Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GILDED AGE (5) was denied narrowly of getting of the mark last start at Gawler, following up on two strong chasing efforts prior. Cherry-ripe now but just needs a smart steer from the sticky alley to be playing a role in the finish. PROVEN CORRECT (9) finds the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Strips fitter for a solid hit out in readiness and the booking of Jason Holder reads favourably. Sure to run well. AMBER NOOK (12) was an eye-catcher last time at Gawler. Keep safe.
RACE 2 - JACKS ON ICE (1) was back at his blistering best last start when leading pillar-to-post. Carries more weight this time in a similar assignment but is 1/1 over the track and trip and can continue on his winning ways. BALLON D'OR (7) chased in vain behind Jacks On Ice last start when finishing second but now meets him 1.5kgs better at the weights and is drawn kinder. Expect her to be chasing hardest again. ROCKSTAR MEGGSY (6) never looked likely last start in the LR City of Marion Stakes, when always well back. Was a handy winner in a similar grade two back when edging out Jacks On Ice and Jason Holder reuniting is a good push for her chances. COPPERFIELD (9) returns and makes his stable debut for David Jolly. Shoulders a handy fresh record. Keep safe.
RACE 3 - RABTAT (3) was no match for a tearaway winner last start in a rapidly run affair but did get home strongly late. Rates highly on best efforts and can go one better. WILD WILLY (1) is ticking along nicely, scoring dominantly two back at Hamilton before a strong chase into the placings last start at HQ. No tougher this time but has to carry extra weight. Goes well over this journey and is drawn favourably. Bold showing anticipated. UNDER THE CONE (7) was poised to strike last start at Strathalbyn and went on with the job nicely to shed his maiden tag. Tougher this time but is open to further improvement. PERSIAN EMPIRE (5) will appreciate a return to this venue and Kayla Crowther reuniting is a positive. Next best.
RACE 4 - AD ASTRA (9) loomed to take out the LR Cinderella Stakes on debut last start, only to find one better late. Promising type with plenty of improvement to come. Hard to beat this time. DANCING STORM (2) resumes for the sharp R & C Jolly partnership. No luck in her debut prep when contesting quality company but looks to have taken the right steps forward during the break, on the back of a Gawler trial win. Pannell sticks from the trial. Bright return likely. WARPARTY (5) makes his way over the border for Shane Nichols after producing an eye-catching finish on debut at Sandown-Lakeside. Drawn better this time and has the ability to finish right over the top of them. LOCA BELLA (15) is an All Too Hard filly stepping out on debut for Andrew Gluyas. Hit the line nicely in her sole lead up trial and is drawn favourably. Warrants serious consideration, especially if the late money agrees.
RACE 5 - TURF DECISION (2) is yet to find the frame this time in but has been tackling tougher opposition. Strikes his easiest assignment of the prep so far and has a strong turn of foot on his day. Watch for him to drift back from the wide alley and be climbing over their backs at the business end. BILLIE BRONX (9) made a mess of his rivals two back at Gawler in what has proven to be a strong form race, with four subsequent winners and as many place-getters. Couldn't quite live up to market expectation again last start when finishing third. Kept fresh for this and drops back to a winning trip. Can bounce back sharply. TOAST THE DEEL (8) found a few smarter than her last start but was a handy winner two back. Rates highly on best figures and will appreciate reuniting with Todd Pannell. Among the leading chances. OUTSIDER (11) is yet to find her best since joining the Clarken & O'Shea stable but is building to it. Strips fitter third up and has to be included. MARACOURT (6) next best.
RACE 6 - SIXTEEN REASONS (6) returns and will be looking to pick up where she left off last time in when scoring back-to-back successes. Has been tuned up with a solid Gawler trial placing in readiness. Bright return anticipated. KINGS CONSORT (3) has hit the line nicely in his two return efforts back in Victoria. Will need to raise the bar third up but is capable from a low draw and senior hoop in Pannell piloting. KALASEC (7) carries a fitness edge over many of his main rivals and boasts a handy record at this track. Worth including.
RACE 7 - MY RUBY (3) couldn't bring up the hat-trick las start but tried hard when closing off strongly into the frame at Moonee Valley. Comes in on the fresh side but has kept the legs ticking over with a trial between runs and is a track and trip specialist. The one to beat. STORYTELLER (7) resumes and will be looking to emulate his debut win at Oakbank to kick off last campaign. Fitter for a minor placing in a recent Gawler trial. Makes plenty of appeal. LITTLE RICH BOY (10) was poised to strike last start at Morphettville and dug deep only to go down narrowly. Probably needs to go up a rung but can from the better gate. LUNAR HERO (1) next best.
RACE 8 - TRUMPSTA (3) lengthening nicely in the run home last start when resuming, finishing sixth in a bunched finish. Meets easier company this time and will appreciate the extra journey. Will take plenty of stopping with some slight improvement. LAKE'S FOLLY (2) has closed off steadily to the line in his two runs back without placings. The rise in trip suits on the short turnaround and gets another favourable inside draw. Should be peaking third up. CROWN HARMONIUM (6) was comfortably accounted for last start, after a handy win at Bendigo the start prior. In the mix on best efforts and is worth including.
RACE 9 - ALAINGE (15) is ready to make her return after enjoying a successful debut prep. Managed to put two impressive wins together to close last campaign and with natural improvement anticipated during the break, she's a leading contender. MYRTLE CREEK (14) hit the line nicely to grab second last time out at HQ. Jacob Opperman stays on. Best form puts her right in this. FANMALIA (5) never looked likely last start when making the turn a long way back but did manage to make some late in-roads. Cherry-ripe now but is drawn ugly. Watch for him charging late. GALACTIC FURY (9) was safely held last time in a tougher race at Sandown-Hillside. Rates highly on best efforts and is worth serious thought off a quick freshen.
