Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - AYE AYE SKIPPER (3) had his first run in the area when finishing second as favourite at Grafton, under a length from the winner. He has a superior gate this time and even with the drop back in journey to 800 metres, he is the one to beat. BELLE OF THE BAYOU (7) finished third fresh up for new trainer Jason Reilly and should find things easier at this level. She has a slightly better draw second up and in an open field, she can figure in the finish again. LIL' BIT VAIG (12) is heading the right way and can secure a nice run early on from her handy gate. Locally trained horses always have an advantage on this circuit and she is worth including in all combinations.
RACE 2 - WOLF DANCER (3) ran his best race this prep when finishing third at Ballina 10 days ago, beaten by under 2 lengths. He will enjoy racing on his home track and can break through here. CATS QUARTERS (6) was a beaten favourite at Newcastle when finishing fourth a fortnight ago and should now be at her peak fitness after four runs back from a spell. Senior hoop Ben Looker takes over from an apprentice and he could help where it matters most. Each way. FIGHTING DAUGHTER (7) was well beaten into third at Tuncurry but did stick to her task gamely. She is heading the right way and her first win is not far away.
RACE 3 - BEL SURPRISE (9) was close up in second on debut before a solid effort as favourite for fourth last time out after having a tough run in transit. She gets a nice swing in the draws this time and can set the record straight. Follow your money. TAKEMINE (10) is knocking on the door and put the writing on the wall when finishing runner-up at Ballina 10 days ago. The drop back in journey will suit her and she can go one better this time. MOSGIEL DAISY (13) did not do a bad job on debut when running fourth on an unsuitable heavy track. That experience will stand by her and she can figure in the finish.
RACE 4 - CALL ME SUPER (7) was too slick for her maiden rivals here fresh up on a soft track and held on comfortably by just over a half a length. The extra furlong won't be an issue and she has the right draw to take them all the way again. NASDAQ DUBAI (2) ran his best race in a while for his new local trainer fresh up when third at Grafton. The change of scenery has worked and he can continue to improve. Each way. ONCE A LADY (8) made all of the running when claiming a brave victory at Grafton last time out. She is a progressive filly who can take the next step immediately.
RACE 5 - IOBJECT (2) had been battling before finding his best form again with a win last time out at Grafton. He seems to be at his best when sitting just off the pace and carries the same weight as he did last start after a clever 2-kilo claim. He is good enough to repeat the dose with the right run in transit. EGOTISTIC (10) won on debut and then produced a couple more sound efforts before going for a spell. She would have matured since then and from a perfect inside gate, she should be right in the finish. AWESOME MISS (5) was declared a late scratching last start and is a handy mare on her day. Watch the market moves and react accordingly. BRING THE RABBLE (1) did not fire at his last start before a spell but that was at provincial level at Newcastle. He comes to hand quickly and can get a slice of this fresh up.
RACE 6 - OLAKAU'ATU (4) will find this much easier than his last 2 starts in stronger company. He has a terrific record on his home track and with only 55 kilos to carry, he is the one to beat. A form reversal can be expected. BETTER EXPLAIN (6) finished close up at Newcastle in his penultimate start at Newcastle before being outclassed at Rosehill 12 days ago. He doesn't mind a softer track and is capable of a top-three finish here. BINKOU (8) only warmed up late at Tuncurry last time out and the extra 100 metres will be in his favour. He needs a strong tempo being set to show his best and with the right run, he can have the last say at decent each-way odds.
RACE 7 - ZANARDEE'S LANE (3) was in good form last prep and picked up from where he left off by finishing runner-up at Grafton just over 3 weeks ago. He has not missed a cheque in 3 starts over this trip, including a win, and with a kilo less to carry this time, he can get the job done. BOLD HOI HO (6) has left the Tony Gollan stable after 3 fair efforts. Similar types can sometimes enjoy the smaller stables and maybe the change of scenery can see him return to his best again. Watch the markets closely. Can win. SWIFT CHARM (1) has been not far away in 3 very strong fields to open this prep and he will notice the drop in class here. He has 2 wins on his home course and can add to that tally here. MOSKEETA (4) is mixing her form lately and her best chances are if she strikes a wet track. With conditions to suit, she won't be far away. Include in all combinations.
