Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MIDNIGHT RULER (3) is a four-year-old War Decree gelding on debut. Has impressed at the trials with a dominant win here in readiness. Draws well and is expected to make a bright start. CINCHONA (5) was in the market when resuming and led but her condition gave out and she faded to midfield. She strips fitter second-up so expecting a much better showing. BEAU VALLEY (4) was well beaten in the only appearance but is likely to have developed further with maturity and draws well so can play a role. MA BELLE GRISE (7) can go well resuming off a solid trial.
RACE 2 - STAR VALOUR (5) made solid late inroads when resuming at Halidon two weeks ago. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and will appreciate the rise in trip. Leading player. HARD LEAF (8) finds the maiden win elusive but has shown glimpses of ability. Came through a hot maiden two back at Balaklava to stick on gamely into the placings at the latest. Drops back in trip for what looks an easier test. HOT EGO (9) is a Preferment gelding on debut for Sarah Rutten. Takes benefit from a soft trial in readiness. Keep safe in a weak contest. GEEIJO (2) is also right in the mix.
RACE 3 - BASE OF FIRE (2) doesn't win out of turn but went desperately close to getting the job done last start at Bordertown. Gets in well at the weights again with the 3kg claimer engaged and is drawn to get the gun run. Leading player. REALTIN (4) worked into the race nicely last start at Halidon but just lacked a winning blow. Drops back in trip and is drawn kinder. Main danger. LORD TURNBURY (5) returns and looks to have come back in good order on the back of trial win here in readiness. Will need some luck from the gate but is a live hope. BELMONT AVENUE (1) hasn't won for along time but faces one of his easiest assignments to date. Don't overlook.
RACE 4 - BANGERANG REDBACK (1) doesn't win out of turn but wasn't far away two back when missing by a lip. Not as effective last start but this is easier. CHILKO LAKE (7) is going better than her form reads. The subsequent form from her Strathalbyn race two back has stood up superbly. Wasn't able to live up to market support last start but is worth following up. HEIDI HEIDI HO (6) will be approaching peak fitness third-up and can improve sharply while it wouldn't surprise to see ODDSOCK (12) play a role in the finish of what looks a suitable assignment.
RACE 5 - ALPHA FLIGHT (5) went close to making the perfect return at Balaklava. Better for the hit-out and has gun hoop in Crowther sticking. The one to beat. KINGSON (2) returns. Didn't cause a threat in his last two starts of the prep when tackling tougher opposition. Well-placed for this first-up assignment over a track and trip he relishes. Trial in has him ready to fire. FOX DUNNETT (3) also returns and is 1/1 at this venue. Attracted plenty of market support last campaign without paying. Strips fitter for a pair of soft trials and is drawn softly. Can play a role on best efforts. Smaller cases can be made for resuming duo of HE'S ABEL (4) and UTILITARIAN (7).
RACE 6 - STORM VOYAGER (10) has struggled to threaten of late but should find this easier. Shoulders a strong record on her home track and is expected to play a major role. FINAL CHANCE (5) has improved with each run this campaign. Peaking now as he steps out to a preferred trip. Bold showing anticipated. CUBAN LORD (12) gave backers a bold sight last start at Port Augusta, only to get collard on the post. Drops back in trip four weeks between runs, keeping the legs ticking over with a soft trial here. Carries a feather with the 3kg claimer going on. Don't take lightly. HEY MICHAEL (4) will be looking to pick up where he left off last campaign. Lead-up trial suggests he can.
RACE 7 - EFFORTKAT (1) returns and has a solid fresh record. Is a track and trip specialist and her lead-up trial suggests she's ready ready to fire. Sure to be very competitive. SUGGESTIVE MISS (4) has been thereabouts in her three runs back without breaking through. Blinkers on first time will sharpen her up as she drops back to a winning trip. Gets her chance to break a long run of outs. ROSE RING (3) is another that returns and has her first start for the Dunn & Bishop partnership. Usually goes well fresh and is drawn softly. In this up to her ears if she brings her A-game. HARLEEN (5) also resumes and is unbeaten over the track and trip from two starts. Winning hoop reunites, has to be included. SPIRITUAL GAL (11) strips fitter third-up and looks best of the rest.
RACE 8 - SUNZOU (3) has given backers a bold sight in his two runs back, only to be bettered by two smart ones. Peaking now and is drawn to advantage. Only needs to hold his form to prove too tough to catch for his rivals. THE HASS (5) returned with a bang in town but hasn't been able to go on with it yet. Has been freshened with a 50-day break, keeping the legs ticking over with a trial here. Back in trip and 3kg claimer going on gets in him in light at the weights. Can bounce back sharply. KAIDO (9) made a mess of his rivals first-up and then went close to making it two on the bounce. Not as effective last start but can get things back on track with winning hoop reuniting. SHUTTLE RUN (10) returns off a long break in a stable debut for Jackie Stoetzer. Trial in suggests he can play a role but treading cautiously. Will pay to watch what the late money thinks.