Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - A CERTAIN MAYBE (3) looks close to a win having put together back-to-back seconds at Doomben, the latest when a head away over 1650m. Dolan goes back aboard. Gets her chance to strike. HEROIC SOPHIE (5) turned in an eye-catching run last time when closing well for third at Ipswich. Nearing peak fitness and is expected to measure up over this longer journey. DELARENTA (1) was well fancied last time and continued a run of placings when third over 1680m at Ipswich. Drawn to get the favours. Contender. PANDA DRUM (2) has hit the line in both runs so should enjoy the step up to the mile.
RACE 2 - CHIKARA (2) ran on strongly but just failed to pick up the winner when first-up last start at this track and trip. Will take a lot from that hitout and could take closer order from the inside draw. Suitably placed to go one better. SIX SIDES (5) made a good return at this track and trip when only beaten 0.9 lengths into fourth after being prominent at the bend. Has a fair record when second up. Fitter so anticipating improvement. ARTIE PANTZ (6) raced just off the lead before letting down nicely and scoring a neck win at this course and distance last time. Won her lone third-up attempt so is one of the main contenders. IRISH MAUDIE (8) scored two back at this track when fresh and was only one length away last time. Respect.
RACE 3 - PEONY SURPRISE (6) resumes from a spell of four-and-a-half months after top-four finishes in all three starts last time in. Readied with a trial so expect a strong return. ANOTHER PEDRILLE (3) found the line nicely last start for third over 1000m at Grafton when fresh from a spell. Fitter and blinkers go on. Among the main chances. FLYING D'AMORE (11) was a beaten favourite on debut but stuck on okay to place. Open to improvement so could be ready to deliver this time. WHISKEY AND BEER (17) embarks on his second campaign and a trial win suggests he has returned in good order so keep safe.
RACE 4 - OUTWEIGHED (9) is a progressive filly unbeaten in three starts, all of them at this course and distance. Led throughout in the first two victories then settled back last time but dug deep to get home narrowly. Should take closer order from the lower draw. Can continue on her winning way. ZOUMETEOR (6) opened this prep with a win at this venue then gave a sight last time at Doomben. Suited at this track and returning to the distance that has produced all three career wins. GOBLIN' DE QUO (8) stuck on first-up when beaten 2.2 lengths over 1050m at Doomben. Has won two of three attempts here. Can figure in the finish along with the consistent BAIYKA (5) who has only once missed a place in her last five runs.
RACE 5 - TOBA (8) made good late ground from the back when resuming with a midfield finish over 1350m at Ipswich last time out. Will be fitter for that and his record at this journey is sound with two wins from five runs. Has winning claims. CANNON HILL (12) has hit the line well in both starts this time in and hasn't been too far away. Reaching peak fitness so could be ready to strike. SINGER SARGENT (5) closed well for third at his first run back from a spell, beaten 1.4 lengths. Maloney goes on and he is drawn to get the favours. EUROMANTIC (13) kept chasing in the latest effort for fourth over 1250m at Ballina. Can feature.
RACE 6 - CHIEF ARTIE (7) progressed nicely at the second run of the campaign and finished just 0.8 lengths from the winner in second over 1350m at Ipswich. Has scope for further improvement so expect another big run. DEEP CLEAN (11) resumed over 1200m and worked home well when beaten 2.2L at Doomben. Hasn't missed a place here and her lone win came at this longer distance. Last-start winner MONEY MAN (3) is going well enough to make an impact again. THUNDER MANIA (2) worked to the line when resuming so the longer trip suits. With added fitness could progress enough to take this out.
RACE 7 - BURNT BY BERNIE (5) was far from disgraced second-up at Doomben after leading and kicking on for second here two back. Does his best work at this venue and will be nearing peak fitness. SIZZLING GAL (7) kept chasing last time at Doomben against better opposition. Rated well when placed here two back. Looks nicely placed so expect her to measure up. PRIVATE BANKER (4) progressed nicely second up when beaten just over a length into third last time at Doomben. Could be ready to peak. NEVER GIVE UP (3) has won two of three attempts here including a 1400m victory in his latest visit two back. Contender from the inside draw.
