Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - WEERAECHOUX (1) came off a wide gate to win the Maiden handsomely here first-up and impressed. Can settle handier in the small field and his 2yo form reads strongly. Fitter and tough to beat. FIVE DOWN (4) is still a Maiden but the 2L defeat here 11 days ago over this distance reads well. Chris Parnham goes on today and will take him straight to the front. Hard to peg back. RED TORI (5) who will be improved off a solid debut effort heavily-backed. DIALLING (2) found a place following the Maiden win and is also in the mix.
RACE 2 - SOLDIERS CAMP (2) resumed here with a nice effort and was found to have cast a hind plate. Was spelled off a strong peak and placed his only second-up run. Has an inside gate and fitter should go close. IDENTIFIER (7) had to do plenty of work to place behind Weeraechoux and he's a good chance in the previous. Has an awkward barrier but would be a hope holding the form. BILL SELECTS (5) placed in the same contest. Draws wide but has the early gate speed to manage. Has more to give and can make the finish again. VITILLA (4) was well-supported on debut but was slow off. Keeps CJP and expect quick improvement. PLAYBALL (8) will be around the mark.
RACE 3 - Tricky. NEW MUSIC (10) was narrowly beaten here on debut when expected to need it. Worked into the race nicely and will have taken fitness and learning. Has an inside barrier and should go close. BONNY ROCK (8) resumes off a couple of tries at Group level. Placed here in an Open 2 at her only fresh outing and won the latest trial easily. Chris Parnham sticks suggesting the filly is pleasing. CHAMPAGNE STREET (9) has figures early doors that would win this. Has an inside gate and in a key addition the blinkers are applied the first time. Pike rides and strikes at 32% with the Simon Miller yard. Keep very safe. KING'S PARADE (6) had trialled well and was spelled immediately after the debut run on wet ground. Jury is out on that and he returns owning a Lark Hill trial win. CJP is booked and a much better effort is anticipated.
RACE 4 - DECORATION (4) built on the Maiden win and then spiked his figures here with an encouraging effort over the mile in better grade. Peaks now and the gun hoop stays aboard. The 1800m should suit nicely. BIG RED HAWK (1) resumed in good order and then did about what the market expected up to this distance. His best came at Stakes level and fitter he's ready to show more. LOVA SESSION (2) built on the maiden win with a narrow defeat at Bunbury over 1690m as a short favourite Has a handy 2kg claim and won't have to improve much to make the finish. DARK LOOKS (3) deserved the Maiden win at this track/distance and will get every chance to build on that.
RACE 5 - Tricky. STEVIE'S MAY (8) showed promise in her first preparation and will be better for the two runs back in stronger grade. Has a handy 2kg claim and is drawn for the run of the race. Gets her chance. LA DETTE (3) resumes for a leading barn and is good enough if presented on song. Has placed 2/2 first-up and brings a soft Lark Hill trial. CJP sticks from that suggesting she's ready to go. FIREY PANZ (9) improved again narrowly beaten at Northam at this level. Has an awkward barrier but rates in the mix. WICKED VENOM (5) will use the rail and can build on the maiden win on debut.
RACE 6 - VALSASSINA (1) improved quickly second-up placing at Northam in better grade. Has a close-up effort at Stakes grade over this distance and is ready to fire. Has the handy 2kg claim and and should enjoy a soft run from the paint. FINCHY (2) resumed here in good order and has plenty up the sleeve. Suited over the longer distance and fitter should go close. HIGHEST AWARD (3) peaks off the near-miss here this grade/trip behind Wango Award. Keeps getting better and is on a 7-day return. She's also a chance. COCKTAIL PARTY (9) also hits this at top and has a key jockey switch to Pike replacing the apprentice. Expect her to lift over a longer sprint and with the blinkers applied the first time.
RACE 7 - GREAT DEMON (2) came back to racing even better winning the CL2 at Kalgoorlie as a short priced favourite. He's promising and presents briefly freshened and drawn the ace. Fitter and looks capable of taking the next step. SPECIAL SORT (1) also seeks the hat-trick building on the heavily bet CL5 win at Geraldton. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and has a handy gate. Fitter again and should go close. ON PATROL (6) is a better chance than the recent numerical form suggests. Has been racing in Open 3s and has the winkers on the first time and a small claim. Keep onside. HESKET (5) is former Victorian who has more to give third-up and has an inside barrier and a key gear switch. On a 7-day return and a hope at best.
RACE 8 - DEETEA (8) was spelled following the deserved CL1 at Belmont and had no luck resuming here with Pike booked. He sticks and the mare flies second-up. On a 7-day return with weight relief and sharp improvement is anticipated. ROCKIN' RUPERT (2) has excuses two-back but the form around that is compelling. Was narrowly beaten here the latest and is on an 11-day return. BUDGERIGAR (7) won the 52 at York first-up in good fashion a well bet favourite and shouldn't be underestimated. Carries less weight at this level has more to give. Has a handy gate and CJP stays aboard. HAMMARMILL (3) has been knocking on the door and is suited. A 3x winning hoop takes over from CJP. Keep onside.
