Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DETORON (11) led and improved sharply winning over 1400m here. The step-up to the mile won't be an issue and she's likely to be on pace again. Just has to hold the form to prove hard to beat. GOTTA GO GURU (14) was better again beaten 1.3L here over this distance. Maps for the run of the race and will be at peak fitness. Keeps Holder and is a live chance. WANNASCHMACK (7) came from rearward to miss a whisker in the same contest. It was a good effort stepping up from a short sprint. Might need some luck drifting back from an inside barrier. WHISKY SOUR (8) needed the run in the same races and is likely to be more competitive today. He has pieces of form that would give him a chance.
RACE 2 - Competitive. THE LAST DANCE (9) was quickly back on track at Gawler before the 1.4L defeat at Strathalbyn as a short-priced favourite. His last three starts have all been from cruel barriers and he draws inside today. Peaks and will get every chance. DOUBLE YOU OWE (1) showed more like his best finishing just ahead of the above in the same contest. He also races at peak and gets another chance. MADAM MILLY (14) was good on debut and then tackled much stronger grade and was okay after settling back. The longer sprint should suit and she's got upside. ARAMOSO (4) was outgraded at Stakes level but was beaten 1L at Gawler prior and will race forward. Has claims. MAHENO (6 will be fitter and needs this distance. Will give away a start but can't be ruled out at a price.
RACE 3 - Tricky. LORD VALEN (4) resumes and he was beaten a whisker in town two starts back. He will be naturally improved and Holder is a key jockey engagement. A bold run is anticipated. VOLCANIC EXPRESS (3) hasn't had much luck and went close here last time over this trip. Fitter and Crowther's booking is a positive. A live chance. STRASBEAU (13) debuts and is also in good hands. Showed enough in his latest trial to keep very safe. SIOUX WARRIOR (6) missed a whisker at Balaklava and deserves to break through. He should have the early speed to manage the wide gate. OUR GLAMOUR GIRL (9) is a lightly raced improver in a leading barn drawn low with a 3kg claimer aboard. Keep very safe.
RACE 4 - EGYPTIAN TYCOON (2) resumes in easier for the Stokes barn and has switched from a Sydney stable. He's sharp fresh and his form at the provincials early in his last preparation read extra well for this. Has trialled well and draws low. Tough to beat if presented on song. FOXY FEMME (1) resumes and has been knocking on the door. She's been racing in stronger and brings a nice trial placing. Expect her to go well. TOI ET MOI (7) deserved the comfortable Maiden win here. The former Victorian has more to give and count on Crowther to manage the awkward barrier. WHO'S AFRAID (5) also won her Maiden here first-up in style and was heavily bet. Has a low gate and can keep building. HOOKED ON WEALTH (6) resumed here with a solid effort and has more up his sleeve. May need some luck from the inside gate but has a small claim and is in the mix.
RACE 5 - Competitive. PERSIAN EMPIRE (1) won and won a 58 easily here over this distance from the front. Has the handy 3kg claim in lesser grade and will control the race. This course and trip are his sweet spot and he's capable of repeating the dose. SEEKING STARDOM (7) steps up 200m off an okay run at Stakes level. Went close in Maiden grade prior and Holder is a key jockey booking. Lightly-raced and is a live chance. APPLIED (9) was outgraded at Oakbank 4 days ago but went close his two prior at this track and distance. Not sure the rail will suit but he has claims. BELLMAN (2) led and just missed in a 60 two starts back and then didn't fire at Streaky Bay in a 70. Has a handy barrier and back home he'll be much more competitive.
RACE 6 - MYRTLE CREEK (5) was within range at Morphetville three times before a solid effort here in a 64. She's suited at this level and has been briefly freshened. Gets her chance. PUNCHIN (2) has also been knocking on the door in stronger races. He is likely to control the race and will take plenty of pegging back. UPGRADE ME (3) has pieces of form that would see him very competitive. Goes third up and the blinkers are applied again. FLAMBARD (4) won his Maiden at just his second start and the step up to the mile will suit. Fitter and should be around the mark.
RACE 7 - JILLADORA (5) has had three starts this preparation all in town and placed the latest. Drops plenty in grade on those and Crowther sticks aboard. Draws for a soft run and rates to be winning. FLY THE LINE (12) impressed at The Parks first up and then got too far back here from a cruel barrier. Fitter again and can make the finish. FOX GEM (3) resumes and ran his best race before the spell when narrowly beaten here over a mile. He has won 2/3 fresh and has delivered at this distance. He's been away a while but expect him to be hitting the line hard. SEVEN SECRETS (1) peaks and is better than the form line suggests. Has a low barrier and 3kg claim and it won't surprise to see him improve today.
