Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DREAM BABY (5) finds a fairly weak maiden today after making her debut with a fighting third over 1300m at Kembla Grange on July 27. Strips much fitter now and will relish the extra trip and firmer surface. ELEGANT ARTIST (6) fitter after two runs back and has experience on her side. Strong through the line when fourth over 1300m at Kembla Grange two-and-a-half weeks ago. Trip suits and looks the main danger. ASTERIDE (4) stepped up in trip when a tiring third over 1500m at Kembla Grange on July 27. In leading yard and close to her peak now. SLICK 'N' QUICK (7) failed to get into the contest on debut when eighth over 1300m at Wyong on July 25. Extra trip suits with the blinkers added.
RACE 2 - HIGH DANDY (2) underrated entire who created a big impression when winning his maiden three-starts back by 5 lens at Wyong last March. Up sharply in grade when a wilting 14th over 1600m in the G3 Carbine Club Stakes on a heavy (9) track at Randwick on April 6. Comes to hand quickly and this could be the prep where he starts to put it all together after the two recent trials. Blinkers come off and expected to sprint well fresh. LONE FORCE (3) strengthened up over the break and looked good at his second race start when a neck winner over 1300m at Wyong on July 25. Jay Ford keeps the ride and stretches out an extra 200m now. LINE OF FIRE (1) promising Dundeel gelding who failed to handle the heavy (8) going on resumption when sixth over 1300m at Randwick on July 27. Desperate for this trip now and go on his sound second over 1800m at Flemington last time in. YOU AND I (5) fitter after one run back when a tiring seventh over 1500m at Kembla Grange on July 27. Improver with place claims.
RACE 3 - MARAIS (1) is back from a break of four-and-a-half months after showing a ton of ability last time in. Gelded over the break when a fighting third over 1200m at Wyong on March 30. Fitted with two even trials and can finish over the top of these. MOGUL MONARCH (7) Capitalist colt who had two mixed runs last time in and returns with two sharp trial wins under his belt. Well drawn and expected to play a leading role. VALABING (10) third-up today and will appreciate the drop in grade after disappointing when sixth over 1100m at Randwick Kensington on July 17. Firmer track helps and look for her late. DYAMI (5) gelding by Rubick on debut for the Hawkes yard. Has impressed in two trials and will need a good ride early from the wide gate.
RACE 4 - THREATENING (7) promising Shamus Award gelding who shouldn't be a maiden for long. Nice return from a five-month break when attacked the line late to finish third over 1200m at Canterbury on July 24. Will keep improving as he gets out in trip and expected to go close. GRASSBURN (11) five-start maiden who comes out of a strong form race after holding on well with the 59.5kg when fifth to Red Hot Lizzie over 1200m at Canterbury on July 24. Look for her late from the sticky gate. AUSBRED MIMOSA (9) is a seven-start maiden who knocked up late on resumption when fourth over 1100m at this track on July 21. Gets all the favours again from the inside gate and has solid winning prospects out to the 1300m. INTRUDER (2) jumped in trip when a wilting fifth over 1600m at Warwick Farm on July 31. Back to his right distance range and stays in the mix.
RACE 5 - NORTHERN EYES (1) handy Zoustar gelding who scored a well-deserved maiden victory over 1300m here with the 61kg on August 1. Further improvement anticipated and no surprise to see him win again. TENDER STREAK (7) failed to come up last prep and the stable has tinkered with her gear. Gets in light with Braith Nock's 3kg claim and has looked strong in her two recent trials. Has ability to sprint well fresh. KERVETTE (5) consistent mare who let down strongly with a slick 2.5 len victory as fav over 1350m at Wyong on August 4. Having her first start at this track and look for her late from the awkward gate. NEFERTARI (6) near his top now fourth-up and total forgive from the outside gate when seventh over 1200m at Warwick Farm on July 10. No excuses from the good gate and Jason Collett sticks.
RACE 6 - AFTER MATCH (2) well-bred colt who lived up to expectations on resumption when giving them a galloping lesson here winning by 3.5 lens in fast time over 1100m three-and-a-half weeks ago. Has the ability to win again and go nicely through his classes this prep. WEEPING WOMAN (8) Joe Pride-trained mare who returned for her second campaign when an impressive 7 len maiden winner over 1080m at Canberra Acton on July 26. Strengthened over the break and looks to have a ton of upside. RIDE THE RIVER (4) a month between runs when finishing a tiring third to the promising Tarpaulin over 1100m at Randwick on July 27. Expecting more on the firmer track in this easier contest. STILL ALICE (1) underrated mare with her hoof on the till. Chased right to the line when a narrow second over 1000m here on August 1. Blinkers come off and looks a genuine contender.
RACE 7 - AMBASSADORS (3) racing in a rich vein of form this time in and looks well placed today after tiring late behind Green Shadows when third over 1600m at Randwick in BM72 company on July 27. Will hold a forward position again from the low gate and take catching. OLD GREGG (5) returned from a lengthy break with a solid fourth over 1600m at the Sapphire Coast in BM66 grade on July 28. Fitter now and and will relish the 3kg claim. Solid contender. JONNY BE SWIFT (10) handy type fitter after three runs back. Showed plenty of grit with the 59.5kg in the heavy (9) going when fourth over 1500m at Muswellbrook on July 29. Ready for this trip now and gets his chance again from the good gate. FIOPROSPERO (4) improving Fiorente gelding who started fav at latest when a determined winner over 1895m at Newcastle on August 3. Has genuine each way claims.
