Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FIRST MAID (4) was a barnstorming winner when resuming at Balaklava 10 days ago. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and will be looking to reproduce a similar effort from the outside alley. NOSIE BY NATURE (1) returns. Showed promising signs on debut when getting the verdict by the narrowest of margins at Morphettville. Strips fitter for a handy Oakbank trial in readiness and is among the main hopes. PUTANOTHERCOININ (2) also resumes. Struck through fresh last campaign and then went close in his two following efforts. From a sharp barn and warrants serious consideration. REINE OF NINE (9) got off the mark in nice style over the track and trip two back. Hit the line nicely last start at HQ and now returns to the scene of the crime in a similar grade. In the mix.
RACE 2 - ANGRY SKIES (4) was a determined winner two back but wasn't as effective last start over a shorter trip. The extra 200m will suit and he's a massive chance if he brings his A-game. PRINCE JOFRA (1) is rock-hard fit and racing well. Shoulders a strong record over this journey and is aided at the weights with his well-associated 3kg apprentice sticking. Another bold run is anticipated. FAVOURITE CHILD (11) created all her own luck last start HQ when going forward and proving too good for them. Similar assignment this time and could repeat the dose. PEACEMAKER (9) is in career-best form bringing up the hat-trick last start. Likely to drift back early and be charging hard late.
RACE 3 - ROYAL MAJESTY (7) progressed nicely in her second start when scoring with a bit up her sleeve at Morphettville two weeks ago. Open to further improvement and gets a key booking in Holder. Big chance to win again. DYER (3) is ready to make his return after scoring in great fashion on debut back in March. Strips fitter for an Oakbank trial placing and is among the key chances. DANCING STORM (1) carries the fitness edge over his rivals. Strikes a much easier assignment this time after running into some pretty handy ones throughout this prep. Can improve sharply. COLMAR (2) chased in vain behind Royal Majesty last start but now meets her 2kgs better. Could turn the tables with the right run.
RACE 4 - SMOKIN' PRINCESS (6) made very light work of her rivals here last start. The rise in trip shouldn't be a concern and she gets weight relief with a jump in grade. Expect her to be right up to the mark again. EXALTED FIRE (2) didn't give his rivals a sniff last start on the Parks track when leading pillar-to-post. Usually runs well at this track and well placed to give this a big shake. AMMO AMOR (7) doesn't win out of turn but is knocking on the door. Rock-hard fit and is capable of taking this out on best figures. SILENT COMMAND (4) stuck tough to fend them all off last start. Fitter again and is in the mix.
RACE 5 - TALKIN' ITALIAN (5) made good ground up the fence only to fall just short two weeks ago. Steps out to a winning trip and can take another step forward. THREE RINGS (2) proved too good for them here last start when scoring with a bit in reserve. Not that much tougher this time but will need a smart steer from the sticky alley. KING MOYA (11) continues to knock on the door. Goes well over the track and trip and well-associated hoop in Tourneur sticks. Right in the mix. TACITO (7) is yet to strike through this time in but should find this easier as he crosses the border. Holder reunites for the smart Hayes stable and strikes at 33% for the training trio. Must consider. EVEN SHARPER (10) wasn't far away fresh and is a likely improver that warrants safekeeping.
RACE 6 - HAJRA (10) was ultra-impressive a fortnight ago when making it two on the bounce. Tackles similar company and should appreciate the rise in trip. Every chance to bring up the hat-trick. THE GREAT BABY (1) has found the winner's circle elusive this time in but is racing well. Drops back to a winning trip off a short freshen and is drawn to get all the favours. Big chance to land the winning blow. KOMACHI (4) caught the eye here last start when rattling home into fifth from a long way back. Could land in a tricky spot from the inside alley but is worth plenty of thought. WALLY WEST (8) struggles to put it all together but no doubt has his share of ability. Tricky draw to contest but has a smart hoop in Holder to assist. Don't underestimate. KATIM'S CLUB (7) next best.
RACE 7 - BILLIE BRONX (7) returns and is often well supported by the market. Steps back out over a preferred track and trip and is drawn to advantage down in the weights. Ticks a lot of boxes. EAMONN'S MEMORY (4) drove hard to just miss last start. Out in trip on the short turnaround and is expected to be doing his best work late. METRO LEGEND (2) showed good early toe last star but was claimed late to finish second. Carries more weight this time but is winning chance on best figures. Can also make a smaller case for AIGUILETTE (14).
RACE 8 - LINGANI (13) made a complete mess of her rivals when resuming a Balaklava 10 days ago. Looks to have progressed significantly during the break and is capable of going on with it. Leading player. WALK LIKE AN ANGEL (5) and SURPRISE COMING (4) carry the class, with the latter beaten 0.5L in Listed company just three runs ago. They hit the line together last start when filling the placings but Surprise Coming lugs an extra 2kgs with the claimer taken off. Don't expect there to be much between them again and they are both strong winning chances. KINETIC JEWEL (9) wasn't far away fresh. Out in trip with 28 days between runs is a query but her best form will have her in the finish. GREAT MAXIMUS (2) drops back sharply in grade and also deserves consideration.
RACE 9 - KLABEL (8) took his time to work through his gears when resuming on the Parks track four weeks ago but picked up strongly late fill the frame. Stays at the journey and is drawn much kinder. Expect him to take plenty of stitching. SIXTEEN REASONS (10) is yet to strike through this campaign but has turned in some strong efforts. Drops back in trip with 42 days between runs and gets his chance to take much closer order from the inside alley. Gets in low at the weights and is more than capable of taking this out. MAGIC MAX (3) possesses a strong turn of foot and will most likely need to show it after drawing an outside alley. Shoulders a handy record over this track and trip but lugs a big weight. BOONIE (5) next.
RACE 10 - TIPPA (5) gave a bold sight when sent out public elect a fortnight and tried hard but couldn't hold on close to the line. Expecting him to hunt forward from the wide draw and be in this for a long way. ICHIBANSAN (4) bounced back off a two disappointing efforts with a much better run at HQ last start when finding the frame. Goes well over this journey and carries fitness. Could be ready to see the best of him today. HAYAI MESU (16) closed nicely to fill a minor placing over the track and trip three weeks ago. Rock-hard fit and gets in low at the weights. Right in the mix. Last start winner LONGER ROUTE (13) looks best of the rest.
