Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky affair to assess with many of these facing the starter for the first time. SPIRITED (6) was okay over this track and trip when resuming and will strip fitter for that hit-out. Can threaten at odds. STAR AMBITION (4) is a Star Turn cold stepping out on debut for Toby Edmonds. Has impressed at the trials and is expected to feature prominently in his first showing. James Orman sticking off recent trial adds further confidence. KING SPIRIT (3) returns a gelding for the Kendrick team and looks to have progressed nicely from the big gear change. Gets in well at the weights with the 1.5kg claimer on and he's among the main hopes. Debutant RED FEATHER BOA (11) next best.
RACE 2 - KING YOSHI (2) has had all five career starts over this course and distance yeilding two wins and two placings including a confidence building victory last time out. Should be at peak fitness now and winning hoop Orman sticks in the irons. Rates the testing material. CHAKRA BOY (1) rarely runs a bad race only missing the top-five once in ten career outings. Has saluted over this track and trip and looms as the main danger. SOO SWEET (4) resumes here but has placed two from two when fresh and the form she showed last campaign was full of merit. Has to be included. BEACHSIDE BABE (6) is yet to miss a drum in five starts and is a must for the exotics players. ENTERPRISE LUCIA (3) gets some weight relief with the 1.5kg claim and may earn some minor money.
RACE 3 - HELIKEDEMPRETTY (7) was too bad to be true last time out but the three runs to commence the campaign were good enough to feature in a race like this. Has a win and a second from two efforts around this circuit and is expected to bounce right back to form. STORM THE FORTRESS (2) is yet to miss a drum in four attempts over this distance range and has a solid first-up record. Gets Dolan on from the low draw and can make his presence felt. Former Victorian THANKFUL HEART (3) has drawn perfectly in the inside marble and must be respected from the Neasham barn. In the mix. THE INFLICTOR (5) has placed two from two here and may earn some minor money again.
RACE 4 - APFEL (10) wasn't too far away in town last time out and will find this task much more to her liking. Should be ready to peak. The well-related IL TORO D'ORO (3) (half to stallion Delago Deluxe) has placed over this track and trip and strips fitter third-up from the spell. Among the leading hopes. HOW YA BEEN ANYWAY (4) has hit the top-five at his past eight starts and cannot be discounted. PUNJABI LANDING (5) gets blinkers on first time and should be nearing his peak now. Can play a major role.
RACE 5 - ELLA'S WORLD (7) has put two wins together including one over the mile here last time out when making up a stack of ground late. The extra furlong should suit and looks the galloper in this field with the most upside. Will be right there when the judge calls a halt. SIMPLY REFUSE (8) saves her best form for her home circuit here winning two of three and must be respected from the Bruce camp. Looks a serious threat. FAST LADY (6) doesn't know how to run a bad race and is a must for the multiples. The well-related ALPHA JANE (11) (full to G3 winner and G2 placed Pennino) rounds out the selections.
RACE 6 - CAXTON LASS (10) resumes here but had been plying her trade in town before the spell and should appreciate the drop in grade. Has placed one from one over this journey and is drawn to get a soft run in transit from gate four. Has ability and can get off the mark. INCESSANT (5) is unlucky to still be a maiden finishing runner-up on all three occasions. Maloney sticks in the stirrups and rates a serious danger. PICKAXE (2) brings solid Victorian form to the table and gets some weight off with the claim. Top-three commodity. INDUBITABLY (12) strips fitter second-up and hails from an astute barn. Respect. BRING ME SAKI (4) best of the rest in a race with only a handful of chances.
RACE 7 - MATILLY (10) has only missed a drum once in seven career outings and winning rider Stanley stays on board. Has to be included. ECONOMICS (3) comes in on the fresh side after a sound fresh run here but has kept the legs ticking over with a handy trial win. Blinkers going on first time should have him sharpened and the booking of Ryan Maloney reads favourably. Bold showing anticipated. ON HOLD (12) is usually thereabouts and may trouble the judge. BRING ME KASH (2) also shoulders his share of ability and can bounce back to winning ways off a freshen. Don't take lightly.
