Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CATOGGIO (1) resumes for the sharp Waterhouse & Bott partnership. Was far from disgraced when thrown in the deep end on debut in the G3 Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington, beaten just under 3L by subsequent Pago Pago Stakes winner in Dublin Down. Expect him to be forward enough following two solid hit-outs. IMPERIAL FORCE (4) is a well-related two-year-old Snitzel colt making on debut for Chris Waller. Has worked well at the trials and is drawn to advantage with key man James McDonald piloting. Sure to be very competitive. HEZDARNHOTTOO (3) chased soundly into the placings on debut after making the turn a fair way off the leader. No doubt has taken benefit from the run and is among the main chances. VAAFEE (8) is another well-bred colt stepping out on debut. Has shown ability in his lead-up work and deserves serious thought, especially if the market agrees.
RACE 2 - MISS REILLY (6) resumes for the Waller camp and looks to have come on nicely during the break off the back of two soft Rosehill trials. Draws to get the perfect run with the right man in the saddle. Can make a bright return. REASONABLE (8) wasn't able to live up to her firm market support last start at Hawkesbury, when below her best. Better than the recent run suggests. Can bounce back sharply third up. OHTANI (2) has hit the line nicely in his two runs back and should take some stopping if Rawiller can utilise the low draw. CHEVRON (3) didn't threaten first up at Flemington but now tackles his easiest assignment in quite some time. Can play a major role.
RACE 3 - USEAPIN (11) is a first-starter by Yes Yes Yes from Pinova who has been a most successful broodmare. Has impressed in both her trials and should get all the favours from the low draw. Bright start is anticipated. PINITO (5) settled well back on debut but wound up strongly in the lane to grab second. Drawn kinder this time and is a likely improver. ZSA ZSA (14) is a Zoustar filly stepping out on debut for Waterhouse & Bott. Has worked nicely in her lead-up work and warrants respect, especially if the late money is interested. Her stablemate PHENOM (9) also steps out on debut and can be equally considered.
RACE 4 - GROUNDRUSH (6) was a stylish maiden winner three back at Newcastle and has since produced two strong efforts in town, most recently beaten 0.6L in a Quality race at Flemington. Strikes an easier assignment this time and is a leading player. MISSILE SEEKER (8) made very light work of his rivals last start at Goulburn, putting the best part of 4L to his nearest challenger. This is tougher but he strips fitter third up and is open to further improvement. SOLDIER OF ROME (1) gave another good sight last start when sent out equal favourite at Rosehill but just faltered late. Four weeks between runs will have fresh and he's drawn to advantage with Clark piloting again. Expect him to be in this for a very long way. MAKENA (10) enjoyed a ratings spike here last start when digging deep to get off the mark. Likely improver and is another that is drawn well. Right in this.
RACE 5 - ZONDEE (5) came from a long way back here last start when entering the lane, letting down in great fashion to pick up and spit out his rivals. Plenty to like about that run and he looks certain to be in the finish again. TIME QUEST (4) has gone close in both runs back but has just lacked the winning blow. Strips fitter third up and will enjoy the extra journey. Big chance. RUSSIAN RONI (1) gave a bold sight fresh and looked to have them beat, only to be captured on the line. Shoulders a strong record over this trip and is sure to give backers another bold sight. SMART LEGEND (9) is yet to strike through this time in but has shown positive signs. Has run into a few sharper ones on their way through and this looks similar but he deserves respect. STYLISED (8) only warmed to his task late here last start. Drawn to go back again. Watch for him climbing over their backs late.
RACE 6 - BALLROOM BELLA (3) was the eye-catcher out of the LR Fireball Stakes, rattling home from last to fall under a length shy. Goes well over this journey and is cherry-ripe now. ABLE WILLIE (2) made a great return at Warwick Farm when charging from the clouds to score with a bit up his sleeve. Gets some weight off his back with the slight rise in grade and is 2/2 at this track. Can go on with it. BIOGRAPHER (8) couldn't quite live up to her market support fresh when finishing third. Has kept the legs ticking over between runs with a solid trial and steps out to a preferred trip. Right in this. PORTRAY (4) went close to resuming a winner here last start. Similar setup a fortnight later, with Marquand sticking. Warrants serious thought. GOLD REVOLVER (1) didn't give his rivals a sniff last start when resuming off a long break, leading pillar-to-post. Will look to do the same.
RACE 7 - COUNTYOURBLESSINGS (3) showed tremendous dash to register a dominant win last start at Canterbury. Comes in on the fresh side but has kept the legs ticking over with a Randwick trial. Blinkers stay on. Sure to measure right up again. SOUTHERN CHILLI (1) lengthened nicely in the run home fresh, to just miss. Also kept fresh for this with 33 days between runs and is among the main chances. ADMONISH (6) closed off strongly to the line when resuming at Warwick Farm. Carries more weight this time and is drawn to replicate the run as he steps out to a preferred trip. In the mix. MISS COUVER (10) put the writing on the wall last time when a close third here. Can make a major impact third up.
RACE 8 - CITY OF LIGHTS (3) won when resuming then stood right up to the mark last starts in stakes company when rattling home from the rear. Strips fitter third up and will eat up the extra 200m. Will take plenty of beating. FAY'S ANGELS (9) was a dominant Highway winner three back. Hasn't quite gone on with it yet but has been far from disgraced. Drops back to a preferred trip and is drawn to advantage. Can make her presence felt. AWESOME WONDER (4) returns and will be looking to emulate her win at Wyong at the beginning of last prep. Goes well fresh and the booking of McDonald reads favourably. In the mix. OUR MARYANNE (7) is the one to watch for late in the piece. Keep safe.
