Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MAGIC BELLE (7) was run down after leading up on debut here three weeks ago and will be improved by that experience. This field is not strong and she should go one better this time. SEEYOUATTHESESSION (3) might be better off over the shorter trips after peaking on her run late last time out. The blinkers come off and she is open to rapid improvement. Each-way. NOVATORIO (8) has had plenty of trial experience and should measure up in this on debut. Check the market moves. ROYAL ACCOLADE (1) will find this easier than his last two starts before going for a spell. He has had a trial and should be right in the finish.
RACE 2 - CARDY BLAST (8) has improved in her last two trials and has the blinkers on for her debut. The Williams/Pike combination is deadly around this course and she is the one to beat. SUPER QUEEN (7) caught the eye when finishing fourth on debut. Expect even more this time. Each-way. KIMBERLEY CURRENCY (2) has been run down as favourite in his past two starts at Geraldton. He is worth one more chance with 100 metres less to travel this time. SALT LAKE SHAKE (3) was also run down on debut after setting a quick pace up front. If he can pace himself a bit more evenly here he has a chance of a top-three finish.
RACE 3 - MINGORA (3) did not fire in a stronger field at Kalgoorlie last time out after a big effort for second there prior. William Pike steps into the irons and he is worth another chance in this. Follow your money. KENTUCKY BLUE (6) will be peaking third up from a spell and will find this an easier assignment than his first two runs this prep. Each-way value. LINDEN'S GOLD (2) was a tough winner last time out and made it two wins on the bounce. The step up to a mile is ideal and he can complete the hat-trick. JARMAN (1) is a tough veteran who finds it hard to win but he can never be ruled out of a top-three finish at this level.
RACE 4 - BELGRANO BELLE (2) has made a bright start to her campaign and probably should have finished closer to the winner here last time out had she not hung in during the run to the line. She has a superior gate this time and can have the last say. LORD GANNICUS (3) did not fire in two starts last prep but is so much better than that. He looked good in a recent trial and is capable of giving this a shake. Leave him out at your peril. CIVVY STREET (1) was only a short head back from the winner in second at Ascot last time out and will find this a touch easier. He is backing up quickly and can go one better. BELLE JOURNEE (6) came with a well-timed run to get up late and score by a narrow margin here fresh up and will enjoy the step-up in journey for this assignment. Go again.
RACE 5 - OUR NEMESIS (1) followed up an easy trial win with a big effort fresh up at Ascot when finishing second by a nose after looking all over the winner. He will be sharper for that hitout and should get the job done here from the perfect inside gate. HEARTFORD HOUSE (2) had no hope last start after being trapped wide throughout form a nasty gate at York. He has a much more favourable draw this time and is worth another chance. ROCKET STORM (16) had plenty of trial experience before making a solid debut for third here a month ago. She will continue to improve with racing and is a sound first-four chance again.
RACE 6 - WHO BE WHATEE (1) needed his fresh-up run at Ascot and was not knocked around in the run to the line. He will find it a touch easier here and the step up to 1400 metres will suit him. Hard to beat from a handy draw. On top. MARINSKY BALLET (2) will be peaking third up and she did not have much luck at York last time out. The extra furlong will be in her favour and she is ready to put her best hoof forward. LORD RANDOLPH (3) is dropping right back in distance after some average efforts over longer journeys most recently. Hopefully, this tactic can bring about a change in fortune for this gelding. One more chance at odds. FRIES WITH THAT (5) should be nearing his peak fitness now and most notably he has William Pike back in the irons. The blinkers come off for the first time and he is worth including in all multiples.
RACE 7 - CASINO SEVENTEEN (1) is coming in fresh over a mile but does have three trials under his belt. He normally comes to hand quickly and the Williams/Pike combinations are always the ones to beat on the Cup circuit. On top. LET'S GALAHVANT (7) did not have much luck at Ascot last time out after some strong placed form before that. He will get the run of the race from his perfect inside draw and he is up to winning a race like this. GINGER BAKER (4) led all the way at Belmont over a month ago and has a terrific record over a mile. He has come a long way in the last 12 months and with similar front-running tactics, he can win again. POMPEY (12) is working his way through the grades and has earned himself a shot at a nice race after a tough win at Ascot last time out. The step up to a mile will be no problem and he is a great second-string chance for the powerful Williams stable.
RACE 8 - TRULY RELIABLE (1) is knocking on the door after back-to-back second placings, including a grinding effort here last time out. He can get the run of the race from a perfect inside gate and he is certainly due a winning turn. MY FAIR BALENTINE (5) has been thereabouts without winning for over a year now and the extra 400 metres this time will be in his favour. Another honest effort can be expected. OLDEN (4) keeps on plugging away in his races and the same can be expected in this. Include in all combinations to be on the safe side. MISTER POPCORN (2) has been given a freshen-up since an impressive win over this trip when resuming on this track. This field is not strong and there is no reason why he can't win again.
