Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HELL AND BACK (1) travelled on-pace when resuming last time out over 1200m at this track and dug deep when pressured but found one better, going under by just a head. Yet to miss a place and should be improved. Draws well so can break through. HERECOMESANTORINI (2) is a son of Santos on debut for the Mackinnon yard. Showed ability in winning his latest trial. Expect a strong showing. GALACTIC LEGEND (5) wasn't far away in the last couple of runs before a spell and has been readied with a trial. BEAULINE (14) resumes for the Waller/Maloney combination off a couple of trials. Keep safe.
RACE 2 - SACRED FEELING (5) settled at the tail from a wide draw when resuming but wound up strongly to finish 1.3L from the winner over 1350m at this track. Won her only previous second-up attempt as well as her lone run at this longer journey so is suited by the step up. Strong claims. SELLING SUNSET (3) has worked home in both runs since a fast-finishing win at this venue so suspect she is looking for this trip now. MARTEDI (4) must be respected after a good effort last time out to score by 2.3 lengths over 1700m at Ipswich. COMMODUS (1) is also in the mix.
RACE 3 - AIKAU (1) stepped out on his debut over 1110m at this track a month ago and kept chasing for fifth, beaten 2.8 lengths. Has trialled since so should have come on. This suits so could get off the mark this time. GIVE ME SPACE (6) is a gelded son of Cosmic Force on debut for Barry Lockwood. Showed ability when placed in a trial at Deagon. Could kick off with a win. Better Than Ready colt GIN A TONIC (5) was close up in a trial and draws well so keep safe on debut. CHAMPAGNE RIVER (10) will find this easier than the debut effort so looking for a better result.
RACE 4 - TORABELLA (9) was in control from the outset to score easily as favourite on debut over 1350m at Ipswich three weeks ago. Promising type with upside so can take the next step. RUSSIAN MYSTIC (2) has the hoof on the till having placed in his last three starts, last time finding the line strongly for third over 1350m at this track. Extra journey looks a plus and he does his best work here. Yet to miss the top-three in four visits. Threat. BLUMSTIEN (5) is another who made the perfect start to his career, leading to score over 1400m at Sunshine Coast. Can make his presence felt again. BITOFTHEBLARNEY (1) is also in the mix.
RACE 5 - AUTORA (8) hasn't been far away lately, missing by a head two back and last time finishing a 0.8L fourth over 1640m at this track. Gets some weight relief today. One of the leading chances. DISCOVER (1) chased well and missed by just a nose when second over 1640m at this track last time out. Beat Autora home last time and while he meets her worse at the weights must rate highly. I'M PHYSICAL (3) steps out for a new yard having raced just twice in Victoria, last seen when runner up at Pakenham Synthetic. Readied with two trials. Keep safe. THE HINDUSTAN (4) is another newcomer to this region, last seen when 2.2L away over 1606m at Benalla. Can measure up. SMOKIN' DE QUO (7) deserves respect having placed in all three runs this time in.
RACE 6 - JONNY DA WOLF (6) showed promise when placed in both runs at the maiden campaign and is likely to have developed with maturity. Readied with two trials, winning the latest. Big chance. DAYU (2) started favourite in his first run for this yard last time over 1000m at Sunshine Coast Poly and chased well for second after he got a long way back in the run. The extra journey should play into his hands. MEAN APPROACH (7) has yet to miss a place and chased well here last time. Contender. GOLDEN IMAGE (15) must be respected returning off two trial wins.
RACE 7 - HYDE PARK (3) enjoys a big class drop after taking on open 3YO company at his first local run following a stable switch. Had been racing well in Sydney before that. Can do much better in this grade. VALANTINO ROC (6) is back from a spell of five months. Closed last campaign with a string of minor placings over further but is proven at this course and distance so can sprint well fresh. SIMPLY REFUSE (7) won her only second-up attempt and strikes at 50 per cent at this distance so looking for improvement. QUADRI (2) races well both second up and at this distance so looking for a better showing.
RACE 8 - EN POINTE (7) is going well having finished third last time out after a gutsy win at this track and trip. Drawn to enjoy a nice run from this inside stall. Has strong claims. MINKS STAR (8) raced on pace when resuming last start before drawing clear to score by 0.8 lengths over 1000m at Sunshine Coast Poly. In form and is well-placed to feature again. ISLAND MAGIC (6) wasn't disgraced at Eagle Farm last time after a Sunshine Coast win. Has started twice at this course and distance and is yet to miss the placings. One of the main contenders. POLE POSITION (9) lines up today for the first time for Annabel Neasham. Had consistent Sydney form before the spell and goes well fresh.
