing. Just missed in a CL3 last time over this distance and has a 3kg claimer aboard today. She can bounce back. WINNING WITNESS (9) won the 60 as expected here and she keeps getting better. She gets in well with the 2kg claim and will go close with average luck. FREAK ON A LEAD (3) led and faded last time but impressed leading here first-up when beaten a whisker in a 64. He races forward and keeps the 4kg claim. Fitter and he's also a chance. VERBANO (4) resumed in a 68 narrowly beaten. Maps well and Newitt replaces the apprentice. She's in the mix.
