Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - INTO THE WOOD (3) is going well without having the results to show for it has. Was denied narrowly two back of getting off the mark and then came with a solid chasing effort here last start. Holds serious claims. TOORAK BLAZE (6) progressed nicely second up when closing off nicely into a midfield finish here. Open to further improvement and is among the main chances. CALL OUT FEE (8) finds it tough to break the ice but went close to shedding the maiden tag here last start, when beaten less than a length after showing good early muster. That run puts her in great stead for this. Will prove tough to stop if she can replicate. TUFF OPERATOR (7) lacks early speed but has a decent turn of foot on his day. Keep safe.
RACE 2 - SHIPWRECK (5) finds the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Shoulders a sound record over the track and trip and gets well at the weights again with the 2kg claimer piloting. Bold showing anticipated. ICONIC MISSILE (2) lacks early muster but can make big inroads late in the piece. Expect him to head straight back from the gate and be charging hard over the concluding stages. SHEEZAHIFLYA (12) has struggled to threaten of late but presents on the quick turnaround and tackles a longer journey. In the mix. COUNTASIN (7) next best.
RACE 3 - GRINZINGER BISHOP (4) has built nicely into this campaign, her most recent efforts producing two close finishes. Cherry-ripe now and gets a nice draw. The one to beat. DANTELA (1) was denied by the barest of margins here last start when well found by the market. Ticking along superbly of late and is sure to be taking another strong account of herself over favoured track and trip. HEY MICHAEL (8) let down in great style here last start to score a barnstorming win. Bit tougher this time but loves it here. Can win again. HE'S ABEL (7) wasn't able to bring up the hat-trick last time out but was far from disgraced. Rates highly on best figures and is among the key chances. IRISH MIST (5) is yet to strike through this time but has turned in some handy efforts. In the mix.
RACE 4 - DAY FOR IT (5) made light work of his rivals two back at Lock. Followed it up with a brave on-pace performance here at the latest, battling on gamely to gold down third. Only has to hold his form to be fighting out the finish. FAMOUS KNIGHT (1) is yet to strike through this time in but has turned in some solid performances. Comes in on the fresh side but has kept the legs ticking over with a soft Gawler trial. Best figures put him right in the mix. REGAL ROCKET (3) wasn't far away fresh but has since struggled to go on with. Better than the latest suggests. EXALTED TRAVELLER (7) lengthened nicely in the lane last start to earn himself a minor cheque. Has had a long time between drinks but can be kept safe.
RACE 5 - KNICKPOINT (3) has been thereabouts without winning. Will find this a little easier than last time. Bold showing anticipated. ZOFFERELLA (8) continued the good recent form when finishing in the placings here last time out. Milnes stays aboard and although yet to win has been in the money on two occasions. Big danger. CALL ME HERBIE (5) doesn't win out of turn but is capable of much more than his recent efforts suggest. Will appreciate the drop in grade. Can give this a shake. AXECAPITAL (10) was allowed to drift back from an outside draw last time but found the line strongly to finish midfield. Worth including.
RACE 6 - EFFORTKAT (5) has struck some form of late, notching up another win last start at Clare. Shoulders a terrific record at this venue and is drawn to get the gun run form the inside alley. No reason she won't be winning again. ALCANNABIE (6) hasn't taken a step wrong of late, as he shoots to bring up four straight wins. Gets a key jockey booking in Crowther and is another that draws well. Main danger. KOVA (9) improved last start when sticking on solidly into the placings here. Gets weight relied and was a winner over the track and trip earlier in the prep. Can give this a big shake. EVENING BRIDE (7) chased solidly to the line here last time in a blanket finish. Doesn't win out of turn but is worth including. JONQUEST (1) relishes it here and has to be included.
RACE 7 - I NEED A DRINK (2) continued his stellar form last start when leading pillar-to-post to take out the Port Lincoln Cup. Is the definition of a track specialist. Carries a big weight but deserves to. Can win again. DIAMONDS ARE (7) mad good inroads from late in the piece here last start to just miss. Rock-hard fit and has Crowther sticking. Can cause a scare. THE ART OF FLYING (3) jumped equal favourite last start in the Cup but was from his best here when always well back. Capable of a much better performance. Keep safe.
RACE 8 - OPAL BEACH (12) ran below market expectations last time after being prominent on the bend here, only beaten 1.4L in fifth. Hasn't won for a long time but finds the right race this time and can get the job done. SPIRITUAL GAL (9) was met with solid support last start at Lock when finishing second. Was also far from her best in that run and can take this out on best efforts. BITE YOUR TONGUE (6) came through a strong form race two back to finish closer to the winner here last start. Well placed and can play a role.
