Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ON THE SCENT (6) raced well last preparation and resumed with a near miss here over 1350m. After settling back in the field, it was a decent effort, suggesting the longer trip will suit. Has a handy 3kg claim but the rails gate needs managing. ARTISTIC GAL (7) has threatened her last three at this distance range and has some weight relief today with Collett's claim. Maps for the run of the race and is sure to go close. EXALTED BELLE (9) disappointed at Gawler and best to assess on the near miss three back at The Bridge over 1600m. Has a soft draw and can go better. ICONIC JEWEL (10) was narrowly beaten here second-up easily running her best race. Appreciated the mile and can keep building. MAVEN MISSILE (2) wasn't beaten far at Oakbank and the shorter distance shouldn't bother briefly freshened. He's had plenty of chances but goes into the exotics.
RACE 2 - FLAMBARD (8) is a former Kiwi who missed a nose at Waverley before a 201-day spell. Warmed up with a solid Gawler trial and Eaton sticks from that. He's good enough and it's just a question of readiness. HIGH FIVE (9) won a trial and went close at Port Lincoln on debut. Price stays aboard and fitter he should go close. SEVEN SHOTS (7) is an improver from the David Jolly yard. Has another wide gate but has the winkers first-time applied and he can feature with average luck. MILITARY PRESS (5) was plain last time but the two before would have him around the mark at a price.
RACE 3 - INTO THE LIGHT (9) has been a well-bet favourite in all three runs this preparation. Has been freshened and has had a tick-over trial at Gawler. She will likely push forward and is well-placed. SIESTA DREAM (12) resumed at the Bridge from a wide barrier and it wasn't a bad effort. She's won a trial prior and has been freshened for this. Draws an inside barrier today and Crowther is a key jockey booking. Fitter and can keep improving. ELECTRA BLUE (3) resumes and has been in range all three starts. Pannell's booking is a positive and she will be naturally improved. GABBATRON (8) debuts and jumps out of the low barrier. Is likely to be better than the trial finish suggests and elevate if the money comes.SEEKING STARDOM (11) was spelled off a better effort this track and had no luck first-up from a wide barrier. Has a handy gate today and keeps the 3kg claim. In good hands and quick improvement is likely.
RACE 4 - TOGETHERFOREVER (9) resumes and showed plenty her brief initial preparation. Will be naturally improved but will need some luck from the outside barrier. The one to beat all the same. LADY SKYLLA (11) is in good hands and wasn't too far away on debut. She will have taken fitness and learning and no surprise to see her right in the finish. THE SECRET BLEND (14) resumes and three-back missed a nose at The Bridge on debut. Has warmed up with a Gawler trial and will have come on. Has an awkward gate but is speedy. LUNASHA (12) resumes and has had a solid trial hit-out at Gawler. Pulled up with an issue prior to spelling and has shown enough to keep onside.
RACE 5 - WOLF PRINCE (3) deserved the win this trip at Gawler and then disappointed there before being well outgraded at The Parks. This suits a lot better and the blinkers are applied again. Draws for a soft run and a top ride is reunited. BELLMAN (1) just missed in a 64 at Wangaratta and has found city class a bit rich the two since. Races over a middle distance for the first time and no surprise if it suits. GOGOLF GURU (5) improved again when nudged out at Gawler in a 58 over 1700m. That form will see her in the finish. HOSTESS SUSIE (6) was a big CL1 winner here over this distance and then was plain in easier at Balaklava (vet cleared). Should get a soft run and a bounce isn't out of the question. RED SEQUOIA (8) is well in the mix following a much better run at Gawler.
RACE 6 - THE ICE CUTTER (5) was back on track beaten 0.6L in a Gawler 58 over 1700m in stronger. Keeps the 3kg claim and maps for the run of the race. He gets his chance. PUNCHIN (2) has been racing in stronger grade and had an issue post-race last time in the Morphettville 64. May control the race from the rail and Crowther sticking is a positive. ABAN (4) was beaten 2.6L in The Ice Cutter race and won a 58 over 1350m here three back. Races handy and keeps the 3kg claim. A chance. PULAMBI (7) was back to his best beaten 2L at Balaklava. Deserves another win and has the rails gate and a small claim..
RACE 7 - DIVINE FIRE (8) deserved the Maiden win in town over a mile and then dropped back to a short sprint there and was okay after a slow off. Will be better for that and draws well. She's a decent chance to bounce. Stablemate HAYAI MESU (10) just missed in stronger at The Parks and then disappointed there 25 days ago (vet cleared). Has trialled since and comes back in grade. Pannell goes aboard and a return to form is anticipated. GARRIRE (5) resumed in good order and then delivered here this grade/trip. The 4kg claim brings him right into it. MYOCEAN WARRIOR (3) brings two near-misses from Port Lincoln and is going well enough to say she's a chance.
