Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - RASHFORD (4) is unlucky to still be a maiden finishing runner-up in both outings this preparation. Should find this assignment easier than recent metro efforts and Wilson-Taylor sticks in the irons. Can go one better against this lot. ALASKA DE LUNE (9) has placed three of five overall including two from two over this mile journey. Respect from the Bruce barn. TRAVIATA (14) has hit the top-five in all six starts to date and is a must for the multiples. SALAMANCAS (7) strips fitter second-up from the spell and gets Maloney back on board. In the mix.
RACE 2 - TEMPER THE STORM (2) shed the maiden tag when resuming in the first run for the new stable and will have derived a stack of confidence from that victory. Again gets the benefit of Collis' 2kg claim and should be right there when the whips are cracking. BIRMINGHAM (10) is one from one over this course and distance and will strip fitter second-up from the break. Expect a bold showing. The well-related ALPHA JANE (9) (full to G3 winner Pennino) is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley and can bounce back to form against this lot. Worth another chance. NEGATION (6) is a bit of a hit-or-miss type but may feature if she brings her A-game. WASSA (12) next in line in a race with plenty of chances.
RACE 3 - QUARANTINE DREAMS (12) wasn't disgraced just missing the placings in town last time out and will appreciate the drop in grade here. Will be near his peak now fourth-up from the spell and should give backers a great sight. RUSTIC BOOM (4) has hit a purple patch of form stringing back-to-back wins together and gets 2kg weight relief with the claim. Can continue the winning run. TORONADO ROUGE (11) has won first-up before and may run a race while fresh. TRES REDOUTE (13) races well when fresh and looks a must for the multiples.
RACE 4 - Tricky race to assess with a few of these facing the starter for the first time. Of the raced brigade NITROGEN (4) hails from a very handy family (half to 3xG1 winner Bivouac) and showed enough when last in work to warrant serious consideration in a race like this. Has placed one from one around this circuit and Rodd stays in the stirrups. Should be going very close. PRINCE OF PROPHETS (8) was well in the market on debut and where there's smoke there's fire. May improve enough to take this out. GOLD FEVER (2) has placed in all three runs this preparation and can earn some minor money again. WHISKEY AND BEER (5) next in line.
RACE 5 - BONDED AFFAIR (4) didn't measure up in town last time out but the form prior was full of merit. Has placed one from one over this track and trip and gets in well at the weights with the 2kg claim. Can bounce right back to form here. KING YOSHI (7) has a win and a placing from two starts to date over this course and distance and has tuned up for this with a couple of recent trials. Should be right there at the business end. BOLD COMIC (1) has placed when first-up before and may run a race while fresh. KING OF THE JUNGLE (6) rarely runs a bad race and can trouble the judge again.
RACE 6 - TAWFIQ STAR (10) has saluted when fresh before and gets the services of Thornton in the saddle. Shapes as one of the main contenders. MALTALI (8) shed the maiden tag at the latest effort and will have derived a stack of confidence from that victory. In the mix. EVERLASTING STARS (11) draws the inside alley and can give a sight. YEMEAN (15) next best from the Munce yard.
RACE 7 - BLUE RAY (1) has hit the frame at the past couple of efforts and the step up to the 1800m looks ideal. Will be rock-hard fit for this and can return to the winner's list in this contest. VARDON (4) strips fitter third-up from the spell and is sure to get a soft run from the inside alley. Looms as the main danger. GLEEFILLY (5) is better than recent efforts suggest and rates a genuine contender on best form. Nicely placed here. TAUPO TIGER (2) next best.
