Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - VAN CHARLOTTE (11) has put together back-to-back narrow placings, the latest when a nose away in second at Coonamble. This looks easier and she's ready to get off the mark. CONSIDER IT READY (9) is close to breaking through, most recently putting in a solid chase into the placings at Kempsey. Open to further improvement and is drawn to get all the favours. Can shed the tag. Stablemate BELLASCENT (8) resumes and has had the benefit of two trials leading into this. From a sharp stable and is one of the leading chances. POWER OF HOPE (2) failed to live up to market expectation first up. Willing to forgive on best efforts and should be kept onside.
RACE 2 - SANTATIME (6) broke the maiden in handy fashion last start here in testing conditions. Is lightly raced and has plenty of scope for improvement. Can go right on with the job now. FASCINATION ALLEY (8) also got off the mark in nice style last start, letting rip with a strong run home at Hawkesbury. Is another that is sure to have taken improvement and shapes a serious contender again with the confidence high. AWESOME TYCOON (1) performed above market expectation last start at Scone when closing off into third. Winning hoop in Looker reuniting is a positive. In the mix. AKAUWHEO (7) strips fitter third up and holds claims.
RACE 3 - EQUITABLE (1) is a first starter by Capitalist stepping out on debut for Rodney Northam. Impressed at most recent trial and is drawn to get all the favours Looks set for a bright start to his career. CLEMMIE (7) resumes. Went close to a maiden win before the layoff. Ran fourth in a recent trial at Gosford and is nicely placed to feature. Don't take lightly. CHASERLETTE (2) led early and was still in the firing line on the turn before tiring to finish fourth at Muswellbrook last time out. Cherry-ripe now and is expected to be in this for a long way with her fitness edge. Debutant SHEILA'S FANTA SEA (6) has trialled up nicely and is worth respecting, especially if the late market favours.
RACE 4 - TIGON PRINCESS (14) resumes for the smart Kris Lees stable. Failed to make an impact on debut when favoured by the market but looks to have come on nicely during the break and will take benefit from her two trials in readiness. Bold showing expected. Stablemate DASHING POWER (4) finds the maiden win elusive but carries a fitness edge over a few of his main rivals. Drawn well and he gets his chance to get off the mark. BROWNED OFF (1) never looked likely last time out at Hawkesbury when always well back. This is easier and he's among the chances on best efforts. Don't dismiss. The resuming HIGH AND MARTY (5) looks best of the rest.
RACE 5 - CRAZY RUSSIAN (2) resumes and makes his stable debut for Jake Hull. Was a handy maiden winner when resuming last time in work at Hawkesbury, and he strips fitter for two soft trials in readiness. Can return in winning form. PEE DEE (7) made it back-to-back wins when successful last start at Beaumont (Newcastle). Has his share of ability. Can give this a big shake and bring up the hat-trick. THE CHOSEN ONE (3) has been an eye-catcher in both runs back when contesting ugly gates. Drawn much kinder this time and it's worth noting Grant Buckley goes aboard. Finds a nice race and can figure in the finish. SIPPITY SIP (8) next.
RACE 6 - MOSGIEL DAISY (10) progressed nicely at the latest when kicking clear in the lane to shed her maiden tag. Is lightly raced and has plenty of scope for improvement. Mollie Fitzgerald was in the saddle on that occasion and retains the mount. Big chance to go back-to-back. SIXSPEED (3) had been in sparkling form winning two races on end, only to just miss bringing up the hat-trick last time at Scone. Going too good to ignore. BOLD HOI HO (1) was in contention on the bend and finished third last time at Armidale, beaten just under a length. Placed to advantage so expect a forward showing. SHEN GUI (2) lengthened nicely in the run home to score a barnstorming winning last time out at Scone. Cherry-ripe and deserves a lot more respect this time.
RACE 7 - BOB'S LAST ONE (4) didn't give his rivals a sniff last at Kempsey when leading pillar-to-post to shed his maiden tag. Open to further improvement and is sure to prove tough to reel in with similar tactics applied. BRIGHT DAISY (6) returns and shoulders a handy fresh record. Strips fitter for a minor placing in a recent Taree trial and is expected to make her presence felt. PITAVAGO (1) drops back to a winning trip and is a winner at this venue. Don't underestimate. COURAGEOUS QUEEN (3) failed to make an impact when resuming over the 900m at Newcastle. This looks a more suitable assignment and she's worth some thought.
