Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GREENIDGE (7) has finished third in both of her starts this season after shifting from Victoria and is having her first run on her home track. The blinkers are back on and with Jacob Opperman in the saddle, she is the one to beat this time. VALIEVA (11) had a tough trip last start and despite racing greenly throughout the run, she still finished a close-up fourth place. She will be peaking after 2 runs back from a spell and is the main threat to the top pick. UNIVERSAL ROCK (10) has been improving with each start and led a long way at Horsham 2 weeks ago when finishing runner-up. She is likely to be hard to peg back here as well. Stick with her. THE PHARMACIST (2) won a trial prior to his last start fifth at Oakbank just over 2 weeks ago. He will be spot-on with his fitness now and is poised to show his true worth.
RACE 2 - GOOD BLOKE (3) did well to finish fourth in a stronger field at Morphettville 8 days ago and cops a much kinder draw this time. He will be peaking third up and in this field with an extra furlong to travel, he is the one to beat. KINDLY (11) did it tough off a wide trip on debut at Bordertown nearly 3 weeks ago and is perfectly drawn in the pole position this time. She will naturally improve second up and can figure in the top 3 this time. OLD MATE BLUEY (4) will be peaking third up and was devoid of any luck at Horsham last time out. He will find this company more to his liking and he is ready to put his best hoof forward in this. AM I THE DRAMA (6) has been trying to break through for some time and has the benefit of a 4kg claim. With the right run, she can run into te money for the first time this season.
RACE 3 - ELLIOTTO (2) has changed stables since a poor effort at Hamilton nearly 4 weeks ago after a promising effort for fourth fresh up at Warrnambool. He has some ability and in this field, he could be the one to side with at some nice each-way value. JURA VAUDOIS (8) was a touch better last time out when finishing fourth at Strathalbyn and has the blinkers off for the first time. She meets the right sort of field and can have a say in the finish this time. SMASHING ACTION (13) is heading the right way and was only beaten by a neck at Strathalbyn 9 days ago, following on from a third before that. She has a good draw and can go one better. LIKE A DIAMOND (12) caught the eye late last start and appears the next in line.
RACE 4 - PEAKY RIDGE (9) changed stables before her last start at Bendigo where she finished at the rear of the field in a stronger field. The blinkers are on for the first time and from the pole position in an easier field, she is expected to improve quickly. On top. SUFFOLK STAR (6) got going late to finish third at My Gambier fresh up 2 weeks ago and will improve with more racing. The longer home straight here will suit him and he has each-way claims again. HIT THE SLOPES (3) has been thereabouts all season and won't lack fitness. Include in all multiples. JACKSON RUN (5) dropped in class and immediately bounced back into the money when finishing third at this level at Oakbank. The blinkers are back on and he can run into the top 3 again.
RACE 5 - EARLY WARNING (8) has found it hard to win another race but is seldom far from the action. She ran on strongly at Horsham last time out when finishing runner-up, half-a-length from the winner and the extra furlong on offer here is ideal. On top. ESKY (2) fought on bravely when finishing third at Oakbank last start and has not missed a cheque in 3 starts over this trip, including 2 wins. He is drawn to get the run of the race early on and with 4kg less to carry, thanks to a claim, he will be hard to hold out. FROM THE BASEMENT (6) will be peaking third up and will find this easier than his last start at Ballarat. The extra 388m is ideal and he can have a say in the finish this time. Each way value. FIZIQUE (5) had an excuse at Strathalbyn 6 weeks ago and as long as he did not miss much work, he can bounce back into the top 3 placings here.
RACE 6 - FOREVER WAITING (2) won here 3 starts back at this level and was near that sort of form last time out at Horsham 2 weeks ago when finishing third. She slides down a class and is the one to beat. TESTA DEXTA (1) failed to finish last start and is backing up 9 days later. She has won on this course in the past and is worth another chance, especially if the money comes for her. JOHNNY CIGAR (10) can mix his form but is capable when right. EAGLES FOREVER (3) strips fitter second up and has the advantage of the pole position. Each way value.
RACE 7 - BIG MAV (1) fought on bravely when finishing third at Bordertown last time out and has the blinkers off for the first time. The extra furlong will be in his favour and there will be no fitness concerns fourth up from a spell. On top. ANRUSHKA (6) battled away steadily despite racing greenly at Mt Gambier a fortnight ago, finishing fifth. She drops in grade here and from a handy gate, she is worth each-way consideration. NAVY GOLD (3) just battled at the end of his last prep in far stronger fields than this. He is resuming from a spell with a couple of tune-up trials under his belt and is good enough to take this out fresh up. Watch for him late. MIDNIGHT RUSH (2) weakened out of it late in a higher grade at Murray Bridge last time out and has been placed on this track in the past. With some luck from a wide draw, he is worth including in all combinations at a price.
RACE 8 - EMERALD REWARD (11) has been holding his own since winning his maiden fresh up at Mt Gambier. He was runner-up by a short-head at Bordertown last time out and has 4kg less to carry this time. Hard to beat. LUNAR SOLAR (1) is normally very competitive at this level and has won on this track in the past. She is in a good space and should be among the hardest to beat in this. SCENIC HOST (8) is resuming from a spell with a recent trial under her belt. She normally takes a run but this field is not strong and a top 3 finish would not be a surprise. QUIK RHAPID (5) did not fire at Murray Bridge last start but will find this more to his liking. He is worth another chance on an each-way basis.
RACE 9 - SPORTS CHOICE (4) fought on well enough at Mornington 9 days ago and was runner-up as favourite before that at Benalla. She looks to be perfectly placed in this and it is encouraging to see Harry Grace keep the ride. On top. CORK HARBOUR (6) has been thereabouts in 4 starts since winning in this grade on the track last November. He cops a wide draw and will be backing up 4 days after finishing fifth at Murray Bridge last time out. Hard to beat in an even contest. PINCHBECK (2) ran on too late when finishing fourth at Mt Gambier last time out when starting as favourite. The longer home straight here will suit him and he can make amends. Follow your money. LAST WAR (10) is fresh up from a spell without a trial. A 2kg claim will help and if he doesn't need the run, he is worth including in all combinations.
