Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - AMERICAN TROUBLE (4) didn't give her rivals a sniff last start at Oakbank when leading pillar-to-post. Tougher this time but is drawn to advantage and will take some catching if similar positive tactics are applied. Holder going on only adds confidence. SAVATOFF (2) steps back out sharply in trip after adding another minor placing to the tally last start at headquarters. Strips rock-hard fit and has Toeroek sticking. Can measure up. HAYAI MESU (5) was below her best last time at Oakbank but has best figures that stack up. Don't overlook as a top three chance. Last start winner HOUSE SPOUSE (3) also deserves respect.
RACE 2 - Tricky race to assess with a stack of first starters engaged. LA ROUX (6) is a Zousain filly on debut for Phillip Stokes who shoulders a solid record with first starters. Has impressed in her jump-outs and is expected to make a bright start. EAGERLY AWAITS (5) is a Written Tycoon filly on debut for the sharp juvenile stable of Price & Kent Jnr. Was pushed out in most recent jump out when finishing second at Cranbourne, so expecting her to be forward enough. The booking of Nunes reads favourably and she looks one of the main hopes. DAMPEN (1) is best placed out of the raced pair. Showed good early speed on debut, only to be claimed late. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and can take this out. BLISS BOMB (3) and PRETTY PERKY (9) are on top of the other debutants. From smart stables so deserves respect, especially if the market agrees.
RACE 3 - SECRET WONDER (3) is a three-year-old Supido gelding on debut from sharp juvenile stable of R & C Jolly. Has impressed in his lead-up work, striding athletically to take out most recent trial. Bright start anticipated. DYER (1) has shown to possess a fair share of ability on his day but has just lacked consistency. Wasn't quite up to scratch last start at Gawler but if he brings his A-game he will take some beating. TEARDROP ROTATION (6) has returned in good order this campaign, unlucky not to make it two on the trot at the latest. Should be hitting her straps third-up and is among the key chances. COSMIC RIDE (4) showed good early dash and stalked the pace last start before drawing clear to score at Balaklava. Will go forward and should be threatening.
RACE 4 - IN THAT MODE (3) was much better with a change of tactics last start when racing more prominently, battling on fiercely to just miss a well backed winner. Has more to offer and is drawn to advantage. Will take some stitching. CRIMINAL ART (7) finds the maiden win elusive but it hasn't been without trying. Had plenty of admirers again last time but could only manage to finish fourth at Strathalbyn after she was well back on straightening. Should be hitting her straps third-up and gets another good chance to break through. ZOUNORMOUS (11) did her best work late here last start to grab third. In the mix on best figures and is a top-three hope. MISS RUBICK (10) best of the rest.
RACE 5 - PELEVECCHIO (12) did her best work late and finished third last time at Balaklava when resuming. Improvement to come second-up and she should appreciate the added trip. Can measure right up. PETROL HEAD (4) failed to live up to market expectation on debut last month. Has been freshened and has Nunes sticking. Sharp improvement anticipated. SEA ROADS (5) has only been seen once to this point but has been well supported in early markets and is worth another look. ROB THE BANK (2) was solid enough in his return and can get into the finish.
RACE 6 - OAKLAND RAIDER (1) has his share of ability on his day, expecting him to relish this drop in grade. Never looked likely here last start when settling back but the form from the race has stacked right up. Cherry-ripe now in fitness and is aided under the big weight with the 1.5kg claimer engaged. Sharp bounce back anticipated. LUNESSA (4) over did it two back at Strathalbyn but was much more measured last start on the main track, just succumbing late. Should be giving herself every chance again out in front and gains the services of leading SA hoop in Milnes who rates them so well in front. Expect her to take some catching. RICH LADY (9) is another that has good early speed and some peaks that measure up. Still yet top break through but is a chance here right down in the weights. INTACTO (5) was much better second-up when narrowly missing and should hitting her straps now. Right in this. SUN FLIPPER (2) beat home Oakland Raider on debut at the beginning of the year. Keeping safe.
RACE 7 - MERCHELLE (7) lengthened nicely late to just miss when resuming at headquarters two weeks ago. Should tighten right up following that outing. Nicely placed to go one better. HALLSTATT (3) picked up nicely in the lane to just miss the minor placings last start at Gawler. Shoulders a strong record at this track and has best figures that measure right up. Right in this. SHISUTA BO (9) booted up from the inside draw to sit on the speed last start then stuck on well to finish a head away in second at Balaklava. Has enough tactical speed to offset the tricky draw and should be in this for a long way. GRINZINGER ACE (4) wasn't far off the mark first up and has drawn to get every chance.
RACE 8 - BALISTIQUE (9) drove hard to get the verdict on debut at Strathalbyn. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt and gets in low at the weights again with the 2kg claimer piloting. Can repeat the dose. SOUTHERN SHOOTER (2) kept coming but just missed picking up the winner last start at Murray Bridge. Has race fitness on his side now. Placed to advantage so expect another forward showing. SUNDOGG (5) doesn't win out of turn but has gone better than his form suggests in his last two. Gets the chance to take closer order from the inside alley and can make his presence felt. BELLAVARDO (6) is expected to show good improvement second up and a key booking with Nunes aboard.
