Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FIRM TALK (3) won a trial before producing a big run to miss by 1.5L at Ascot on debut. Is likely to sit closer today and with the extra fitness is the one to beat. FIRE THE GUARD (2) is improving with each run and only fell short by a narrow margin at Geraldton 3 weeks ago. That stacks up and CJP replaces the apprentice. Has the rail and is a chance to go one better. GRACE ROSE (8) raced favourite on the Scaprside first-up but flopped after mis-striding during the run. She looked much better placing in a recent trial and is worth another chance. MARBLE GOLD (5) is a former Victorian resuming after 246 days. She won a recent Lark Hill trial and is a betting watch.
RACE 2 - SPECTACULAR PARK (1) raced a firm favourite at Bunbury first up beaten a whisker by Think Of God. Strips fitter and coming back to provincial level is sure to give a bold sight. DUBLIN RED (8) resumes and has the figures to pose a threat if presented on song. She has raced twice at Group level and has two trials under the saddle. The blinkers are applied again. ONLY EYES FOR HIM (2) resumes and went close at Ascot before the break. Has been off the scene for 379 days but looked forward enough winning a recent Belmont trial. Was tried at Listed level two back and he has to be kept safe. ALL VITAL (3) resumes and has trialled well. He impressed here on debut and also deserves consideration.
RACE 3 - PIN DEEP (1) resumed with a solid effort at Scarpside and has run some nice races in stronger city grade. He's sure to have come on and this is a suitable assignment. RISEANFALL (5) resumes and is also well-placed. Last preparation she was narrowly beaten twice at Ascot and likes to run along. The betting should provide a guide to her readiness. SPECIAL STREET (2) is speedy and has been around the mark without winning. Peaks today and is in the mix. MASCHINO MOON (11) resumes and raced favourite at Bunbury on debut. Has a wide gate but will be naturally improved and should be around the mark.
RACE 4 - PULL THE TRIGGER (5) has impressed at Ascot both starts this preparation and was heavily backed the latest over 1800m. He's on an 8-day return and the middle distance is ideal now. Promising and rates to be winning. TRIO (6) placed ahead of the above in the same contest making sharp improvements over the longer trip. He will build on that and is the likely threat. ROCKING SOCIETY (7) placed at Bunbury this distance and will be better for that. Has the blinkers first-time applied and he can't be ruled out. WHAT SHOUT (10) is knocking on the door and will control the race. Hard fit and will give a sight.
RACE 5 - MY HIDDEN UNIVERSE (2) is a leader who's missed a whisker all three starts this preparation. Was heavily bet on the Scarpside his latest over this distance off the outside gate. Peaks and can break through. DANCING RUBY (13) debuts for a top metro barn and has been well-trialled at Lark Hill. Missed narrowly her latest and CJP is a positive jockey booking. Expect her to race boldly. Stablemate BRAZEN EMPRESS (12) has been around the mark without winning. Chris Parnham is a key jockey switch for the apprentice and is likely to position the filly forward. In the mix. PANDORA GIRL (8) wasn't beaten far at Belmont showing better form. Showed plenty early doors and may be back on track.
RACE 6 - DARK MISSILE (1) won at Belmont and Geraldton this trip and then raced in stronger than this at Ascot and was only beaten 1.7L over 1800m. Keeps improving and coming back 200m shouldn't bother. Finds easier and he can bounce back. CITINO (2) comes out of the same race and wasn't beaten far. Got too far back in that and winning rider Chris Parnham is reunited. Won well at Scarpside over 1500m prior and he's a chance. BERGAMO (7) was tracking well but has been plain his last two over middle distances. Comes back 600m with a 4kg claimer engaged. It's an ask but she's in a top In a top metro barn and can't be ruled out. MANITOBA (5) went close at Ascot on resumption and got too far back after at Esperance over a mile. He has more to give and is also in the mix.
RACE 7 - KRYSANOVA (1) resumes and brings the best peak figures. She's been racing in stronger including a try at Listed level. She flies fresh and will likely ride the speed. Chris Parnham rides the first time and that's a decent push for her chances. WICKED VENOM (3) raced in Listed grade and resumed with a solid effort at Bunbury heavily bet. He also has more to give and maps for a soft run. BELTA OF A SONG (4) resumed at Scarpside and was only beaten 1.4L after settling last in the 12-horse field. It was a big effort and she's much improved. Will have come on and the winkers are applied. Consider along with MRS KANGAROO (9).
RACE 8 - EXCELTRAIN (1) deserved the heavily bet win at Mt Barker three back and hasn't been far away since in tougher with the latest at Ascot. He maps for the run of the race and Chris Parnham is reunited. Suited and can break back. FORTUNE'S LUCK (4) gets some weight relief off the 3L defeat at Ascot over 1500m. Peaks now and is still well off her peaks. Better this distance range and she's likely to be hitting the line hard. MAMA TEMBU (3) keeps racing well and there was only 1.5L in it her latest in an Ascot 66. Has a decent gate and the handy 2kg claim and is in the mix. FOREST WAR (6) has been close-up at Ascot her last two in no metro win contests. The low barrier advantages and down in the weights she will give a sight
