Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GEEGEEHAILSTORM (6) didn't finish it off over the longer sprint but missed a whisker both starts prior over this distance and will present at peak. Draws low today and will take plenty of beating. LONTANO (3) trialled well and then was slow away on debut and didn't get into it. Made sharp improvement following when beaten 2L and will be fitter again. Keeps the 3kg claim and can improve into the finish. SHARK ISLAND (2) resumes and has switched from a NSW barn. His Tasmanian trials have been sharp and he'd be a chance if he converted that form to race day. GEEGEE STRAWBERRY (5) looked in need of it on debut and was immediately spelled. Resumed owing a nice Hobart trial win and has the inside barrier. She looks set to go well.
RACE 2 - MR FREEZE (4) has been narrowly beaten both starts back and has been improved by the new barn. Fitter and Newitt sticks and can manage the inside barrier. Finds easier company and can break through. GEEGEES MISTY (3) also presents off CL2s and showed more like her best when beaten 3L at Hobart first up. Had won a trial on the synthetic prior and can get into the finish with the extra fitness. SUNSHINE MOSHE (2) finished close up here this grade surprising the market. Maps for the run of the race and keeps the 3kg claim. He's a chance as well. SHIM (6) went well two back and gets in light with the 3kg claim.
RACE 3 - Tricky with most of these stepping up plenty in distance. BOUNTY BAY (5) keeps improving and was beaten 1.3L at Hobart 3 days ago over 1650m as a short-priced favourite. Hard fit and Kersley is reunited. Tipping she will run the middle distance right out. HEWIE (2) resumed with a 1L defeat at the mile coming off two trials. Newitt is off the above to ride. Fitter and he should see it right out. TOSEN FAME (11) comes out of the same race and is knocking on the door. Finally draws a reasonable barrier and is worth another chance. MIKAZUKI (3) won the Maiden over this distance at Stony Creek and then switched to the Gaffney yard and offered little. No surprise to see him show more.
RACE 4 - SURELY SPECIAL (1) was quickly back on track when beaten 2.5L this grade/trip over 1400m spiking his figures. Maps for a soft run and on the quick backup will get every chance to go one better. DAIQUIRI DIVA (5) peaks off a solid effort in the same contest. She deserves to break through and is worth another chance. BLONDE STAR (3) found on better here and then belted the Hobart Maidens by 3.3L as a short-priced favourite. This is a step up, but a senior hoop goes on and the lightly-raced galloper will keep improving. TRICKY MIKKI (6) had been around the mark before the 1L defeat in a CL2. Is in light with the 3kg claim and also deserves consideration.
RACE 5 - HEAD'EM (2) slipped over to Tasmania and won the CL2 here 26 days ago and presents today for the Miller yard. Kersley sticks with him and the longer sprint should be right up his alley. Fitter and can go back-to-back. SHARE THE GOLD (10) just missed here this grade making sharp improvement and then delivered the 62. They stack up and should get every chance to repeat. STARNOTE (8) runs along and has been within range since the easy 60 win here. Has an inside barrier and Newitt is a key jockey switch. Should get every chance to run out the 1400m. FIGHTING FLOYD (1) peaks off a narrow defeat in a 68. The 3kg claim takes care of most of the weight rise and he will come hard late.
RACE 6 - THESPIAN WATERS (1) went close following a nice effort in Stakes grade and was heavily backed in a CL1 here last time winning easily. Draws handy and the longer sprint suits. He can repeat the dose. ZIPITUP (5) is a Victorian who disappointed at Horsham off two near-misses also in 58s. Tumbles in weight and will run along from an inside barrier. He's a player. BOLD INSTINCT (4) brings compelling form to peak. Gets a senior hoop for the apprentice and is likely to control the race. A live chance as well. BETTER THAN BANKSY (2) gives away a start but won well here his latest and the step up in trip shouldn't disadvantage.
RACE 7 - A good contest. JUST A TRIBUTE (1) brings a win and a near miss from Stakes grade and drops back 200m off a 42-day freshen. Gives away starts but flies this course/distance and the small field suits. BELLO BEAU (2) is busting to win and there was only a lip in it here last time at 1200m. He looks the map horse and Newitt rides the first time. KALIUWAA FALLS (4) has won four of his last five with the latest at Hobart over a mile. This is harder but he tumbles in weight and Kersley is back on replacing the apprentice. Has to be considered again. GALENUS (3) led and deserved the win here beating Bello Beau home. Rises 3.5kg but will ride the speed and give a sight.
RACE 8 - LORDOSIS (7) is relatively lightly raced and improved again when nudged out this grade/trip behind Dalton Dancer. That was a strong form race and he has a key jockey switch for this. Peaks and can go one better. GENERAL ASSEMBLY (1) led and was an easy 64 winner at Sandown-Hillside and then tackled 80 class at Flemington over a middle distance and was weak late in proceedings. Has a handy 3kg claim and this grade suits much better. Executes this track and distance and he's a decent chance to bounce back. NAVY STREET (4) deserved the CL2 win and then missed a whisker at this level over 1400m. First go at the mile but all the indications suggest it won't be a bother. RIGOLETTO (8) is much better than the numerical form suggests. He was only beaten 1.6L this grade the latest and has won twice at this distance. The 3kg claim brings him into it.
