Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DEMPSEY RAE (2) thirteen-start maiden who finds his right race today. Ploughed through the heavy (10) going late when a close-up third over 1005m at this track on May 31. Go close. CLUSTER'S GENERAL (1) returned for second prep with an encouraging second over 1005m at this track on May 31. Strips much fitter now and the winkers go on. Can go one better. SHUKKAS (9) drops in weight for this after disappointing when tenth over 1205m at this track on May 31. Go on run two-back when a fighting fourth at Grafton when assessing her chances. Place prospects best. ALL TOO EDIE (4) much better effort on resumption when caught the eye late to finish fifth over 1100m at Armidale on May 28. Well drawn and has solid each-way claims.
RACE 2 - COOL FIZZ (2) hard fit mare who showed good speed from the outset when leading throughout over 1000m at Taree on May 27. The 3kg claim helps today and expected to go close again. SEPTEMBER GIRL (4) back into her right grade here after sticking on well to finish sixth over 1205m at Grafton on June 8. Maps well and has good figures this track and trip. SHE'S A REVELATION (7) lightly raced filly in need of the run when resumed to finish sixth over 1005m at this track on May 31. Fitter now and can play a leading role. LADY TULESSA (1) fitter now and back in trip after finishing sixth over 1100m at Armidale on May 28. Will relish the 4kg claim and gets her chance from the draw.
RACE 3 - MONTE CRUISE (12) Deep Field filly who returns from a lengthy spell after disappointing on debut when eighth over 1000m at Hawkesbury on September 2. Won a recent trial in good order over 805m here on May 31. Gets weight relief with the claim and has the ability to take this out. MAWSONS EXPEDITION (6) is a three-start maiden who strips fitter now after resuming with a tough on-pace fourth over 1005m at this track on May 31. Will go out hard and take a ton of catching. TALMA I LOVE HER (8) first-up after six months stuck on well when fifth over 1005m here on May 31. Placed three times at this track and has second-up form. Has the speed to get across from the awkward draw. Each-way. BUN IN THE OVEN (9) first-up after five months sat on the pace when a tiring fourth over 1000m at Taree on May 27. Fitter now and can sneak into the minor money.
RACE 4 - NAAHRO (1) no excuses today fifth-up from the good gate. Strong late when third over 1400m at Taree on May 27. Extra distance suits and should be able to hold a forward position. IDOL SHOT (6) placed twice from three runs and looks desperate for the 1400m. Will drift back early and charge late at good odds. ALASKA DE LUNE (5) looking for a better performance here after plugging late when sixth over 1400m at Armidale on May 28. Can run into the minor money. SASKATOON BERRY (8) best performance for some time when third over the 1405m here on May 31. A repeat of latest can see her play a leading role.
RACE 5 - RUMEUR (7) Kiwi gelding who finished fourth in G3 company over 2100m two starts back, before dropping out sharply when 14th over 2180m at Ipswich on May 22. Pulled up with thumps and heat stress at latest and can turn things around quickly today. DIAMONDS FORDAYS (12) having her third race start today and should get the trip after running a plugging fourth over 1890m at Newcastle on June 1. This is much easier and Ben Looker takes the ride. HIGHLAND RAIDER (2) placed this track and trip and gets weight relief with the claim today. Ran on late when sixth over 1900m at Taree on May 27. Finds a weak race to take a hand in the finish. MONTE KAHUNA (10) found form at his last two outings and worth plenty of thought after running fifth over 1735m at Grafton on June 8. Backs-up quickly and must be considered.
RACE 6 - ROSSY'S TYPA GIRL (2) well placed in this company and has won over the mile. Will relish the 4kg claim after failing to get into the contest when eighth over 1400m at Taree two-and-a-half weeks ago. Has the figures to bounce back to form today. TIDLER'S WISH (12) up sharply in trip when getting off the mark at start four with a surprise win over 1405m here on May 31. Handles the conditions and the 1615m shouldn't pose a problem. ROSE BETWEEN THORN (11) failed to get into the contest with the 57.5kg when sixth over 1435m at Grafton on June 8. Ready for this trip now and can run into the minor money. GLOBAL SENSATION (8) drop in trip and weight will help his cause after making up good ground late when sixth over 1735m at Grafton on June 8. Will be strong late.
RACE 7 - FUN ENUFF (7) going nicely through his grades and has won three of his last four starts. Trained on the track and back in trip here after winning by a nose over 1410m at Grafton on April 30. Will appreciate the weight drop and maps well. BUTCH'N'BUGS (2) has finished runner-up at his last two outings and a win looks imminent. Strong late when second over 1500m at Murwillumbah on May 24. Has a good record over this trip and looks good each-way value. FRENCH MARINE (1) holding his form well on the provincial and city circuits and looks ready to win. Sat on the speed from the outside gate when a gritty nose third over 1300m at Warwick Farm on June 5. Just needs some luck from the sticky gate. CLIPPER SHIP (10) racing well in easier company and has a solid record over this track and trip. Will relish the good early tempo and can sneak into the minor money.
RACE 8 - MONTE DRIFTER (5) over the odds at latest when returned to form with a slick 1.75 len victory over 1015m at Grafton on May 16. Will relish the 3kg claim and has the ability to finish over the top of these again. GOLDEN DUBAI (4) improving gelding fitter after two runs back. Lone win came over this track and trip and looks ready to win with Ben Looker taking the ride. NICCI KNEE KNACK (8) resumed from a lengthy spell with a gutsy second as favourite over 1000m at Taree on May 20. Wilkes rides again with the claim and look for him late. SPEEDY TARGET (2) had to work hard from the wide gate and paid the price late when a fading 10th over 1000m at Taree on May 27. Well drawn with the claim and sharp improvement is expected.
