Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SOUNDS UNUSUAL (2) looks close to a win after finishing in the money at both runs, the latest when third at this track and trip. Has ability and with scope for further improvement he is one of the leading chances. THE BEAST (11) was strongly fancied when second last time over 1600m at Hawkesbury after being prominent at the corner. That was his third runner-up result from just four starts. Major player. ANA CAROLINA (4) draw wide and finished fifth when resuming from a spell last start over 1600m at Hawkesbury. Draws the inside this time and will strip fitter. THINK WE'RE THERE (3) is deserving of a win after finishing runner-up in his last three outings, missing by just a nose in his last two. EPIC STATEMENT (5) is worth a place in the exotics.
RACE 2 - GOODLUCKTOME (5) did a good job when he stuck on for second when resuming from a spell last start over 1250m at this track. He'll be fitter for that and can take advantage of a lower draw. Can take care of this field. THE ENCHANTER (11) produced a nice effort when second in a rich maiden on debut last start over 1100m at Nowra, beaten 1.8 lengths. Breaks from a wide draw but has upside and should pay to follow. MAORI CHIEF (9) only beat one home when resuming but had shown promise at the maiden campaign. Blinkers go on and will be fitter so is worth another chance. XINGXING (12) resumes after just one run in the first campaign where he finished in the money at Newcastle. Trialled well and is likely to have developed with maturity. COLD BREW (2) must be respected off a close second on debut.
RACE 3 - QATARS CHOICE (10) resumes from a spell of four-and-a-half months having raced just twice at the maiden campaign, placing on debut at Warwick Farm. Tuned up with a trial and is likely to have developed with maturity. Set to return in style. SCINTILLA (12) resumes from a spell of six months. Showed some promise at the opening preparation and has had the benefit of two trials leading into this. Can make an immediate impact. JAYASHREE (6) resumes after four months but looks ready to go following a minor placing in a recent Rosehill trial. Could get off the mark. TAKE ACHANCE ON ME (14) returns off a win in his latest trial so keep him safe.
RACE 4 - LADY EXTREME (4) is ready to strike after seconds in both runs since a spell. Missed by just a nose when resuming here then boxed on last start at Randwick over 1200m, beaten 1.4 lengths. Jay Ford who has two wins when partnering and stays on. Won her only third up attempt so will be cherry-ripe now. LANCASTER BOMBER (3) is another with the hoof on the till after back-to-back placings, last time finishing 2.2 lengths away in second at this track and trip. Has the speed to take advocate of the inside draw. Big chance. DECEIVE (5) returns to the city in winning form, scoring by 0.9 lengths over 1200m at Goulburn last time out. Could go on with it. WALKIN'TALKIN' (6) has won second-up before so could improve.
RACE 5 - POCKETING (2) found the line in great style to score by one length last start over 1400m at Kembla Grange at his second run back from a spell. Yet to miss the top-two and should enjoy the longer trip so can go back-to-back. OH DIAMOND LIL (6) broke through for her maiden win over 1400m at Kembla Grange last time, leading and kicking away to score by 4.5 lengths. Sparingly raced and has more to offer. LUSKAIRE (4) brings good form from Newcastle, leading throughout from this barrier to win easily two back and boxing on for second last time. Can give a big sight. VALETUDO (7) has been close-up in both runs since a spell and could peak third up.
RACE 6 - WAR STAR (4) led throughout to win his maiden two back then came to the city and gave a sight last time, sticking on for third and beaten 1.2 lengths over 1600m at Warwick Farm. Draws out but shows promise and could be looking for this longer journey. SMART LEGEND (6) was only beaten 2.4L when fourth at Warwick Farm over 1600m last start and is suited up to a trip where he has placed in both previous attempts. SHE'S GOT VEUVE (11) has been solid in two runs since a Wyong win and draws for a soft run. INVESTMENT (8) is going well and can perform strongly again with blinkers on.
RACE 7 - TIME TO BOOGIE (10) made a strong return when missing race rival Iowna Merc by just a nose at Randwick last start, continuing his strong form from last campaign. Races well second-up so expect he'll be improved and should enjoy the favours from the inside stall. IOWNA MERC (4) is hard to knock having progressed with each run this time in, progressing to beat Time To Boogie when third-up last start. Draws wider but is at his peak. OUR KOBISON (3) placed in the Starlight Stakes fresh then was a beaten favourite but only 1.4L behind Iowna Merc last start. Yet to miss a place at this distance and has won two of three third-up attempts so can show his best. BRUDENELL (1) draws well and is proven third-up so looks ready to show more. PEREILLE (5) must be respected after running on to miss by a nose in the Razor Sharp last time.
RACE 8 - UNLEESHING (11) has the hoof on the till following seconds in both runs since a spell. Chased well over 1200m at Rosehill last time, getting within 1.2L of the winner. Won the only time she attempted this distance. Can deliver today. MANUSCRIPT (7) went forward and gave a great sight before finishing third last time out over 1200m at this track. Can cross from an awkward gate and could prove tough to get past. RECRUITER (4) stuck on well last start to finish second over 1200m at Goulburn. Won his maiden two back at Hawkesbury, the only time he has attempted this distance. Go well from the inside stall. OPAL FIELDS (1) is building a handy record at this journey having delivered as favourite last time out at Hawkesbury. Can feature in the finish again.
