Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - JOHNNY THE KID (3) is a Trapeze Artist colt stepping out on debut for the sharp Waterhouse & Bott partnership. Has shown ability in his two trials in readiness and is drawn to advantage. Bright start anticipated. BENGAL (1) is a Zoustar colt on debut for Chris Waller. Is a full brother to G3 winner Mumbai Muse and strips fitter for two lead-up trials. Gets the key booking of McDonald. Have to take seriously. TURBINADO (9) knuckled down gamely to get the verdict on debut at Newcastle. Comes in on the fresh side for her second-up assignment but has kept the legs ticking over with a soft Hawkesbury trial. Drawn sticky but is expected to make her presence felt. DECONSTRUCTION (2) is another debutant that has shown positive signs in his lead up work and warrants some thought, especially if the late market favours.
RACE 2 - ECLIPSION (3) chased strongly to the line on debut at Pakenham, only to be denied narrowly of making the perfect start. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt and is drawn kinder with the gun hoop in McDonald piloting. Expect him to take some beating. PASIMA (1) is another that finds it tricky to break the ice but has finished in the placings in all five attempts. Expected to attract solid market support again and is among the key chances. KERVETTE (8) has returned in solid order in her second campaign, beaten less than a length in all three starts. Cherry-ripe now and is drawn to advantage. A must for exotic players. BLACKLIST (2) failed to live up to market support on debut when always well back. Kept fresh and can improve sharply.
RACE 3 - AMATI (3) hasn't been able to break through for some time but did go close two back behind one who has since run well in town again. Rates highly on best figures and gets the key booking of McDonald from the inside gate. Expect her to race prominently and find a kick when they dash for home. TERRESTAR (6) never looked likely last start when always well back in the G3 Frances Tressady Stakes at Flemington but did manage to make some late inroads, to only be beaten 3.9L by the handy Revolutionary Miss. Strikes a much more suitable assignment this time and is 1/1 third up. Main danger. TYCOON JENNY (8) has given bold sights in his first two starts for the stable, only to be overrun late. Fitter third up and should prove tough to reel in. LITTLE BAIA (10) next best.
RACE 4 - ETNA ROSSO (1) closed off strongly over the concluding last start at Randwick, only beaten 1.8L in a blanket finish. The rise in trip should suit him perfectly third up and the booking of McDonald is a big push for his chances. Expect him to take some stopping. FAY'S ANGELS (8) made light work of her rivals last start when taking out the Highway in a very soft fashion. Bit tougher this time but strips fitter third up and gets in well at the weights again with the 3kg claimer sticking. Don't take lightly. FLEET COMMANDER (4) is ticking along nicely this time in, with four consecutive top-two finishes, including a win. Will be giving himself every chance up on the speed and should have a kick left in the locker. PIRAEUS (5) is nearing a win, denied narrowly in his last three. Cherry-ripe now and should be in this for a long way. NOTABADBUY (2) knocked off Piraeus last start at Canberra. Have to include.
RACE 5 - PIERCING ARROW (1) is ready to make his return after enjoying a successful debut prep. Looks to have taken the necessary steps forward during the break, on the back of two solid hit-outs in readiness. Can make it 2/2. FLYING SHELLY (4) was denied narrowly in her first two runs back and then never got a fair crack at them last time at Canterbury. Cherry-ripe now and is among the key chances. CAPE BYRON (2) hasn't taken a step wrong in his two runs back and the form around him has stuck up superbly. Hard to knock. DISNEY CASTLE (12) drove hard to just miss last time at Hawkesbury. McDonald on from the inside gate demands consideration.
RACE 6 - EBONY KING (2) is yet to strike through this time in but has contested some tough races. Drawn to advantage with Rawiller piloting. Best figures measure right up. ABLE WILLIE (3) resumes and usually runs well fresh. Steps back out over a preferred trip and gets the key booking of McDonald. Will be taking the strongest strides late. FRENCH MARINE (9) hasn't saluted in quite some time but has turned in some solid performances this time in. Win won't shock. MR KENNEDY (8) next best.
RACE 7 - BIOGRAPHER (4) returns and shoulders a strong fresh record. Strips fitter for two impressive trials and is sure to be giving himself every chance up on the speed. Bold showing anticipated. DISNECK (5) is another that resumes and has also caught the eye in his lead-up work. Winning hoop reunites and could prove tough to stop if they can utilise the inside draw. ADMONISH (11) also returns and hopes to remain unbeaten. Was impressive in her two Ipswich runs but expecting this to be much tougher. WILD BOTANICA (13) has been knocking on the door in her two runs back and needs to be kept safe. Watch for her late in the piece.
RACE 8 - TIME QUEST (8) picked up strongly late to just go under when resuming last time at Randwick. Has been in the placings in both second-up efforts and stays at a winning trip. Expect him to drift back from the gate and be charging hardest at the business end. SIR ARTIE (4) has barely placed a foot wrong this time in as he continues to notch up wins. Gets some weight relief with a slight rise in grade. Warrants serious consideration. CADETSHIP (5) capitalised on a close finish here two back with a strong chasing effort to score at Rosehill last time. Winning hoop in McDonald sticks from a favourable draw. Another bold showing is anticipated. GIVARA (3) was a determined winner here last start. Don't dismiss.
