Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - I'M CHEV (3) resumes off a strong form race at Hobart. He just missed here first-up prior, and it was an impressive effort from a wide barrier. He's trialled well and will be naturally improved. HALEN (2) was outgraded at Launceston stepping up to a mile but placed 4x there prior. Comes back 450m today but should be around the mark with average luck. FOREIGN LEGION (1) has been within range his last two mixing trips and led here over 1350m last time. Maps for a soft run and will give a sight. GETCHA GROOVE ON (8) needed the first-up outing. She raced well here her only start last preparation and a senior hoop goes on. Fitter and has claims.
RACE 2 - GLORY MISSION (1) is third-up off two near misses at Launceston. Has his first start on the synthetic but fitter can make it a winning one. DADANDHISGIRLS (3) trialled well and then delivered a comfortable Maiden win here on debut. He raced on speed and jumps from the inside gate today. Keeps the 3kg claim and is sure to keep improving. BAYBOUGG (6) resumes and has placed fresh. Brings the best peak form and the 2kg claimer will give her every chance from the low barrier. PHERE THE GIRLS (5) won a Hobart Maiden spiking her figures. Has a handy 3kg claim today and would be a value hope holding the form.
RACE 3 - LIKEAKALIX (5) threatened both race starts before winning a Maiden here heavily bet. He maps for a soft run and should appreciate the step up in trip. Fitter he can take the next step. TUSKEGEE (12) is busting to win and there was only a whisker in it here last time. He draws wide but the longer distance is likely to suit and he gets in well with the 3kg claim. CORSA VELOCE (9) has been mixing trips but is hard-fit and will be better at the mile. Has a wide barrier to manage but the 2kg claim is handy. MOORLANDS MISS (10) brings a first-up Maiden win on the turf and went well here prior on debut. Fitter and keep onside.
RACE 4 - ES AND ES (2) brings strong form to resumption and owns a dominant trial win at this track. He will race over further but has placed 2/2 this distance and looks ready to go. WICKHAM LIGHT (1) resumes and also rates well. He was good his only fresh run and is capable of using the inside barrier. The betting will be key with him as well. CAPE ZORO (6) peaks and is threatening a win. Has a handy 2kg claim and will race forward from the advantageous barrier. NIGHT INVADER (7) won a Launceston Maiden over a mile and has been freshened 49 days. Gets in light with the 3kg claim and should be around the mark.
RACE 5 - Competitive. INTISAR (7) was back to her best easily winning here this grade/trip second up. She has an inside barrier today and Pires stays with her. Fitter she can go on with the job. STARS IN THE NIGHT (14) turned the form around leading and winning a CL1 at Launceston. She was beaten a nose there in a CL3 following and comes back in grade. She may control the race from an inside draw and is well-placed with the 3kg claim. ALTAI RANGER (4) was beaten 2L in the Intisar race and it was a good effort after settling rearward. He draws awkwardly again but can make the finish with average luck. KIREINA MARUBRAH (12) resumes from a low gate with a 2kg claim. She will race over further but rates well and has been fitted with two trials. The betting will be key.
RACE 6 - Competitive. SEYDOUX (2) resumes owning three easy trial wins. Won three times here before spelling after a a try in stronger at Caulfield. The 2kg claim is handy and a bold return is likely. ARUMA (8) resumes off a near-miss this grade at Launceston and is proven fresh. She has won here and has trialled at the track. Rates well and should go close. BOLD INSTINCT (7) just missed this grade first-up and then went close in a 68. He runs along and is in well with the 3kg claim. He's been freshened and flies this track/trip. TSUNAMI SAM (1) is third up and has been racing in much stronger. Is proven third-up and the 3kg claim brings him into it.
RACE 7 - Competitive. ASHY BOY (3) rates best albeit over longer. He will be better for the 3L defeat at Stakes level first-up. Races well here and the step-up to the mile suits. Goes well enough second-up and he's on a 9-day return. ASVA (6) deserved the CL5 win at Launceston. Likes the trip and tumbles in weight at this level. He will push forward and is also on a 9-day backup. GENERAL ASSEMBLY (4) spiked his figures winning comfortably here at this level. Need some luck pushing forward but is a chance to go on. EXALTED CROWN (10) was back to his best winning a Launceston 68 and was beaten 1.6L behind the above following. Needs a good ride but is in the mix.
RACE 8 - Tricky. LI'L HAIL MARY (5) got closer at Launceston over a mile and the extra metres are likely to suit. Keeps the handy 3kg claim and she should enjoy a soft run from the inside barrier. NOBLE EXCEPTION (3) disappointed in the same contest but just missed at Hobart prior over 2100m. Keeps the handy 3kg claim and the 1880m should suit better. Each way. WELDBOROUGH (1) resumed with an improved effort over 1420m and then settled a long way back here in Open grade and prepared to forgive. He maps well and has won third-up and 2/3 at this course/trip. Quick improvement is likely. BLONDE SUSPECT (2) would be a hope at best. Enjoys racing here and should be around the mark.
