Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KEEP SAFE (1) had excuses in the run before the spell but go on the solid third here when on debut in January. Tuned up for this with a recent Doomben trial win and draws low from the Heathcote camp. Can make a winning return. DIVINE GEM (4) placed three of four over this track and trip before the break and looks to be nearing a maiden victory. Should be going very close. BEEN A SECRET (7) wasn't too far off them in town before the spell and will find this assignment a touch easier. In the mix while fresh. DIAMOND HEELS (8) gets 1.5kg off with the claim and may earn some minor money. THANKYOU HENRY (2) placed over this course and distance when facing the starter for the first time and will have come on with that run now under the belt. Cannot be ignored.
RACE 2 - TERMAGANT (10) resumes here but didn't do much wrong in her first preparation with a second at Ipswich on debut before getting the job done over this track and trip before the spell. Has since been given time to furnish and can go right on with it now. Looks the one with the most upside. RUSSIAN PINS (14) is one from one over this course and distance and is usually thereabouts. Top-three commodity on best form. PINK CASHMERE (12) strips fitter second-up, draws the inside alley and gets 1.5kg off with the claim. Ticks a few boxes. KERNEL BOOM (5) may earn a cheque.
RACE 3 - SMOKE 'N' OAKUM (7) resumes here but showed enough in his first preparation to warrant serious consideration in a race like this. Revved up for this with two recent trials and must be respected from the Bruce barn. Rates the testing material. ITZA MOTZA (5) has gotten better with each run this time in and will be at his peak now fourth-up from the spell. Gets some weight relief and looms as the main danger. ROTHESAY'S LAD (6) has placed two of three over this distance range and is improving with racing. Top-three candidate.
RACE 4 - NEVER GIVE UP (8) loves it here around this circuit with two wins and a second from just four attempts. Strips fitter third-up from the spell now and rates a serious contender. The well-related COOL ENCOUNTER (5) has placed two from two over this course and distance and rarely puts in a poor one. A must for the exotics players. Former NSW galloper ASHFALL (17) will find this much easier than what he was facing down south and a watch on betting is advised while fresh. MISHANI MISSILE (12) next in line in a race with plenty of chances.
RACE 5 - PRIVATE TENDER (5) wound up strongly but just failed to pick up the winner when fresh from a spell as favourite last start over 1200m at Warwick. Will take a lot from that hitout and is nicely placed to play a major role. REPHRASE (17) has been well in the betting in both outings this campaign and where there's smoke there's fire. Worth another chance. HALLSIDE MARTINI (10) gets well in at the weights with the 3kg claim and may run a race while fresh.
RACE 6 - KARIACTION (7) was a solid third at this circuit on debut before getting the job done in the heavy going here last time out. Is sure to have derived a stack of confidence from that victory and winning hoop Hellyer sticks. Looks the hardest to toss. SOCK'EMSID (1) was a touch disappointing last time but did string three wins together on the bounce prior. Worth another chance. HOT PROFIT (6) will be rock-hard fit now and goes well for Thornton. Top-three contender on best form.
RACE 7 - RING ME UP (2) will be rock-hard fit now fourth-up from the spell and is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley. Gets the deadly Waller/Orman combination and should give backers a big sight. GIDDY GAN'S JOY (5) has won over this staying test and has been thereabouts in recent efforts. Right in this. AU REVOIR (8) was too bad to be true last time out but the form prior was good enough to play a role in this contest. Can bounce back.
