Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky race to kick us off with a number of these facing the starter for the first time. Of the raced brigade the well-related HEART AND SPIRIT (11) (full to G1 winner Jonker) returned in good order with a close-up third here and the extra furlong looks to suit. Strips fitter second-up from the spell and should give this a mighty shake. WYNETTE (8) has placed in town in both starts to date and will find this assignment a touch easier. Better for racing and looms as the main danger. FIREUPZOUS (13) didn't measure up in town on debut before being tipped out for time to furnish. Include from the low draw.
RACE 2 - DARK CHILL (1) doesn't win out of turn but has hit the top-four in 11 of 13 career starts to date and this is not an overly strong affair. Has placed four from four over this mile journey and will at his peak fourth-up from from the spell. Shapes as a leading contender. The penny has dropped for the well-related WINTER'S PROMISE (6) (half to G1 winner Grand Journey) who has won two of her past three and is racing with a lot of confidence. Expecting another big run. DECEMBER DIAMOND (8) saves her best form for here on her home circuit and will be rock-hard fit for this. Should appreciate the step-up in trip. STAR CHANCE (9) has won over this track and trip and is usually thereabouts. Can earn some minor money. PENDING (2) best of the rest with Dolan in the stirrups.
RACE 3 - VIKING BLOOD (8) is knocking on the door of a maiden victory placing at the past couple including a close-up second at Ipswich at the latest effort. Gets Mallyon on board from the low draw and should give backers a sight. SHABOOH SHALAA (3) just missed the placings over this track and trip last time out and looks to be improving with racing. Can feature with any luck from the sticky draw. SIR LEONIDAS (5) has placed around this circuit and will strip fitter second-up from the spell. Top-three candidate. MINGARDOS (10) next best in a race with a stack of chances.
RACE 4 - Former NSW galloper REDFORD (4) didn't put a hoof wrong in his first campaign stringing back-to-back wins together and has since joined the new stable. Tuned up for this with a recent trial here and gets the services of Orman in the irons to navigate from the draw. Can continue the winning start to his career. HE'S ESSENTIAL (5) is a consistent conveyance hitting the top-five at his past seven outings and rarely puts in a poor one. Has to be included in exotics. FROSTY BEAR (3) has been right there in recent efforts and will be at peak fitness for this. In the mix. THE PUNISHER (6) has placed two from four over this journey and gets some weight relief with the claim. Solid claims. ZEPHYRZ ZOOM (12) shed the maiden tag last time out and will have derived a bunch of confidence from that victory. Can trouble the judge again.
RACE 5 - LOST HIS BEANS (6) resumes here but showed plenty of ability winning over this track and trip before the spell and has since been given time to mature. Revved up for this with a recent trial here and looks the galloper in this field with the most upside. Can return in winning order. I AM A MARVEL (4) disappointed over this course and distance before the spell but the two wins prior were full of merit. Worth another chance while fresh. EXTREMAARTY (3) has hit the top-four in five of his past six starts and is usually about the money. Top-three contender. THE PLAYER (7) is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley and has won first-up before. Among the better hopes. CURRY LEGEND (9) got the job last time out and rounds out the selections.
RACE 6 - MAGIC ISLAND (4) has been plying her trade in harder races in town and will find this assignment much more to her liking. Strips fitter second-up from the spell and can improve enough to play a major role in the outcome. SUPER DAISY (3) has come back in fine fashion winning two on end over this track and trip and it's hard to ignore mares in form. Has to be considered. DEAR PRUDENCE (10) is one from one over this course and distance and will have come on with that first-up run under the belt. Top-three commodity. HI JULES (9) broke the maiden status when resuming and will have taken confidence from that victory. Can go back-to-back to start the campaign. CITY CHICK (5) has been racing well in lesser grade and gets in well at the weights with the claim. Cannot be discounted.
RACE 7 - FARWEST (6) is a consistent commodity hitting the top-five in eight of his past nine outings including placing two from two around this circuit. Drawn to get a cosy run in transit from gate four and will be right there when the judge calls a halt. SAVILEO (2) was a touch flat last start but the three placings prior were full of merit. Worth another chance. DON QUIXOTE (7) gets Dolan on top to navigate from the tricky draw and can feature with any luck in running. AROUND THE BUOY (3) has placed two from four here and may earn some minor money.
RACE 8 - OCEAN ZAR (1) looked good winning at Eagle Farm before the spell and has since tuned up for this with a recent Deagon trial. Gets plenty of weight off with the 3kg and a strong showing while fresh would not surprise. ANTONITO (11) went down by the narrowest of margins when resuming and is sure to have come on with that run now under the belt. Can go one better against this lot. HOUSTON ROCKET (6) has placed five from six around this circuit and is rarely far away. Top-three candidate. STRIKING PLAINS (3) is a bit of a hit or miss type but can feature if he brings his A-game. Respect any market confidence. TORQUE I TEE (2) next best from the Kendrick barn.
