Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FORMAL (3) is an ex-Godolphin gelding returning and makes his stable debut for the Nathan Doyle camp. Did hit the frame when last resuming at Ballarat over 1000m. Will be forward for this after a recent trial win at Beaumont (Newcastle). Looks set to run well for the new mentor. SOLAR SURFER (5) failed to make an impression when stepping out for his debut over 1000m at Kembla Grange back on August 17. Returns a gelding and gets the blinkers on first time race day after trialling well in them. Can give this a shake. ROYAL COMMODORE (4) is a Sooboog gelding on debut for Terry Croft. Placed in a trial leading into this. Worth watching for a betting move. TURF FEVER (6) has been trialling well so must be kept safe on debut.
RACE 2 - ROCKBARTON FLASH (9) has shown promising signs in his first three starts. Took a nice step forward last start on the Beaumont when closing off solidly into the frame. Peaking now and looks the one to beat. THE BENTLEY (3) was a long way back last start but hit the line well to grab fourth, 2.3L behind the top pick. Has another wide draw to contest but strips rock-hard fit and is worth good thought. FIGHTING DAUGHTER (10) turned in a strong run last time when she settled well back before running on hard to be beaten only half a length into third over 1400m at Coffs Harbour. Drawn to take closer order this time and is among the chances. MR CROWNING MOMENT (6) is a likely improver with a run under his belt. Is from a sharp stable so keeping safe.
RACE 3 - SWEET MARLENE (6) was denied narrowly from resuming a winner at Coffs Harbour. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt and she has shown to possess enough tactical speed to offset the wide alley. Bold showing anticipated. MAGIC SHANNON (11) is a locally trained mare who produced a good effort when narrowly defeated last time at Taree over 1308m. Drops back slightly in trip on short turnaround and is drawn softly. Big threat. WHISPERING MURIEL (14) progressed nicely second-up when closing off nicely into the placings, beaten less than a length. Nearing his peak now and gets in well at the weights over added trip. Can measure up. STAR PREDICTION (3) is worth keeping safe on debut.
RACE 4 - JACK DUGGAN (6) is going better than his form reads. Will appreciate getting weight off and should be hitting his straps now with the four runs under his belt. Leading player. HUNTER BRED (7) built on a nice second two starts back at Wyong with a win as public elect over this trip on the Beaumont. Can measure up. LIKE LUKEY (5) continues her terrific run of form when bringing up the hat-trick at the latest. Expected to settle back early and launch late. Last-start winner PUNJABI LANDING (2) should be peaking third up so could go on with the job.
RACE 5 - ETUDE (7) couldn't live up to market expectation fresh but was far from disgraced, closing off strongly into second. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt and gets in low at the weights with the 2kg claimer engaged. Bold showing anticipated. CUTEPI (5) broke through for her maiden win over 900m at Newcastle last time. Sparingly raced and has more to offer. Shaping up nicely and she is a great chance to go back-to-back. SHE'S A BAD GIRL (11) wound up strongly last time out to finish third over 1000m at Dubbo. Gets weight relief and will appreciate the added trip. Can threaten. EXOREALM (6) is yet to strike through this campaign but has turned in some sound efforts. Peaking now and gets a key booking in Bullock. In the mix.
RACE 6 - RUSH HOUR (1) was well below his best fresh when tackling a handy field at Wyong. Much better than that run suggests and has a solid second up record. Faces an easier assignment so he can play a big role. SHIHAB (3) finished a head away from Heir Apparent when resuming at Kempsey. Will trim down second-up. Placed to advantage so expect another bold run. HEIR APPARENT (6) is ticking along nicely. Raced on the speed and kept going to score by a head last time out over 1000m at Kempsey. Tougher this time but he deserves plenty of thought. TOOMUCHINFORMATION (17) wasn't far away fresh under the big weight at Tuncurry. Gets significant weight off and steps out to a winning trip. Right in the mix as well.
RACE 7 - RIVER PAT (7) is busting to break through, putting the writing on the wall when beaten a neck at Newcastle. Strips rock-hard fit and is drawn softly. Bold showing anticipated. CATCHY TUNES (8) was well supported last time on the back of a win at Bathurst two starts ago but was below her best. Steps back out in trip and can bounce back sharply. LADY SOAMES (1) returns and will be looking to pick straight back up from where she left off last prep. Two solid trials in readiness should have her forward enough to play a role. WHISPERING CATE (10) has returned in solid form this campaign and finds another suitable assignment as she drops back to a winning trip. Expected to measure up.
