Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CHOSEN MISS (4) found her right grade at Balaklava last start and was back in the winners' circle for the second time in her past 5 starts. This is not much harder and she should find it still within her range. Hard to beat again. TEMBU BOY (3) only battled home for a midfield finish at Morphettville-Parks 8 days ago and will find this company more to his liking. He is showing promise as a stayer and should be the main threat to the top pick. RED SEQUOIA (6) was runner-up behind the top pick at Balaklava 2 starts back and then too strong for a weak field at Gawler last time out, scoring by 3 lengths. If he backs up quickly he is a chance again. Each way. WEST CLIFF (1) did not get into the race last start but is better than that and is usually very competitive in this grade. He is worth another chance. RUN AND TELL (2) has been in good form at Gawler recently and has never missed a cheque on this circuit in 4 starts, including 2 wins. He goes close in this.
RACE 2 - LORD VALEN (3) is knocking on the door with back-to-back second placings to open this campaign and he will be peaking third up. He has a nice swing in the draws this time and can go one better. TALKIN' ITALIAN (2) was only beaten by a head at Balaklava 11 days ago which was an improvement on his fourth placing fresh up at Oakbank. He has 3-kilos less to carry this time and that could make all the difference where it matters most. Hard to beat. GEOKAUN (1) was trapped wide last time out and lacked a final kick that day. His form before that was solid and with a superior gate this time, he can bounce back into the money immediately.
RACE 3 - HARD PRINCE (2) had his first run in South Australia when resuming and finished runner-up at Gawler. The extra 150 metres is just what he wants and he is poised to go one better this time. STAR VALOUR (5) has been running on in both of his starts to date and should be at his peak fitness third up. If he can stay in touch early on then he is capable of having a say in the finish. GOLD SPY (1) picked up some late ground on debut at Murray Bridge over 5 weeks ago and has been given plenty of time to get over that effort. He will be improved by his race day experience and with the blinkers on for the first time, he can figure in the finish. ANABOLIC (7) found some form at Port Lincoln last start when running third. She is suited by the pole position and won't find this much harder. Stick with her on an each-way basis.
RACE 4 - TENNESSEE MAGGIE (12) showed improvement in her second start since shifting from Victoria earlier in the season and was runner-up at Gawler 18 days ago. She will be spot-on third up with her fitness and should get the job done this time. NURYS (8) was fourth in the same race as the top pick but has a worse draw to contend with this time. She had a brace of minor placings before that and should still be thereabouts in this. OPPORTUNE CHANCE (9) made up some solid ground at Gawler last start when finishing fourth and just over 2-lengths from the winner. She has had her chances in the past to win a race and that elusive first victory is not far away. Include in all combinations. CROWN AND ANCHOR (1) has mixed her form in this campaign and after a big run for second at Oakbank she was only plain at Balaklava last time out. She is worth another chance at odds from a handy gate.
RACE 5 - BOLD JAKKAL (1) is resuming from a spell at a very competitive level after racing in stronger company over ground last year. 2050 metres is as short as he wants but he should have the edge on his rivals here. On top. GOTTA GO GURU (9) built strongly to a deserved win as a short-priced favourite last time out at Balaklava 11 days ago. She is suited by a middle distance and should go right on with the job now. Each way. KETCHIKAN (6) was runner-up behind the second pick last time out and has filled a similar spot in 3 of his last 4 starts. Surely his first win is not far away. Include in all combinations. WANNASCHMACK (3) made up steady ground from well back when running fourth as favourite at Gawler last start and was only half-a-length off the winner that day. An extra 350 metres is ideal and he will be right in the finish again.
RACE 6 - LOTZA BUBBLES (1) won a trial before producing a big finish for second at Oakbank last time out just over 4 weeks ago. She slides right down in class for this and also gets a tougher gate but is still the one to beat. AGRESSIVE BEE (6) capped off some strong form to post an overdue maiden win here just over a month ago when leading all of the way. She has the right draw to try similar tactics and will be hard to peg back again. HEY MIKKI (8) still has a lot to learn but showed her true ability when winning a soft maiden at Bordertown a fortnight ago by nearly a length. She had more in the tank that day and could take the next step immediately. HOLLANDAISE (5) just battled fresh up and looked much better with the blinkers on and winning a recent trial. If he can bring that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. Watch the market moves.
RACE 7 - HAYAI MESU (8) has not been too far away lately and jumps from the pole position this time. She meets the right sort of field and it could be her time in the sun. Todd Pannell sticks with her and so do we. FORTIS IN ARMIS (2) was beaten by a nose when resuming at Penola and then peaked on his effort late at Balaklava last time out. He will be spot-on with his fitness now and should go close to taking this out. MIDNIGHT RUSH (1) has been freshened up since a poor effort at Murray Bridge nearly 6 weeks ago when a soft track was against him. He can turn it around on a firmer surface in this. Each way. CLUB PUNTER (5) might have found 1550 metres a touch too far last time out and did not race up to his short quote of 4/1. He has been placed in both of his starts on this track and is worth another chance. Include in all combinations.
