Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - EPISODIC (5) is ready to make her return after enjoying another promising preparation, without breaking through, finishing the campaign with a couple of minor placings. Finds the maiden win elusive but reunites with Todd Pannell who has been in the money two times when aboard. Should be involved in the finish. TALKIN' ITALIAN (1) is ready to make his return. Only had the one crack at it last time in and was an eye-catcher at Murray Bridge. Blinkers going on first time should have him focused and Crowther reuniting is a positive. Main danger. KOYU BEACH (10) wasn't far away on debut. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt. Right in the mix. THE BIG CHUNK (17) has Holder sticking after chasing solidly to the line late last time out. Worth keeping on inside.
RACE 2 - SOLAR MIST (6) hasn't been far away lately including a last-start fourth at Morphettville. The longer trip looks ideal at this stage. Leading player. ON THE SCENT (5) broke through for his maiden win last time. Shaping up nicely and he is right in the mix again. TEMBU BOY (4) was a determined maiden winner last time out, scoring by a head over a similar trip at Murray Bridge. Looks well placed and he cannot be discounted. BUGATTI GOLD (7) chased soundly into the placings when resuming at Broken Hill. Open to further improvement and can be included in calculations.
RACE 3 - THEORIZER (7) stuck on gamely into fourth last start at Albury after racing on the pace for much of the way. Well placed and should be tough to rein in. OPPORTUNE CHANCE (11) has four minor placings from six starts this time in work, the latest as favourite at Clare. Going well without winning and she has solid claims. INAGURATE (9) finished a narrow second when resuming from a spell last start at Albury. Ideally placed and is sure to be there at the finish. SEVEN SHOTS (6) has been thereabouts in all three runs this prep. Cherry-ripe now and can get off the mark.
RACE 4 - REGAL ROCKET (1) scored at Port Lincoln two starts ago then couldn't find the top-three on the Streaky Bay dirt more recently. Making progress and is among the key chances. SASSY ANGEL (6) was out of the money when resuming from a spell last start at Clare but is a likely improver with top-three prospects. OFF THE CUFF (8) doesn't win out of turn but should find this easier. Rates highly on best figures and finds a race to turn things around. THE GREY KING (4) hasn't threatened in his two runs back but strips fitter third up and will enjoy the slight class drop. In the mix.
RACE 5 - WOLF PRINCE (4) has struggled to crack the frame of late but has been far from disgraced when tackling tougher opposition. Yet to miss the placings in two starts over this course and distance. Strikes an easier assignment and has the ability to find the winners' list. SUPER VALENTINE (2) ran a better race last start to finish a close third at Port Lincoln. Right in the mix on best efforts and can build on that encouraging effort last start. BACK IN ACTION (1) never looked likely last start when always well back. Will enjoy a drop in class and comes right into calculations. THINK TANK (8) was an eye-catcher last start at Murray Bridge. Cherry-ripe now and is among the key contenders.
RACE 6 - RUBINI (10) has been in the placings at his last two appearances, the most recent a barnstorming effort against stronger opposition. Cherry-ripe now and will take plenty of stopping. PEACEMAKER (7) turned in a nice effort to score two runs ago at Balaklava. Less impressive last time out on the Parks surface in better grade. Has the talent to return to the winner's list. HAYAI MESU (14) is yet to strike through this time in but has turned in some solid efforts. Is yet to miss the frame over this journey and rates highly on best efforts. Can give this a shake. EXALTED KATE (12) did a good job to get the verdict two back and then chased solidly into fourth at the latest. The rise in trip should suit her and she's in the mix.
RACE 7 - THEBIGSOSSO (3) has been thereabouts in his two resuming efforts, the most recent impressing when running into one on their way through. Should be in this for a long way from the inside pillar. The one to beat this time. LITTLE RICH BOY (5) has been out of the frame in his last two but comes through the same race as the top pick. Finds an easier assignment and can turn things around. KUSHAN KHANIVALE (2) finished second last start at the first run back from a spell. Strips fitter and boasts a handy second up record. Can give this a shake. KUBLAI (4) stuck on well last start to finish third at Strathalbyn after showing good early speed. Doesn't have to improve much to feature.
