Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - PREMIUM GIRL (5) won a trial and was beaten 3.5L here on debut and was immediately spelled. Resumes off a couple of soft trials and should return naturally improved. Will go close if she has. GOOD MEASURE (1) debuts and looked has looked the goods at the trials. Chris Parnham sticks from those and this is winnable. THEMUSTERER (3) debuts with the blinkers applied and won his latest trial comfortably. The gate is awkward but he's ready to race well. ROMMEL'S GODDESS (6) was a big trial winner and then was spelled after her unfancied outing at Ascot on debut. Looked good winning her recent trial and she draws to advantage. Looks to have come on and keep onside.
RACE 2 - KIA ORA TATOU (7) didn't do much on debut and then improved sharply when narrowly beaten up to the mile. In good hands and fitter can be winning given average luck from the awkward gate. PLAY WITH DESIRE (3) finished just behind the above in the same contest and peaks today. Has the blinkers applied for the first time and as a result may sit closer in the run. Pike sticking is a decent push for his chances. SOUND THE CHARGE (4) resumed in good order and then got too far back from an awkward gate. Is likely looking for the mile and has the rails gate today and a 2kg claim. Fitter and rates a hope. DENTED ROMANCE (1) looks the best of the others. Has had plenty of chances but has some key gear switches.
RACE 3 - LOST CITY (13) debuts and won the recent Lark Hill trial. Has been a while getting to the races but is in a top barn and Pike's booking suggests she's pleasing. Will be well prepared and should go close using an inside barrier. Draws low and finds a winnable race. ROYAL ACCOLADE (3) resumed at Northam narrowly beaten. He has plenty up his sleeve and will race forward from an inside gate. Fitter and will be tough to beat. BONNY ROCK (11) resumed at Ascot well-supported but got too far back. Had come off Group races and owned a big trial win. She's right up to this and sharp improvement is anticipated. SCHINO GIRL (9) debuted here and it was a decent effort beaten 2L from the front. Has been well trialled and will be fitter again. She can control the race from the paint and stick on better.
RACE 4 - NEW MUSIC (10) has been narrowly beaten at Ascot in both race starts. Is ready to win and Pike's booking adds to the confidence. He strikes at 26% with the barn. Draws low and the grade suits. CEILI (7) missed a whisker on debut and then resumed at Ascot and did a big job from the outside gate (15) to finish so close. Has a handy gate today and can position forward. Fitter she can get into the money. DARK MISSILE (1) found one too good at Northam on resumption when nabbed late after riding the speed. Has a 2kg claim and the ace draw. He's also up to featuring. TANGLED TALK (2) is on the improve and may be next best.
RACE 5 - ROCKIN' THE SILKS (1) has threatened his last two and was heavily bet his latest at Northam. He will race forward from an inside gate and dropping back 165m in distance won't disadvantage. In a top barn and Chris Parnham stays aboard. SOLDIERS CAMP (4) found more like his best when placing second-up at Ascot. Should secure a soft run from the rail and rates to go close. SALARY MAN (2) is also third-up and can show a lot more. Has the early speed to manage the wide gate and can make the finish with average luck. ROCKING THE CASBAH (3) led them up at Northam and folded up late in the piece. Had looked good placing at Belmont the two prior. Has been freshened and also has the gate speed overcome an awkward barrier. A much better effort is anticipated.
RACE 6 - GAGE ROADS (7) has been racing well at this level without winning. Comes back from the mile and the blinkers come off. Pike sticking is a lead and he can secure the run of the race from an inside barrier. Gets another chance. Williams-trained stablemate LORD GANNICUS (6) resumed with a comfortable win this grade and trip. He's won second up and has plenty up his sleeve. Keep Chris Parnham and he will go close with average luck from the sticky barrier. NUNES (9) is third-up and ready to fire. Her best figures have been captured over 1400m and she's a chance with a good ride. VALSASSINA (5) is knocking on the door and is also going well enough to feature.
RACE 7 - Things didn't work out for GOD'S GARDEN (6) at Ascot 9 days ago but she was close-up twice there prior and they read well. On a 9-day return and is suited at this level. Gets another chance. The Williams-trained STOP DREAMING (5) was off the scene for a year and has needed the two runs this preparation. Has plenty up his sleeve and is ready for the longer distance. Expect him to go close. LOVA SESSION (4) has been narrowly beaten twice since the Maiden win with the latest at Ascot over 1800m. She races forward and the extra metres shouldn't prove an issue. Can go one better. SIROTA (1) won the Maiden at Northam over 2200m in a return to form. Is on a quick backup and in the mix.
RACE 8 - Competitive. INTERVENTION (5) brings improving form and delivered at Ascot her latest dropping back to 1800m. Is proving versatile and should secure a soft run from the rail. Peaks and can go on with it. BELLE JOURNEE (9) has returned to the race track in solid order and her best figures are at the mile. Can fight out the finish with average luck in the run. OCEAN AURA (4) wasn't beaten far at Ascot over 1800m quickly back to her best. Fitter and will hit the line hard. GREAT DEMON (2) is also third-up and has plenty of scope for improvement. Has a wide gate and that's against. There are a few others that aren't out of it.
