Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - PURFECT LINE (5) hit the ground running first-up at Balaklava when showing good tactical speed and fighting on gamely in the lane to be beaten narrowly. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt and has gun hoop in Toeroek sticking. Will take catching. Similarly GREENIDGE (6) held on well to finish third when first-up at headquarters after leading for much of the way. Expected to measure up again. OUR GLAMOUR GIRL (9) started favourite at the last run before a break but could only manage third here, doing her best work late. Can pick up where she left off. Key player. JURA VAUDOIS (7) wasn't far away fresh at Balaklava but struggled last start at Murray Bridge. No shock to see her bounce back sharply third-up. WADAANA (10) returns and has a good early toe on her day. Expecting her too utilise the low draw and should give a bold sight. Worth some thought.
RACE 2 - ARTISSI (5) finds the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Has produced some solid efforts that stack right up here. Won't get too many better chances to open her account. VALIEVA (7) settled towards the tail then wound up strongly to finish in the frame when resuming last start over this journey at Murray Bridge. Will be a major player again. SMASHING ACTION (10) is on a 10-day back-up after finishing in the money at Bordertown. Has a wide gate to overcome but is among the winning hopes. GILDED AGE (2) resumes. Will be hoping they overdo it in the early stages. Watch for him launching late.
RACE 3 - THE TANK (8) is close to breaking through after two consecutive placings, the latest coming when third over this track and trip. Peaking now and holds big claims in this suitable race. IRLANDAIS (3) drifted well back when resuming last start before winding up strongly to just miss when second at Bordertown. Strips fitter second-up and can give this a shake. ICONIC JEWEL (11) will also be better for having a run under her belt and can go a couple better. SOFTLY BLACK (12) was better last start when sent forward here. Expecting them to do the same from the wide alley. Keeping safe.
RACE 4 - PULAMBI (8) made progress last start when finishing in the frame at Balaklava. Strips rock-hard fit and holds genuine claims in this suitable race. OPPORTUNE CHANCE (3) ran below expectations at Murray Bridge over 1400m. Looks well placed dropping back to a sprinting trip. Better run anticipated. COVERT WITNESS (5) returns and makes her stable debut for Judy Streets. Gets a key booking in Holder and is the one to look out for charging late. TEQUILA SUNSET (10) has been poor in her last two after kicking off the prep on a bright note. Willing to give her one more chance.
RACE 5 - LIMBERING (9) had been ticking along superbly before turning in a poor one last start in town when tackling a tougher field at Murray Bridge. Easier this time, perfectly placed to bounce straight back. CHARLESFORT (5) came from well back on cornering and hit the line strongly to score at Oakbank last time out. Atkinson who has scored on him two times retains the mount. Well placed and should be in the finish. FINAL CHANCE (1) was thereabouts last time out when a narrow second at Gawler. Change of jockey to Caitlin Tootell who has a strong record when aboard, including two wins. Has winning claims on best figures. MYRTLE CREEK (12) doesn't boast the best winning strike rate but ran a strong race last time out, finishing fourth and only beaten a length at Murray Bridge. In the mix on best efforts. NAVIGLI (13) got off the mark in fine style here last start when showing good tactical speed. This is tougher but she can threaten.
RACE 6 - FIAMETTE (12) was an eye-catcher fresh when rattling home to just miss the winner at Murray Bridge. Not drawn kindly but will appreciate the added trip second-up and is sure to be launching hard late. FANTASTIC HOST (15) made a mess of his rivals two back at Gawler in this grade. Not as effective last start when sent out favourite but still tried hard to finish in the frame. Gets in well at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged. Nicely placed to return to winning form. LYNDA'S LEGACY (10) lacks tactical speed but has a strong turn of foot on her day. Is another that will drift back early and be saved for the final shot at them. Worth including. MUFFLA (6) is knocking on the door and is a must for the exotics.
RACE 7 - REAL VALENTIA (5) is knocking on the door off the back of two strong chasing efforts. Strips rock-hard fit but will need some luck from the wide alley. Watch for him launching late. THE LAST DANCE (6) is mixing his form this time in but has peaks that stack right up. Suitably placed so anticipating a big run this time. ALFANO (1) returns. Started the last campaign impressively when in the placings over at Murray Bridge and looks to have come back in good order on the back of two solid trials. The booking of Holder reads favourably. ROYAL TRAPEZE (7) has been mixing his form but has peaks that measure right up. Will appreciate the drop in grade and is among the key chances.
RACE 8 - SPEC RAIDER (7) made light work of her rivals over this track and trip two back, then wasn't far away from repeating the dose at the latest. Is ticking along superbly and only needs to hold her form to prove hard to stop. SALUTE THE STARS (5) broke through for a much deserved win last start end a long run of outs. Steps out in trip on the short turnaround and is drawn to get all the favours. No reason he can't win again. DAZZLING PROSPECT (1) has been well below his best in his last two when tackling tougher opposition. Gets a nice drop in grade and should appreciate the added trip. Watch for him launching late. SASUN (12) is yet to strike through this campaign but is knocking on the door. Should be hitting his straps now on quick back-up and can give this a big shake. Just needs some luck from the wide alley. ROYAL VICTORY (3) next best.
