Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - It's hard to go past HIDDEN RUBY (1) in the opener following her impressive 1.3L victory here 21 days ago. She sat off them there and pounced as favourite, winning comfortably and running good time. She only rises 1.5kg and this looks to set up similarly for her. Looks set to bring up back-to-back wins. PRINCESS CHUNK (4) resumes today without a trial, but has been successful when fresh in the past. Chanel Cooper takes the ride and the mare will carry no weight after the claim. Drawn nicely and she adds an element of intrigue into the opening event. ALL ON BLACK (3) dead-heated two back before a disappointing effort over 1623m last time out. He drops right back in trip which is a niggle, though his recent form suggests he's up to being in the finish of a race like this. LAND OF FIRE (5) can be in the finish if he brings his best form.
RACE 2 - LET SPARKS FLY (4) has been just okay in her past couple, but this looks an easier race than what she's been contesting in her career thus far. She's right on the cusp of her maiden victory and if she can run up to recent efforts, she can shed the maiden tag this time around. THE FINAL BELLE (7) was 20-1 on debut at Pinjarra (S) back in December and was put right away following that effort. Her trials before that effort were solid enough and she's expected to have come on in the break. Can return with a bang with the winkers on first time. MORIAH (6) can build on the first-up run as he gets out to his preferred trip now. ALL CHILL (5) best of the rest.
RACE 3 - ROYAL ACCOLADE (1) just missed on resumption over this course and distance, beaten in a photo finish. He should be better for that effort and Noske is in form of late. Maps for a beautiful run once again and if he can build on what he did first-up, he'll take plenty of beating. LIGHTNING GOLD (3) was beaten only 0.6L over this 1000m at Northam 13 days ago when right in the market. Fiore hops on board now and he too maps for a similar run to what he had last start. This is a similar event to what he was in last time and another bold effort is expected. BAD BOY BU (2) couldn't hold them off over 1300m last start and drops back to the 1100m journey were he was also collared late two back. Form out of his run two back has held up strongly though and a return to this distance could hold the key. Not to be discounted. AMERICAN THIGHS (7) is lightly raced and open to plenty of improvement.
RACE 4 - MUNGO JERRY (5) wasn't far away in his first-up run over this course and distance, with his fitness just giving out late in the race. He should have improved on that effort, which already rates highly in this line up. Can be prominent in the run and take catching. TALK IT UP (1) sat outside the lead and bolted in by 2.2L over this track and trip 28 days ago. Building a handy record here and he too possesses good early speed. Does rise in weight but a repeat effort would see him go close to winning again. DUNBAR (3) caught the eye from the back of the pack last start, beaten 2.2L. Back in trip is a little niggle, though if he can be there to pounce on straightening he'll be finishing off strongly late in the race. HILTON (4) boasts a strong first-up record and has to be included.
RACE 5 - SYMPHONY IN RED (6) closed off strongly at Belmont last time out in an eye-catching effort as a 20-1 chance. Blinkers go on first time today and while he is likely to get back, this is much easier than what she's been racing in. Can storm over the top and get the job done. CELESTIAL FOX (2) hasn't been far away of late and appears to have her hoof on the till. She was beaten just a length last time out and maps for a beautiful run from a nice draw. Cooper's 3kg claim comes in handy and she's sure to make her presence felt once again. DUO MUSO (3) resumes today without a trial, but also lines up in easier company than where she ended last preparation. That run at Ascot was solid and Faithfull strikes at 21% for the Peter Fernie barn. Can be in the finish. SONIC RULER (4) got the job done in maiden grade last start and is not to be discounted.
RACE 6 - WHISKY MAC (4) stormed over the top to win by 0.7L over 1632m last start in what was an impressive victory. He should love the rise in trip and if he can run up to what he did last time out, he'll be very hard to beat. SHE'S A MACHINE (6) rises up in trip again following a 4.6L defeat to the hands of Whisky Mac. She did jump favourite on that occasion though following on from her great form from two and three starts ago. A return to that form should see her put in a much better effort this time. SEND 'EM (5) steps out in trip for the first time and has a nice fitness base under him with fourth solid runs this time in. Disappointed last start, but his run two back put up a competitive figure. Won't be far away. PRAY WITH YOU (1) is ready to go now third-up and out in trip and can be right there when the whips are cracking.
RACE 7 - RYEWOOD (6) steps out to this trip now and boasts a handy record with two wins from 4 attempts. He maps for a handy run in transit and he was a third-up winner in similar conditions last campaign. Fiore hops in the saddle and a return to the winners stall looks likely. IT'S A LANCE (2) was just fair last start but did pull up with a few issues in a tougher race following a win in this grade two starts back. Expecting him to turn his form back around the the aid of the 3kg claim. CAPTAIN ROGERS (5) is hard to knock on recent form and is on the quick turnaround today. He's performed well off the 7-day back up previously and the inside draw can see him prominent in the run. Expecting him to be right in the finish. SO LIKABLE (4) can go on with the job today following a strong all-the-way win over 1760m last start.
