Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - JANNY (8) was beaten 1.5L at Ascot first-up and met some trouble late. She will run along from the rail and the gun hoop sticks aboard the William's-trained filly. On an 8-day return and fitter will be tough to beat. MINING LEGEND (2) resumed with a solid effort at Kalgoorlie and has plenty up the sleeve. Draws to stalk the lead trail the lead and fitter is a live chance. LET SPARKS FLY (9) disappointed at Northam but impressed just missing at Belmont on debut prior. Has a handy barrier and CJP is reunited. Expect a much better effort. CANGGU (3) led beaten 1L on the Pakenham synthetic (Victoria) on debut and has switched west on a 55-day return. Has trialled at Lark Hill and needs to be kept safe.
RACE 2 - Tricky. DESERT SLEEVE (4) brings a close second over 1190m at Moora after solid efforts at Northam and Belmont. Has a low gate and handy 3kg claim. Will race forward and should see out the 1400m. Gets his chance. KIRALUI (14) missed the placings on debut and then made sharp improvement beaten 1.3L at York. Has an inside gate and a leading rider sticks. Fitter looks up to the challenge. BEAU TALK (7) raced on the speed at Northam on resumption and faded late. He's improved and will have taken fitness and learning. Has a wide gate and that's a query. CHAMP LA DANE (11) draws even wider but brings a near miss from York and it was a good effort. Will give most a start again but can feature with average luck in the run. SECRECY (2) resumes and is a betting watch. Will race over further and usually needs a run. Has good ability.
RACE 3 - PROCESSIO (12) debuts for the top barn and brings a solid trial. Draws handy and Pike is a key jockey engagement. The betting moves will tell the story. CABLE GIRL (6) resumes and is also in good hands. Looked promising at Belmont on debut and was spelled after a plain effort at Ascot prior. Has had two soft trials and CJP rides and has been with her throughout. PROMISED BRIDE (2) resumes and has placed 6/8. Has been away 238 days but has the blinkers on the first time and positions forward. SOIE NOIRE (8) is in the mix after a nice debut.
RACE 4 - MAXINE'S WISH (7) won a Lark Hill trial and led at Northam on debut beaten a whisker. Draws to advantage and Harvey sticks. She won't have to improve much to be winning. KING OF FRANCE (6) resumes and has shown enough to suggest this is winnable. Ran here best race fresh over this distance and Pike is a key jockey booking. Will be naturally improved and should go close. WEAPONS HOT (9) improved sharply at his second start beaten a half-length at Northam. Did a good job after settling in the back half of the field. Will be looking to jump quicker today but fitter is a chance regardless. SUPER SNIPPY (1) resumes and was good early in the initial preparation. Should be ready to go but has an outside barrier to manage.
RACE 5 - KILLARNEY (4) was spelled after two narrow defeats and then settled too far back at York over 1500m resuming but caught the eye late. Raced a 2-1 favourite in that and has more to give. Pike stays aboard and is striking at 28% with the yard. Fitter and should have these well covered. COVENTRY REEF (3) will be fitter and has back-form over this distance that would see him competitive. May need one more but keep him onside. MOON DOG (1) improved again placing at Belmont over a mile as favourite and then lacked a finishing dash at Moora. Is running out of chances but looks a trifecta hope forgiving the latest. PRIX D'AMOUR (8) has been giving away starts but has the nose roll applied today for the winkers. The Belmont effort two-back would have her around the mark. ICEBERGS (11) is a likely improver and may be next best.
RACE 6 - EXPELLIARMUS (4) is third-up and rises to his preferred trip. His figures are good for this. He gets the nod. SAMARIA (3) is a leader peaking off two narrow defeats. Has to run out the extra 190m but a 2kg claimer is booked and she will get every chance. LOVA SESSION (5) deserved the Northam maiden win dropping back to the mile. Chris Parnham rides again and the mare may go on with it now. GRATIAS DEO (8) needs this distance and has placed 2/3 second-up. Has a small claim and is worth consideration.
RACE 7 - YONGA LASS (6) resumed at a short quote and was much too good in a Northam CL3 over 1400m. She's further improved and stepping up to the mile is ideal. In a top yard and the gun jockey sticks. The one to beat. ARCADIA STAR (4) resumed at Geraldton off Listed grade and was beaten a nose over 1413M. Has strong figures at this distance and goes well second-up. Needs a good ride from the awkward gate. DESENNEA (5) won a Northam CL1 fresh and built on that placing at Ascot at the mile. Has a sticky barrier but has more to offer. MEGAMI (1) certainly has the ability but spoils things with slow starts. Peaks now and Chris Parnham stays in the saddle. Trust is required but no surprise if she goes better.
RACE 8 - CHOLLIMA (14) resumes and showed plenty the brief first preparation in decent company. Goes fresh and expect CJP to manage the awkward barrier. The one to beat on what we've seen. LITTLE SILVER (2) will be better for the two runs back at Belmont and raced favourite the latest in better class beaten 2L. He will lead or box-seat and fitter is a danger. CRUISE TO VICTORY (7) is busting to win comes back 192m. Will ride the speed from the rails gate and is a player. AROOCHACHA (6) peaks for the potent Pike-Williams linkage and may be looking for the longer sprint. Races forward and will get every chance.
