Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Siding with the race experience of SONG STORY (3) in the opener. He showed good ability in his debut at Belmont before he'd probably had enough at his most recent outing. He trialled well on this track coming in and can bring up his maiden victory today. LADY GONDO (5) trialled earlier this year before being put away and returned with a nice trial win here recently. Whiting was on board that day and sticks with the mare. Time was good against some rivals she meets here and can make her presence felt. FINAL SIREN (4) trialled on the same day as Lady Gondo, winning his trial but in slower time. The booking of the in-form Kyra Yuill must be respected though as she did ride the gelding in that trial. Can be in the finish on debut. FLICK THE SWITCH (8) has only had one short course trial coming in but did enough to suggest she'll be winning a race. Include. GOOD SONG (1) may be looking for further but can be thereabouts.
RACE 2 - I DREAMED A DREAM (11) was impressive in his debut campaign and was pitched up in G3 company at his final run of the preparation, highlighting the opinion he gave a handy stable. His recent trial here was great and he'll get every chance from the barrier. He looks the one to beat. SAFE RAPPA (2) has placed 4/8 with a number of those coming at this course last preparation. The in-form Alan Kennedy sticks from the lead-up trial and he strikes at 21% when riding for Wolfe. Expecting a forward showing. MAGNABURMA (5) has shown flashes of brilliance in his career thus far but just needs to put it all together now. His last effort nearly a year ago holds up strongly and he'll be fitter for a recent trial. He'll be thereabouts. PRAY FOR LUCY (13) makes his debut from a wide alley but his trials haven't been all that bad. Respect market moves. HANS CHRISTIAN (6) finds a nice kickoff point as he probably wants further than this trip.
RACE 3 - MINE HOST (5) disappointed at the end of last campaign but had obviously had enough at the time. He's fitter for two trials coming in and barrier four should see him get a beautiful run in transit. Banovic-Edwards is striking at 10% her last 50 rides and can add to her tally with this gelding. Stablemate PENNED (2) also resumes with 3kg claimer Rosie Mahony engaged, meaning he'll get a lovely pull in the weights off his rivals. Jumped 3-1 at the end of last campaign but was never a factor, but happy to overlook that effort. Prior form stacks up and he should be about the finish. MY AFFLICTION (1) out-performed his market expectation at Ascot last time out after just a fair effort prior. Big chance if he can repeat his most recent effort. YES OF COURSE (4) looks an improving type on the way through and won't be far away. DIAMOND BLUE (6) disappointed last start after a win at Belmont. Can bounce back.
RACE 4 - LITTLE SILVER (4) disappointed a little last time out when favourite at Bunbury but did prove a difficult ride. Alan Kennedy takes the reins this time and gear changes have been made to help with his manners. Great draw and if he can bounce back to prior form he'll take plenty of beating. KALLAROO (2) went around an odds-on favourite at Leonora but was beaten 3.6L three weeks back. Now drops slightly in trip. His best form is more than good enough, he just needs to get back to that now. HIDE THE OREOS (9) disappointed at Ascot but this looks a much easier race. Must be included. ROCK OF KAHA (5) hasn't been far away of late and merits plenty of respect.
RACE 5 - MAKE YOUR POINT (2) couldn't hold on first-up when tiring late at Belmont, beaten 2.3L but should be fitter for that run. He did jump favourite that day and now drops back in grade. Mahony claims 3kg and that gets him in nicely at the weights. Looks set to return to winning form. HOT CHATTER (6) disappointed toward the end of last campaign but was in good touch prior. Now with Rebecca Bayliss and back to the short course can bring out the best in her. Expecting her to get back to form. PHENCE SITTER (7) never came on from the back at Ascot last time out and now drops back to the trip she broke her maiden at two starts ago. Only 3 starts into her career and will improve with racing. Sure to be there in the finish. ARAMAT (9) disappointed at Northam and drops right back in trip to where she's performed best. Keep safe. MAGNUM CLASS (1) was too bad to be true first-up and is not to be discounted with the run under his belt.
RACE 6 - FIRST LAW (4) ran on well first-up at Northam, beaten 1.6L when going back from the draw. He's better placed from an inside barrier this time and drops 3kg after the claim of ZJP. Usually improves with a run under his belt and can get back into the winners' stall today. Stablemate STORM COMMANDER (3) was in that same race and was only just edged out, finishing 0.8L away. He's since switched to the Jachmann yard, but does look to have plenty of favours in this event. Can go one better this time without surprising. ATHLONE CASTLE (6) disappointed when up in trip last time out but comes back to the 1000m where he's been very good this campaign. Back to this level suits and he's a big threat right down in the weights. TREVELLO (9) resumes but does boast a handy fresh record. Loves his home track and can be in the finish. ROCAPOZZENE (8) is worth keeping an eye on for future events.
RACE 7 - LOOKS (4) resumes on the back of a great campaign last time in work. He'll be fitter for two trials coming in and Alan Kennedy has won both times when riding. He'll make his own luck up front and can return in winning order. VONSNIP (10) won a recent trial in readiness for her return today. Not a noted fresh performer, but she's drawn well and should be right there to capitalise on any weakness her rivals have. Figures stack right up and she's going to make her presence felt. STARAUTHORESS (7) hasn't raced in nearly a year, but has had one trial in preparation for his return. He's placed 4/6 first-up previously, including over this track and trip last year. Won't be far away. FRANTIC WAR (9) finished 4.6L back in a tougher race at Ascot first-up and will appreciate this easier company. Keep safe. BLUE LINE (3) comes into calculations with the 3kg claim engaged.
