Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GEEIJO (1) returns for the smart R & C Jolly stable. Showed positive signs in his debut prep without breaking through and should prove tough to beat with the slightest bit of improvement. ONEOFTHESENIGHTS (7) also resumes and makes her stable debut for the Searle & Callanan team. Went close to shedding the maiden tag at Dubbo in her last run of the prep. Strips fitter for a recent Balaklava trial and is drawn favourably. Expected to make her presence felt. OK GERRY (6) was denied by the barest of margins of a breakthrough victory two back at Port Lincoln. Not quite as effective last start but still chased gamely into second. Gets in low at the weights with the 4kg claimer engaged and is among the main chances. REINE OF NINE (8) was well below her best last start when always a mile back. Willing to forgive on best efforts and is worth considering.
RACE 2 - MINE ALL MINE (6) is an Overshare gelding stepping out on debut for John Macmillan. Beat some handy ones home in his recent Oakbank trial win and gets a key jockey booking in Holder. Wide draw the only concern. VALENTINA CHARM (9) returns and while she's found the maiden win elusive, it certainly hasn't been without trying. Has her share of ability and warrants serious consideration. UNDERCOVER AGENT (3) was denied narrowly from resuming a winner last start at Bordertown. Expecting this to be a bit tougher but he should improve. FOXY FROST (10) also finished closed to the winner when returning last start. Drawn wide, so expect to see her doing her best work late.
RACE 3 - I TELL YA WHAT (7) hit the line nicely in his first two runs of the prep and then was no match for a tearaway winner last start at Balaklava but still did a sound job to finish second. Drawn tricky but Pannell sticking is a positive. Bold showing anticipated. DOUBLE YOU OWE (3) has shown some promising signs in his debut prep and gets a positive jockey switch to Jason Holder. Capable of putting it all together this time. TRUMPTY DUMPTY (10) failed to live up to market expectation on debut when beaten a long way. Improvement anticipated and Toeroek pilots again. Worth following up. WE'VE GOTTA DEEL (4) has turned things around in his last two when finishing close to the winner. Ticking along nicely and only has to hold his form to be featuring.
RACE 4 - FAVOURITE CHILD (7) showed great early toe last start at Geelong and gave a good kick in the lane, only to be caught. Not much tougher this time and drops back slightly in trip with 29 days between runs. Leading player. ALFANO (1) returns and makes his stable debut for the Bain & Taylor partnership. Carries solid Sydney form and strips fitter for two recent trials. Forward showing anticipated. CAPTAIN JOOLIAN (2) will enjoy the drop in grade after his midfield finish last start at Mt Gambier. Drawn low and has Crowther sticking. Right in this on best form. FALAISE (3) strips fitter third up off the back of two poor runs. The booking of Toeroek is intriguing and warrants safe keeping.
RACE 5 - FIRST TOSEN (2) couldn't live up to market support last time at Horsham when sent out public elect but was far from disgraced. Strips fitter and is 1/1 third up. Ready. FIZIQUE (9) has continued to knock on the door after saluting at Strathalbyn back in February. Back in trip off the short freshen (35 days). Rates highly on best figures and can give this a big shake. SOUTHERN SHOOTER (4) warmed to his task nicely first up at Balaklava when closing off solidly into the frame. Is sure to have improved with that run under the belt and is in the mix. JAMCRA (6) was a determined winner two back at Clare but struggled to follow it up last time. Don't dismiss from the favourable draw.
RACE 6 - FOX GEM (3) sets up nicely third up after two midfield finishes to open the campaign. Hasn't won for a long while but is drawn favourably and Pannell gets the best out of this gelding. Gets his chance to break through. APPLIED (12) was no match for an impressive winner last start here but still did a good job to close off into second. Rates highly on best figures and can make a major impact. JAMROCK (8) doesn't win out of turn but did show some signs of life two back at Gawler when chasing solidly into fifth, only beaten 1.4L. Not as effective last time but is drawn to get the gun run from the inside pillar and gets in well at the weights again with the 3kg claimer engaged. Don't take lightly. SOCIAL GROUP (11) can run a cheeky race at big odds.
RACE 7 - EL PASO CITIE (2) has been thereabouts in her debut prep, scoring at just her second start. Leading hoop in Toeroek pilots and is big chance to win again. LUNASHA (1) has returned in good form this campaign, picking up the two wins from her three runs. Expect her to drift back from the wide alley and be charging hardest late. SHE SPARKLES (5) is ready to make her return after enjoying a successful debut prep. Strips fitter for a soft Balaklava trial in readiness. Expecting her to feature. HATEECH (15) was denied a head last start at Balaklava in a slightly easier grade. Is 1/1 over the course and distance and has Holder sticking. In the mix.
RACE 8 - DAMAGED (6) returns and makes his stable debut for the Bain & Taylor partnership. Had shown ability back in NSW and gets his chance to break a long run of outs in a most suitable assignment. Bold showing anticipated. FREE BEER (4) caught the eye last start at Bordertown when flashing home into the placings. Drawn much more favourably this time and is aided at the weights with the 1.5kg claimer engaged. Is right up to this. SANTASTICO (1) was another that finished off strongly into the frame last time out. Will appreciate the drop in grade and gets a 3kg claimer on to help out under the big weight. In the mix. MERCHANT BOSS (2) returns. Didn't make an impact last time in but did show good form the campaign prior. Willing to give another chance on best figures. MR WHITACRE (14) also returns and has finished in the placings at both attempts at this track and trip. Worked well to the line in his lead-up trial and a forward showing is anticipated.
