Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CODE IN TIME (3) resumed for the Neasham barn and has trialled well at Warwick Farm. He won easily here on debut as expected and was spelled following a solid effort at Canterbury. Will be naturally improved and has the speed to use the rails gate. The one to beat. QUEEN CALANTHE (7) is also in a strong Sydney stable and has threatened in the country both race starts. Has an inside barrier and Beasley's booking is a lead. The danger. RUSSIAN ROSE (5) had good support at Newcastle on resumption but found the 900m too short. The grade and trip suits and she can get some of the money. DIVINE KARMA (6) debuts and has been tuned up with two Warwick Farm trials. A betting watch.
RACE 2 - Competitive. JACK OF ACES (4) was an easy Gosford Maiden winner and then disappointed at Goulburn. The rider said he needs to be ridden with cover, which will likely occur today. In good hands and can get back on track. MERISI (3) won the 64 here from the pace and has had excuses at his two starts since. Comes back to the mile off a Highway and has been freshened for 41 days. In good hands and a much better effort is anticipated. SIZZLING CAT (1) is back in grade and measure on the narrow defeat at Wagga two-back. Uses the rail and Beasley is reunited replacing the 2kg apprentice. Has to be considered. CYBORG (2) surprised here 9 days ago winning comfortably. Can't be ruled out.
RACE 3 - Wodonga-trained NAUTICO (7) resumes for the new yard and the extra gear comes off. She has placed fresh and is up to this at best. Owns solid trials and Lyon comes to ride. She's good enough and should be ready to go. SUPER RIFF (6) is up to this at best and can show more third-up. Doubt the rail assists but he keeps Nisbet and the local stable can spring a surprise. FORBIDDEN GEMSTONE (8) resumed here this grade and did a good job to place. A slight niggle this trip but is in the mix.
RACE 4 - NAPOLEON SOLO (2) was narrowly beaten at Moruya in Open grade and then settled back in a 64 at Kembla Grange and was never in the hunt. Prepared to forgive that and a senior rider is aboard today replacing the 2kg apprentice. Hits this race at peak and should go close. LIGHT PRESS (4) was just beaten here this grade behind Blue Grotto finishing hard. Fitter again and should relish the extra metres on that effort. Performs third-up and is a threat. TROOPER KNUCKLE (3) resumes and is right up to this if presented forward. He's placed 2/3 fresh and has had a soft trial. In Canberra's premier yard and deserves plenty of respect. LOOSE LOVE (5) is a capable local on resumption. At his best over longer but he can hit the line.
RACE 5 - TEXAS OPEN (12) has been close-up all three runs this preparation and Nisbet stays aboard. Peaks today and the longer sprint suits. This is a winnable assignment. NO ESCAPING THIS (9) narrowly missed at Wagga over a mile finding his best form. Coming back 200m shouldn't bother and Penza stays with him. Races forward and he's a chance. CLENDENNING (5) resumes for a local barn and is good enough if presented forward. Has an inside barrier and a handy 2kg claim and has to be kept safe.
RACE 6 - Waterhouse-Bott-trained ADAGIO (4) was supported but well-beaten into second here earlier in the month but turned things around with a narrow defeat at Hawkesbury in stronger than this. He draws inside and will be on the pace. Peaks and is sure to take beating. TWIN TURBO (3) is third-up and ready to fire at a middle distance. Has provincial form that stacks right up and positive course striker Alysha Collett stays aboard. HENLEY EXTREME (12) is Sydney-trained and has been around the mark in stronger provincial Maidens. She's lightly-raced and is a chance in this lineup.
RACE 7 - WORX (1) resumes for a top Sydney barn off a heavily bet Maiden win at the Sunshine Coast. Has been away 434 days but owns a sharp Warwick Farm trial and has been gelded. He has finished in range at Listed and Group level and will be very hard to beat if presented ready. OPAL FIELDS (3) is also Sydney-trained and followed the big first-up Maiden win at Newcastle with two close-up efforts. Comes back in grade and the longer sprint should be ideal. Has an inside draw and will go well. CABLE EXPRESS (5) won here as expected on debut building on the trial win at the track. He's trialled sharply here for his return and will be naturally improved. Beasley sticks from the trial and that's a lead. NOT THAT EASY (4) has been knocking on the door in better races and there was little in it at Hawkesbury 10 days ago. The rails gate should advantage and she deserves another chance.
RACE 8 - SYCAMORE (6) has caught the eye in both runs for the new stable and should be right at her peak third up. Key booking with Collett aboard and is expected to settle closer from the inside draw. Looks hard to beat. DECISIVE LASS (7) is third-up and has more to offer. Was plain at Hawkesbury last time (vet cleared), but resumed in good order and strips fitter. She comes right into play after scratchings. ATOMIC FORTY SEVEN (8) drops back to more suitable company and expect a much improved run.
RACE 9 - VADERZAN (7) resumes for Canberra's premier yard (Dryden) and tipping he will be more forward this time around. Was a well-bet favourite in a bit stronger when last seen following the easy Maiden win here. Uses an inside gate and is likely to come back better. Should go close. BENTLEY BROOK (5) finally found a dry track and belted the 58 graders at Goulburn by 4L. Runs along and Heywood stays aboard. If he can hold the form he can threaten. SAIKO (6) resumes for Nick Olive and his best would have him in the finish. Usually needs a run but draws to advantage and Billy Owen rides first time. Brings two soft Goulburn trials and is a betting watch. PROMETIO MAS (9) resumes for the Dryden yard and can't be ruled out. Has early speed and has placed 2/3 fresh. ZIPPY ZOO (4) resumes for a Sydney yard and has trialled well. Keep onside.
