Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DIVAKARA (1) has been knocking on the door of another victory with consecutive runner-up finishes this campaign and strikes a winnable contest here. Has placed two from two around this circuit and looks the runner in this field with the most upside. Rates the testing material. KOVANOS (3) shed the maiden tag over this track and trip at the latest effort and will have derived a stack of confidence from that win. Looms as the main danger. RUMBLING AWAY (2) was a touch disappointing last time out but go on the solid Poly win here two back. Worth another chance. BOLD TYRANT (5) has been just behind the placegetters in all three runs this preparation and may earn some minor money. The well-related HEREDITARY (4) (full to G1 winner Ugo Foscolo) best of the rest.
RACE 2 - TRAPEDO (13) has hit the top-five at her past five starts and will find this easier than what she faced in town last time out. Rates a serious contender. STRIKE THE HEART (12) has placed in both outings since joining the new stable and strips fitter third-up from the spell. Top-three candidate. SILVIO DANTE (5) was well in the betting when resuming at Ipswich and where there's smoke there's fire. In the mix. HERECOMESANTORINI (2) gets 2kg weight relief from the favourable draw and may earn some minor money.
RACE 3 - NIGHTSTICK (7) has placed two from two around this circuit and continues to race well this preparation. Comes right into it following a few key scratchings. ZAHER (1) has been rock solid in recent efforts and now strikes a winnable race fourth up. Drawn well and looms as a major threat. COMMANDMENT (6) was a good winner last start and while this is harder, she has to be included on her home track. BELLA TIVACI (3) the best of the rest.
RACE 4 - Tricky race to assess with a few of these facing the starter for the first time. Of the raced brigade BLUE MOVES (11) has placed two from two over this course and distance since joining the new stable and Wilson-Taylor sticks in the irons following that last-start placing. Drawn to get a perfect run in transit from gate three and should be right there when the judge calls a halt. CAMBRIDGE BAY (5) is on debut but has shown ability at the trials and any market support must be noted. ABSINTHE CAT (1) has gotten better with each run and may earn a cheque with the 2kg claim. KENNY THE BAKER (8) is sure to be well-educated from the Vandyke barn and should be kept safe. IMMINENT BOOM (7) next in line from the inside alley.
RACE 5 - Looks a wide open contest. MERCIAN (3) returned in fine fashion with a strong win over this track and trip and will take a bunch of confidence from that first-up victory. Winning hoop Thornton sticks and should get a cosy run from gate three. Likely to feature in the finish again. FLY FIFER (9) resumes here but the form she showed before the break was good enough to be competitive in a race like this. Revved up with a recent trial here and can run a big race while fresh. THE GAMBLING GREEK (4) should sit on speed and will give backers a sight. BELEGATO (6) was a good winner first up and wouldn't have to improve much to go back to back.
RACE 6 - This could turn out to be a solid form race. DAMO DAYZ (1) saves his best form for this six-furlong journey winning four of six and gets some weight relief with the 2kg claim. Will be rock-hard fit now fifth-up from the spell and a strong showing would not surprise. The well-related SULTRY SIREN (7) (half to 2xG1 winner Shadow Hero) has hit a purple patch of late and it's hard to ignore mares in form. Another to get some weight off and should be right there when the whips are cracking. NO NAME FRANK (4) hasn't done much wrong with two wins and a placing from three outings to start the career and looks to have plenty of upside. Top-three credentials. STREAK OF WINNING (12) got the maiden victory out of the way here on debut and shouldn't be underestimated.
RACE 7 - PARTY FOR TWO (2) resumed in good order placing at Listed level at Doomben and will find this assignment much more to her liking. Strips fitter second-up from the spell and should be going very close in this contest. VIMINELE (4) has a win and a second from two starts over this track and trip and will find this easier than what he was facing in town before the spell. Can run a race while fresh. SKIRT THE LAW (5) grows a leg for Maloney who has three wins and two placings from seven steers. Respect from the Gollan stable. BUSTING (10) is one from one over this course and distance and has been right there in all three runs this preparation. Top-three conveyance. EPIC PROPORTIONS (7) best of the rest in a race with plenty of hopes.
RACE 8 - KUBWA (6) got the job done over this course and distance at the latest outing and actually drops 3kg in weight from that victory. Is a three-time winner around this circuit and should be right there at the business end. BONDED AFFAIR (3) has only missed a drum once in five outings around this circuit and gets some weight relief with the claim. Right in the mix on best form. IVAN'S HERO (1) hasn't done a lot of winning but strikes a winnable race in his return and a key booking with Maloney aboard. LIBERTY STEPS (4) is more than capable when right and appears the next in line.
