Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - LITTLE SANDY (11) chased gamely into the frame when resuming at the latest. Improvement to come second-up and she's drawn to get all the favours. Ready to hit the board. MASKED MARAUDER (7) is a Toronado gelding stepping out on debut for Tom Dabernig. Has shown good ability at the jumpouts and is expected to play a major role. Will just need some luck from the wide alley. THEY CALL ME DUSTY (4) returns. Showed positive signs in his last run of his debut prep when closing solidly into second here. Similar effort has him featuring. THE MARINER (3) showed good early toe last start at Hamilton but was swamped late to just miss the frame. Can offset the wide draw quickly and be in this for a long way.
RACE 2 - ZAIN PRINCE (1) progressed nicely second-up when running into the frame at Strathalbyn. Open to further improvement third-up and deserves a lot more respect this time. Leading player this time around. MONOCHROMATIC (12) enjoyed a ratings spike last start at Penola when finishing just shy of the placings. Should be nearing her peak now with the three runs under the belt. Big chance. NEXTONE (8) has shown good tactical speed in his last two but has been caught late. Expect him to race prominently again and prove tough to reel in. I'VE GOT THAT (9) came from a long way back to finish midfield last start at Penola. Has found it tough to hit the winner's board but gets weight off and is right in the mix on best figures. MEIKA TATE (11) has struggled to get off the mark but has shown some positive signs back in Vic. Back in trip and down in the weights. Holds claims.
RACE 3 - STOKKE (14) got off the mark in impressive fashion here on debut and then was far from disgraced last start at Sandown-Hillside. Easier this time and clearly shoulders her share of ability. The one to beat. NUDGE 'EM ALONG (3) is knocking on the door. Drops back in trip on the short turnaround and is among the main hopes. SMART RETURN (5) got off the mark in impressive fashion three back at Horsham and then went narrowly close at her next start. Not as effective last time at Bendigo when tackling tougher opposition but is well-placed back in this grade. One of the chances. GRAND HOST (2) was below his best when resuming at Murray Bridge. Improvement to come second-up as he drops back to a preferred trip. In the mix. DREAMZEL (7) got off the mark in nice style here at the latest. Will take confidence from that win and can take another step forward.
RACE 4 - A TOUCH FROSTY (2) was a barnstorming winner two back at Murray Bridge when shedding his maiden tag. Was no threat for the winner last time but found the line nicely in a tougher grade. Rise in tip suits as he drops back in grade. Leading player on recent form. IMPOSING SUSPECT (3) was below his best last start here but had been racing in much better order prior. Strikes an easier assignment this time and among the key chances on best figures. SAVABOO (4) drove hard to get the verdict here at the latest. Slightly tougher this time but deserves consideration. SEA OF SECRETS (8) chased solidly into fourth last start at Penola. Should be nearing his peak now and is drawn nicely. Don't dismiss.
RACE 5 - Intriguing race to assess with many of these locking horns last start. PENSLEY (8) did his best work late when resuming here last start. Strips fitter second-up and is a great chance to break a long run of outs. OAMARU POPPY (11) led them up last time but was swamped late to miss the frame. Expecting her to charge forward again from the wide draw and give a bold sight. HOT ROD BOY (1) comes through the same race and proved the victor after rattling home from a rearward position. Carries more weight this time but is open to further improvement third-up. Big chance. LORD CAT (2) and YOURJOKINGME RIGHT (3) next best.
RACE 6 - CRACKLE 'N' BURN (5) didn't give his rivals a sniff when resuming here last start leading pillar-to-post. Improvement to come with that run under the belt in a very similar assignment. One of the key chances but carries more weight. DETNAW (6) doesn't win out of turn but rarely turns in a poor one. Was closing hard on Crackle 'N' Burn last start and now meets him 4kgs better. Big chance to break a long run of outs. THUNDER PARK (8) comes through the same race. Is the weight horse with 2kg claimer in Houston going on. Can finish a lot closer. NICCOLITE (1) has struggled to threaten of late but has been tackling much tougher opposition. Strikes a fairly easier assignment and can bounce back sharply. CHILL WITH TEEJAY (4) best of the rest.
RACE 7 - LUNA DIVA (6) enjoyed a ratings spike last start at Penola when missing by a nose. Drawn much kinder this time and is open to further improvement. Leading player. MYLITLESTARTHATCAN (10) showed good tactical speed last time at Penola, only to be gathered in over the concluding stages. Fitter again and can give a bold sight. PYTHAGORAS (1) doesn't win out of turn but should find this easier as he journeys across from Vic. Rates highly on best figures and is one of the key chances. INNOCENT PEGG (12) has done a good job to finish in the frame in her last two. Is experiencing a long drought but can be very competitive if she can hold her form.
