Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - QATARS CHOICE (9) debuted over 1100m at this track three weeks ago and did a good job to finish within a length of the winner after travelling just behind the leading division. Out of Fenway who won a Group 1 Vinery so this extra trip should be more to her liking. CONCHIERO (1) led and just failed to hold on when runner-up on debut over 1100m at Wyong last start. Should bounce straight to the lead again and will take catching. PINITO (8) made it three minor placings from as many career runs when third over 1100m here recently. That was her first run in 18 weeks so there is improvement to come. BEHAVIOUR (7) missed the kick and was always behind the eight-ball on debut over 1200m at Canterbury a fortnight ago. In the market that day so might pay to follow. POWERS OF OPAL (11) resumes. Will be better over more ground but can surprise while fresh.
RACE 2 - ENRICHED (4) has not raced since finishing last on debut to the crack colt Switzerland in a small field over this distance at Randwick on 17 February. Trialling nicely and looks ready to run well in what is a far softer assignment than that last outing. SOUND BANKER (8) did her best work late to get up for second on debut last time out over this course and distance. Capable of going one better with that experience on board. Godolphin's CELERITY (3) is back from a six-month break. Raced twice in the maiden campaign, finishing a close fourth on debut in the Lonhro Plate then failing in Straight Forward's Silver Slipper. Aiming a bit lower to launch this prep. Definite contender. INNERVISIONS (2) led but found one better close to home when resuming over 1000m at Hawkesbury recently. McDonald takes over. Should give a bold sight. INDECISIVE (11) resumes. Gelded over the break so might be one to keep an eye on in the betting.
RACE 3 - NIGHTINGALE (8) led and gave a kick but was swamped late and missed the placings over 1300m at this track last start. Scored comfortably over this distance at Newcastle at the same stage last prep. Will give them something to catch. HANAU (1) has started favourite at all three runs this prep but is yet to find the placings. Ran on well without threatening last time over 1400m at Sandown. Best form comes at this trip so don't write him off. THERE THERE (9) has been getting back in her races and finding it hard to make an impression. Gets the blinkers back on today so might be a surprise packet down on the limit in a small field. EDITED BY (6) will be better for the run but can sneak into the frame while fresh from a four-month lay-off. IMPERIAL FORCE (7) returns for a second campaign. Three-year-old taking on older horses but he showed a bit last prep and should be in the finish.
RACE 4 - BONITA QUEEN (9) led clearly when they straightened but her condition told, and she found one better late in the piece when resuming over this distance at Canterbury last start. Led all the way and bolted in second-up last prep over this trip. The testing material. RAGGA RAGGA (8) resumed with a dominant all-the-way win over this course and distance three weeks ago. Lightly raced mare who has plenty more to offer. STRAPPARSI (3) picked up nicely but just ran out of ground when resuming over this journey at Hawkesbury recently. Always improves with that run under her belt so expect her to be in the finish again. MONTE KATE (6) returns for a second campaign. Measured up to this class when last in work so cannot be overlooked. LOVERO (2) resumes. Has two wins and two placings from six first-up runs. Must be respected.
RACE 5 - YORKSHIRE (8) led all the way and easily accounted for a depleted field over 1300m at the Kensington track last Wednesday - it was little more than a track gallop hence the quick back-up. Heading for better things and looks the one to beat again. HOUSE OF CARDS (12) trotted in when fresh from a 29-week spell over 1300m at Hawkesbury recently. Yet to prove himself at metro level but he looks to be back in great order so deserves another chance. ROCK EMPIRE (9) last appeared when down the track in the Caulfield Guineas last October at just his third start. Doesn't meet a deep field here. Betting the key. Looks a race in three - the ones to throw in trifectas and first fours for value are JURISPRUDENCE (13) and AGITA (4) who are returning from spells and expected to improve on what they do this afternoon.
RACE 6 - MISTY LEGEND (9) impressed when successful first-up over this distance at Wyong then started favourite but was disappointing over 1100m at Canterbury last start. Drops 4kgs and 1000m is more to his liking. Can make amends. MAFIA (1) led and won with a leg in the air over today's trip at Kembla last time out. Building a nice record at five furlongs so although this is tougher, he is a genuine hope. The speedy LIPSTICK SWING (6) loves this trip. Scored first-up at Wagga then led but found the winner too good here at this distance last time when fresh from a 44-day let-up. Will give them something to catch. Last start Newcastle winner OUTISHKA (5) absolutely flies over these sharp distances so she cannot be ruled out. CUSTO (3) has returned in great shape and deserves another chance in town.
RACE 7 - INFLUENTIAL (7) was two months between runs when a close second over this course and distance last time out. Talented gelding who has contested four black-type races so the Waller camp has an opinion. Ready to win. CAPTAIN MAVERICK (9) was just fair to the line when returning from a year on the sidelines recently over 1500m at Rosehill. Better for that run and is worth some though back in midweek company. MALABAR (10) just missed at Wyong last time and has a fine record at this stage of the prep. In the mix. ALL IN THE MIND (2) was poor in the Forbes Cup last start but won at Canterbury the run before. Worth another chance. CAMPALDINO (5) is a new arrival in the Waterhouse/Bott stable. Has been gelded since a couple of wins to close last prep in NZ. Betting will paint the picture.
