Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GUARD (2) 35-start maiden who finds a very weak race today. Not far away in the soft (6) going when last of four over 1008m at Sapphire Coast on March 23. Gets in light with the claim again and no excuses here. TABEI (8) Frosted three-year-old filly on debut for the Natalie Jarvis yard. Looked good when a recent trial winner over 900m at Canberra on March 20. In leading yard and the blinkers go on today. Go close. RAPPELLING (4) I Am Invincible gelding out of a Starcraft mare on debut for the Joe Cleary stable. Not beaten far when third in a recent 1000m trial at the Sapphire Coast on March 23. Can take a hand in the finish. LOUJEN FRANCAISE (6) resumes from a six-and-a-half-month spell after struggling last time in. Claim helps and gets the blinker on from the good gate. Place prospects best.
RACE 2 - RANGATIRA (4) turned his form around at his last two outings and the 1400m is his pet trip. Ran on late when fourth over 1410m at Orange on March 24. Backs-up quickly and looks a genuine contender. OCCHIATA (3) racing in career best form and going nicely through his grades. Three weeks between runs when tired late to finish second over 1425m at Moruya on March 3. Go close again. ROCKBARTON ROAD (6) resumes today from a lengthy break and has good fresh figures. Up in trip and grade when a plugging sixth over 2000m in the Queanbeyan Cup on October 29. Can sprint well fresh. GYPSY ROMANCE (7) warmed to her task nicely over the concluding stages last start at Albury. Draws to take much closer order and is among the key chances.
RACE 3 - MISS SCOOP (7) promising Press Statement filly who won well on debut before disappointing as fav when sixth over 1200m at Goulburn on March 12. Senior rider goes on today and can bounce back to winning form from the gate. LOLA BUNNY (2) disappointed of late and the blinkers come off today. Expecting more here back to the 1100m after tiring late when 11th over 1280m at Muswellbrook on March 15. Place prospects best. SANTORINI SUN (4) Natalie Jarvis-trained mare resuming after racing in much stronger company last time in. Maps to get the right run and since fitted with a recent 900m trial placing. Last start winner BELLA ACE (1) next best.
RACE 4 - STURTY (4) Deep Field gelding resuming from a lengthy break. Came from last on the turn on debut when a close-up fifth over 1000m at Kembla on July 20. Two recent trials have been encouraging and expected to take plenty of stopping today. LULO ROSE (8) solid debut from the good gate when dictated early before being collared late when third over 1000m at Goulburn on March 12. Has the speed to get across from the wide gate and take a hand in the finish. DESIROUS (12) nice return two back before failing to get into the race when fourth over 1000m at Canberra on March 10. Fitter now and worth another chance. ZHIVAGO (5) is sure to have come on from his debut effort. Worth including.
RACE 5 - RAPID OUTLAW (3) consistent mare hard fit now back in grade. Three weeks between runs when a plugging fifth over this trip at Kembla Grange on March 5. Claim helps again and in her right class today. ETCHED IN TIME (6) broke his maiden status two back before sitting on the speed when a wilting eighth over 1600m at Gosford on March 16. This much easier and drawn to get the right run. OPEN SKY (4) handy Dundeel gelding who disappointed as fav in the heavy (8) going when sixth over this track and trip on February 26. Kept fresh and a firmer deck can see him play a leading role. KENOLOGY (7) next best.
RACE 6 - ZALE (5) raced with mixed luck in town at his last two outings and lone placing came at this track four runs back. Gets the right run and will go close to shedding his maiden status. TOO SOON (13) in need of the run when returned for second prep finishing fifth over 1200m at Newcastle on March 21. Fitter now and the blinkers come off today. PROFESSOR PICKLES (4) is ready to make his return. Struggled to make an impact in his debut prep but looks to have progressed nicely during the break, off the back of some solid trials in readiness. Right in this fresh. FERGHANA (9) next best.
