Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BLANC VISAGE (3) finished runner-up on debut here but has not lived up to expectations since then. She is resuming from a spell and having her first run for the season. 900m will suit her on the fresh side and a big run is expected. LUDO (1) has been trying to win a race for a long time. His best run this prep was 3 starts back at Dunkeld. He did not have much go his way at Mt Gambier 10 days ago and with Todd Pannell in the saddle, he is worth including in all combinations. IDRACOWRA (6) showed some ability earlier in her career and was runner-up in a recent trial at Oakbank. She has a good draw and this field is not strong. Each way. STREETCAR FURY (2) won his only public trial at Oakbank on Christmas Eve and will have plenty of admirers on debut.
RACE 2 - ANNANDA (11) hit the line strongly at Gawler last time out and will appreciate stepping up to a mile at her third race day start. She will find this easier than her last run and should go close to taking this out. ZOUNORMOUS (10) charged late at Morphettville 6 days ago when finishing second by a head. She cops the pole position and can go one better. GARCON RENARD (6) ran an improved race for third second-up with the blinkers on for the first time and should continue to improve with more racing. Each way. SWISSTA (3) ran his best race yet third up in South Australia for new trainer Garret Lynch. He is on a quick backup and a win would not shock.
RACE 3 - GURU WARRIOR (8) has been steadily improving with each start and showed a lot of courage to stick on gamely to finish third at Gawler nearly 3 weeks ago in a stronger field. He is bred to relish a middle distance and even from a wide gate, he is the one to beat. SAINT BOOM (14) finished seventh in the same race as the top pick and had no luck off a wide trip that day. She too will enjoy trying a middle distance for the first time and is expected to bounce straight back into the money. TURNED LOOSE (13) was beaten by a wide draw at Mt Gambier and on that track when you are trapped wide it is always bad news. She is better placed in this and is worth another chance. SON OF VADAMOS (6) has been trying to win a race for some time and was close up in third at Balaklava last time out. He wouldn't mind some cut in the ground and can figure in the top 3 again.
RACE 4 - REINE OF NINE (4) hit the front halfway down the home straight here just over 3 weeks ago and was too tough, holding off all challengers to score by a short-head over 900m. She stays in the same grade, will be peaking third up, and carries the same weight after a 2kg claim. On top again. QEYAADY (2) has lost his way in his last couple of starts and will find this much easier. He has a reasonable draw and can regain some confidence with a big effort here. INNOCENT SIPS (9) has won 2 of her last 5 starts, including her last run at Port Lincoln when making a welcome return to form. She stays in the same grade and Rochelle Milnes keeps the faith. Stick with her from a handy gate. MY HARUCONI (5) is heading the right way with her form and ran on late when finishing third here just over 3 weeks ago. There will be no fitness concerns this time and with a likely strong tempo being set, she can have the last say this time.
RACE 5 - GOT AN INSPIRATION (2) is proving to be hard to catch and has been a touch disappointing since winning here in November by well over 2 lengths. He is back down to that grade again and has the blinkers on for the first time which should help keep his mind on the job. On top. EASY BEAST (1) is a durable veteran who is still competitive at this level. He will try and work across early on to lead and should take some pegging back again. Each way. DINGABLEDINGA (5) will be peaking third up and steps out to a more suitable trip this time. He has winning form on the course and is ready to put his best hoof forward. PLAISIR (11) is another tough veteran who looks to be heading back into some worthwhile form again after finishing fifth in a similar field at Oakbank. Include in all combinations.
RACE 6 - ROYAL TRAPEZE (1) dropped in company and got the job done by a short-head at Strathalbyn 5 days ago when charging home from well back in the field. He won't find this much harder and while in this sort of mood, he can repeat the dose. DERBY DOWNS (2) failed to fire over 1500m in a tougher grade at Gawler last time out. He might be better off being kept to the sprint trips and with a couple of subtle gear changes, he can bounce straight back into the money. EXALTED KATE (8) has been mixing her form this prep and has the blinkers off for the first time. Rochelle Milnes replaces an apprentice and she can figure in the top 3 this time. OUR DIVINYL (7) is a likely improver second up.
RACE 7 - I'M KENNY (3) will be peaking third up and will find this easier than either of his 2 starts back from a spell. He has 3 wins over the trip and adds to the puzzle. Each way value. HIGH GARDEN (10) is an ex-Victorian gelding who did not take long to break through for her first win when scoring second up at Balaklava 4 weeks ago. She won't find this much harder and can take the next step immediately. LOCA BELLA (16) won well two back and was only 1.8L away in the city last start. Major player with blinkers on. TICK TOCK BOOM (8) is also in the mix.
