Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - PIPING WILLOW (3) ran on too late when finishing fifth off a wide draw at Hobart last time out. He can settle closer to the pace this time from a better draw and will also find this easier. On top. MISS PRIVATE (7) has been trying to win a race for some time but then so have her rivals. She cops her best draw in a while and steps up to a middle distance for the first time. Each way. ALPINE TROUT (1) has a good draw and in this field that may be enough to see him figure in the finish for the first time. MR SHUSH (5) will be race fit now so may be ready to show more.
RACE 2 - DYNAMIC WARRIOR (4) sat close to the pace and closed off his run strongly to finish runner-up, 2 lengths from the winner. He will be peaking at his third start and will relish stepping up to 1400m for the first time. He has a good draw and can go one better in this field. PUZZLE MISS (9) has not had much luck in her last couple of starts and is reunited with Erica Byrne Burke who has been aboard for all her 3 career placings. She is worth including in all combinations. FREDDY'SAJETSTAR (1) seems to be at his best when there is some cut in the ground. He cops a wide gate but with conditions to suit, he can figure in the finish. IN THE CLOUDS (5) can improve second-up.
RACE 3 - KAKIA (3) had to work hard last time out at Launceston and stuck on well enough to finish fifth over 1200m. He tries 1400m for the first time and with the blinkers off, he will be among the hardest to be in an even contest. WITHIN SIGHT (4) was chasing a hat-trick of wins at Launceston last time out but had a tough trip and only battled home into sixth place. She has a superior gate this time and can resume her winning ways. ARAYA SUNSHINE (8) made up some late ground at Hobart last start and has the blinkers put straight back on for this assignment. Each way claims again. LINDRUM (5) is a consistent gelding that has been given a freshen-up since finishing runner-up at Hobart just over 8 weeks ago. She drops from 2100m to 1400m and can give this a shake.
RACE 4 - GEE GEE CAN WIN (2) has not won for some time but may have found the right race this time. He is at his best over this trip and cops his best draw in a while. He is seldom far away and he could make a winning track debut with the right run here. GINGERSON (6) fought hard to finish third in tight quarters at Hobart last time out. He is drawn to receive the run of the race early on and should be right in the finish again. MISS PEBBLES (7) took a long time to win a race and then went close to making it a double before running on late to finish sixth at Launceston 4 weeks ago. She is in a good space and has each-way claims again. OLE OLA (3) has been racing her way into full fitness and was trapped wide throughout last start. The blinkers are on for the first time and from a superior gate a form reversal would not shock.
RACE 5 - VINTAGE DIESEL (3) has not won for some time and had no luck at Launceston 3 weeks ago when travelling wide throughout. He was third at this level before that and has a senior hoop back in the saddle this time. He is rock-hard fit and can break his drought in this. PINANDI (8) did not have much chance at Hobart 5 days ago when settling a long way back early on with a muddling pace up front. She was near enough before that and can bounce back into the money here. CLIFTON DANSEUR (1) will see out the trip better than most and was runner-up in a recent trial on the track. The blinkers are back on and he can get a slice of the finish this time. BULBUK (4) only folded up late 5 days ago at Hobart when finishing sixth after leading. He will be sharper for this assignment and is worth including in all multiples.
RACE 6 - ETOSHA (2) shows plenty of pace and has the right draw to find his favoured role in front. He will be peaking third up and should be fighting out the finish. PERIWINKLE (5) probably found 1200m a touch too far last time out and will be suited by dropping back to 800m. She has had some gear changes since then and from a handy gate, she can bounce straight back into the money. WHEELING (3) is another naturally fast gelding who likes to force the pace. He benefits from a 2kg claim and will ensure that a strong tempo will be set over the short-course. Hard to beat. FEAR THE STING (4) is also in the mix.
RACE 7 - ZULU ANGEL (4) was unsuited when dropping back from 2450m to 1400m last time out and only warmed up when the race was all over. He has finished runner-up at a trial on this track since then and will appreciate getting back out to a longer journey of 1800m. The blinkers are back on and with less weight to carry, he can take this out. SWOOP DOG (2) has not won for some time but did win his only start on this track. He steps up from 1650m to 1800m and is ready to put his best hoof forward. SIR SIMON (1) is a very durable veteran who has won a trial since finishing fourth at Launceston 6 weeks ago. He likes to set the pace which can be an advantage around its circuit and with the benefit of a 4kg claim, he could take some pegging back. EXALTED CROWN (6) races well on any surface and is nicely weighted after a 2kg claim. He is suited by 1800m and can have a say in the finish.
RACE 8 - ROYAL AND TOUGH (1) has been battling to find his best form this season and was a solid fifth over 1150m last time out on the Devonport poly track 12 days ago. He is better placed over this linger journey and should be hard to beat in the small field. ALPINE AFFAIR (2) flashed home late to finish seventh in the same race behind the top pick last time out. He has winning form on the track and can have the last say this time. CARNEROS (3) has been mixing his form but will find this easier than his last couple of starts. The small field will also suit him and he can bounce straight back into the money here. A win would be no shock. EMMJAY (6) is next best.
