Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - UTILITARIAN (4) finds the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. On the quick back-up over more ground. Will be getting off the mark sooner rather than later. CROWN AND ANCHOR (2) is close to breaking through, last start finishing just a head away in second at Mt Gambier after being in contention all the way. Finds a suitable assignment and can get the job done. WILD RALPH (5) resumes. Was an eye-catcher on debut at Mt Gambier when he finished fourth, beaten 2.25 lengths. Worth following up. MY GAL VAL (8) couldn't quite live up to market expectation when resuming last time out. Expected improver second-up. Don't underestimate.
RACE 2 - ROLLING THUNDER (6) just missed the frame in fourth last start at Warrnambool, after being prominent at the corner. Ideally placed and is sure to play a pivotal role. ARTISTIC GAL (7) also finished fourth last start at Murray Bridge after racing on the pace for much of the way. Finds it tough to break the ice but the rise in trip could well prove the trick. Sure to give a great sight. ROXY QUEEN (9) was only 2.7L away in seventh last time out at Kyneton a week-and-a-half ago. Steps up in distance and has good early toe so she should be handy in the run. SHARMA PRINCESS (10) hit the frame two starts ago at Ararat but ran below par last time. Finds a nice race and can bounce back.
RACE 3 - FORTIS IN ARMIS (1) resumes. Was in the placings when first-up from a spell last campaign at Murray Bridge over 1200m. Fitter for a minor placing in a recent Oakbank trial. Shy of a preferred trip but has the ability to make a bright return. PRANCING COUNTESS (9) hasn't made an impression lately despite market confidence. Well-placed and can feature in the finish. EL PASO CITIE (2) was an impressive maiden winner last time out over 1100m at Bordertown. Is lightly raced and has plenty of scope for improvement. Comes in on the fresh side as she steps out in trip. One of the key chances. WILLIAM'S QUEST (13) progressed nicely second-up at Kingscote when missing by a neck in second. Ready to go one better.
RACE 4 - SECRET WAR (3) is a genuine eight-year-old gelding who resumed with a narrow minor placing last time out at Morphettville Parks. Shoulders a terrific second up record and goes super over this journey. Drawn to advantage and will take plenty of catching. EL SALTO (2) has been well below his best in his last three efforts but is capable of a much better showing on best figures. Don't dismiss. SPIN THE REWARD (6) is ready to make his return off an extensive break. Is up to this on best form and boasts a handy first up record. Expect him to be forward enough following a trial in readiness. FOSTER STREET (9) next best.
RACE 5 - GALACTIC FURY (4) also showed improvement last start but found one better at Murray Bridge, beaten a head after being prominent at the turn. Has the ability to find the winners' list. RISING LEGEND (2) was well below his best last start on the Parks track. Has a great record at this journey with two wins from four starts and shapes as one to consider. WHISKEY 'N' WOMEN (5) has struggled to threaten of late but is one worth watching for late in the piece. Expect him to be getting involved this time. JUST LIKE LISA (7) is capable of featuring on best efforts. Keep onside.
RACE 6 - OFCOURSE I WILL (5) has struggled to threaten in his last two, despite his market support. Won't find this as tough and he does rate highly on best figures. Giving him one more chance. AEROETTE (9) stuck on soundly into a midfield finishing when resuming at Swan Hill. Has a fair record when second up. Strips fitter and can make amends. EAGLES FOREVER (1) doesn't win out of turn but he does boast a good record at this venue. Drops slightly in grade and is among the key chances. EARL OF BANTRY (4) best of the rest.
RACE 7 - HASTA LA FIORENTE (3) returns. Consistent performer last prep whose most recent appearance resulted in a win over 2500m at Morphettville. Rates highly and a bold showing is expected. PRINCE JOFRA (2) raced on the speed from the outset last start and finished second, over 1600m at Morphettville. Will enjoy a drop in class so he will be hard to beat. WILD WILLY (5) was far from disgraced when second last start after being prominent at the turn at Mt Gambier. That followed a win at Murray Bridge the start prior. This looks a sterner test than last time but on his best form he is good enough to take this out. BOLT BY (7) next best.
RACE 8 - CHIQ MAGNET (1) was prominent at the bend and ran a better race last start to finish a close second at Swan Hill. Beautifully placed and is sure to prove tough to beat. MISS GATSBY (12) doesn't boast the best winning strike rate but ran a strong race last time out when finishing in the frame. Ideally placed and is sure to play a major role. BULL DUST (6) wound up strongly last time out to finish third. Rates highly on best figures and is sure to be charging late. TALES OF CONFLICT (5) ran below expectations last time at Balaklava, finishing fifth. Nicely placed to make amends.
