Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FIRST LINE (8) has returned from a spell in fine order and her first win is not far away after finishing third here as favourite over 1200m nearly 5 weeks ago. With 100m less to travel, she can get the job done. LIGHT FORCE (3) is resuming as a gelding and was third on debut earlier in the season on this track. A recent trial placing will make him hard to beat. DYNAMIC THEORY (2) is showing plenty of pace in both of his races to date, finishing runner-up at Launceston and most recently at the Devonport poly track 3 weeks ago. He cops a tougher draw this time but will still be among the main chances. DUBAI AFFAIR (7) is resuming from a spell with 2 handy trial wins to her credit. She is perfectly drawn in the ace and with the advantage of a 2kg claim, she adds to the puzzle.
RACE 2 - MYSTICAL DIAMOND (15) won the latest of 2 public trials and is making her debut from the strong Adam Trinder stable. She benefits from a 2kg claim and will have plenty of admirers. Can win. ICE CRYSTAL (13) is heading the right way after finishing a brave fourth at Launceston just over 2 weeks ago after doing a lot of work outside the leader during the run. She is peaking third up and her first win is not far away. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (7) fought on well enough to finish third over 1400m last start and may be better off over 1200m for now. Craig Newitt picks up the ride. Each way. GAZZA'S SPIRIT (2) put the writing on the wall when finishing a head back in second place here 12 days ago. He can go one better here.
RACE 3 - PINANDI (8) has found it hard to win another race and was running on strongly over 1800m at Devonport on the poly track last time out after being blocked for a run. She cops a wide gate but should stay out of trouble and her only win did come over this trip. On top. MILES 'N' MILES (6) ran on late over a mile here 12 days ago to finish third and finally gets back out over a middle distance. Stick with him. Can win. TIDEFORD (10) is still a maiden but has been holding his own in this grade at his last 3 starts. Each way claims again. DISTRUSTFUL AWARD (2) was just over a length from the winner when finishing fifth here last start. She cops a wide gate and can figure in the finish. Include in all combinations.
RACE 4 - SCARLETTI (2) has been racing well off wide draws and finally cops a decent gate fourth up from a spell. He has 3kg less to carry this time and will be hard to hold out. GEMS EAGLE (4) is showing promise and will be peaking third up and the extra 300m is ideal. A wide draw is no help but he is poised to put his best hoof forward. SUNRISE AT KIRRA (10) came home with a rush to finish third over 1200m here nearly 5 weeks ago and the extra furlong will be ideal third-up. She will secure a cosy run early from the ace draw. WANNABE ZIGGY (11) steps up to 1400m third up and is closing in on her first victory. With the right run, she can take this out.
RACE 5 - SILVER DAGGER (11) was a beaten favourite at Launceston last time out finishing third when getting back in the field on a muddling pace. The step up from 1200m to 1400m will suit her and she will be hard to hold out. Follow your money. KAKIA (3) had a tough trip at Launceston last start when trapped wide. He has the blinkers removed for this and has a superior gate. Top local hoop Daniel Ganderton picks up the ride and the pair merit healthy respect. THONATUS (2) has been racing consistently this season and should be suited by the drop back from a mile to 1400m. A wide gate hurts but he still has each-way claims. APRIL'S DANCE (9) tried hard last time out when finishing runner-up here nearly 5 weeks ago and is capable of going one better with some luck from a wide gate.
RACE 6 - BINE (4) has been thereabouts this season and was running on strongly when finishing fourth at Launceston just over 2 weeks ago. She is drawn to receive the run of the race from the pole position and should go close to taking this out. STREET DIVA (3) has been well-placed to win all 3 of her starts this season. Top hoop David Pires is back in the saddle, replacing an apprentice, and she can make it 4 wins on the bounce. ESPRIT DIVA (7) had an issue last start here when chasing a hat-trick of wins. She may be better suited to the shorter trips for now and she is expected to bounce straight back into the money here. STARDARMUS (2) is a handy gelding who is building his form nicely, finishing fourth here 12 days ago. He will be peaking third up and can take this out.
RACE 7 - BLONDE STAR (2) came home with a rush to score by a neck to make it 2 wins from her last 3 starts. She is facing a similar field and with only an extra 2kg to carry, she can win again. SUN HALO (5) finished third as favourite at Launceston just over 6 weeks ago and won't mind if the track is rain-affected. A wide draw is no help but over a mile he will have plenty of time to find a handy spot early on. Each way claims in an even contest. RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (1) fought hard to the wire when finishing runner-up here 12 days ago and he looks well-placed at this easier level after a 3kg claim. He has a good gate and can go one better. KABOOM KABOOM (3) can be hard to catch and has the winkers back on after finishing eighth here last time out. Stick with her.
RACE 8 - THE INEVITABLE (1) is a top local sprinter who was good enough to finish fourth in the G1 Stradbroke at Eagle Farm last season. He scored by a nose at Launceston last time out and will be even sharper third-up from a spell. On top. KALIUWAA FALLS (5) had an excuse when finishing seventh behind the top pick in the same race last time out. He normally hits his straps about this time in his prep and he can figure in the finish at some value. THESPIAN WATERS (6) was only beaten by a nose behind the top pick last start and has a superior gate this time. He will have to be at his best to turn the tables and another honest run is expected. FIRST ACCUSED (2) ran his best race this prep when finishing third on the Devonport poly track last week. He won't have any fitness concerns and is capable of another top 3 finish in this.
RACE 9 - METAVERSE (3) has been racing in good form this season and deserves a crack at some decent prize money. He drops 4.5kg from his last start and from a good draw in a tougher field, he has each-way claims again. ALWAYS A WINNER (9) made the most of a cosy run and was far too good last start when beating the top pick by over 3-lengths. He has a tougher draw this time but is in a good space and can repeat the dose. DANTES (6) was ridden cold early from a wide gate last start and roared home late to finish fourth, racing greenly down the final stretch. He has a better draw this time and is expected to be right in the finish again. CONUMDRUM (2) was trapped wide throughout last start and still managed to finish fourth. He won before that and will be among te hardest to beat in this as well.
RACE 10 - VERBANO (3) will be peaking third-up after finishing close up in sixth place here 12 days ago when racing in tight quarters. She can camp just off the leaders this time and if the gaps present themselves at the right time, she is capable of taking this out. FAST THINKER (2) had been finding it hard to win up until 3 starts ago and since then he has posted a hat-trick of wins. He is still very well placed at the weights and from a handy gate, he can take them all of the way again. FREAK ON A LEAD (1) was runner-up behind the second pick here last time out and meets that runner closer in the weights this time. He is an honest gelding who is always an each-way chance. REGATTA (6) should have finished closer last start after finding trouble in the run. He has had some gear changes since then and will be a quick improver. Don't risk him.
