Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KIREINA MARUBRAH (12) runs along and has been beaten a lip here in her last two. Races and peak fitness and has a handy 2kg claim. Deserves to break through. VAN SCOTIA (5) was a comfortable Maiden winner and then led again beaten 1.6L over a mile. Has switched to the Miller yard on a 21-day return. Has the early speed to clear the awkward barrier and Newitt is a positive jockey booking. DAIQUIRI DIVA (10) is third-up and brings two solid efforts. The rail is there to use and she's in the mix. Ditto MANDATE (2) who peaks and gets in well with the 3kg claim. Maps for a soft run. FIANCETTO (14) is a former NSW galloper having her third outing for the Keys yard. Has the 2kg claim and the ability. Gives every impression the longer sprint will suit.
RACE 2 - TOUGH IMPACT (2) resumed improved by the new yard and then spiked his figures again beaten a nose here from the front. Fitter and will ride the speed from an inside gate. The one to beat. LOVE NEST (6) was much better at Hobart and Newitt is a key jockey switch for the 3kg apprentice. Peaks for this and is a value hope. ESPUR (4) led and just missed here 7-days ago. Loses Newitt but she always puts in and is sure to give a sight. CLOVER HILL (3) resumed in good order and keeps the 2kg claim. She can fill a slot.
RACE 3 - GEMS EAGLE (1) was a sharp trialist before racing an even-money favourite on debut and finding Hoax a bit too quick. Covered the others and presents fitter from an ideal gate. Carr goes on and strikes at 20% with the Gandy yard. SKY LAND (4) was beaten 2L in the same race after an awkward start. She wasn't beaten far prior in Listed grade and can also make the finish briefly freshened. Stablemate NATIVE CLAN (5) had her second race start 12 days ago and also found Hoax too smart. Newitt stays aboard and she's sure to keep improving. LADY FERN (6) found a place on debut in the same contest and can build on that.
RACE 4 - GREY WHISPER (4) has been racing well without winning and has a 2kg claim this evening. Gives away a start so the small field suits and she's a decent chance on a 7-day return. Stablemate POWER MAGNUM (6) is also knocking on the door and Newitt is a key jockey switch for the 3kg apprentice. Has to carry 7kg more in easier grade but should be right in it. RUE DE PALAIS (2) led and won at this level and then faded late in a CL2. This suits better and a senior rider goes on. GEE GEE ALS PRINCE (3) resumed in better company and needed the outing. He will be improved and will be around the mark.
RACE 5 - BINE (6) has been threatening and tumbles in weight in Open grade. Her figures stack right up and she's the one they have to beat. LOYALTY BLUES (1) won the Maiden heavily bet and then spiked on that beaten a whisker in a CL1. In good hands and has plenty of scope for improvement. SIR JAG (2) has been close up his last two over 1400m. Comes back 200m off a freshen and has the figures to feature. HUBUBBAJAHN (9) runs along and Newitt sticking is a lead. She's also got upside and on the limit weight can give a sight at a price.
RACE 6 - Competitive. DANTES (1) won this grade at a short quote and then just missed in a 76 both over this distance. Has a hefty weight rise but the 2kg claims helps some. Maps for a soft run and he can bounce. SAXON MIST (12) led and held on the place before delivering a comfortable win at 62 level. That stacks right up and she's well placed again with the 3kg claim. MONTE BIANCO (7) is third-up and back in grade. She handles the mile and fitter has claims. OUR LITTLE TED (6) is a value hope measured on the much-improved effort behind Saxon Mist. Has a 3kg claim and look for him later.
RACE 7 - CARTOON GRAVEYARD (2) was out to the mile and missed the hat-trick by a nose. He's been freshened and Newitt rides for the first time. Won his only try at this course/distance and he keeps improving. Rates to bounce back. MUSCLE UP (1) found the grade a bit tough last time but had been threatening prior. He's likely to control the race from the paint and should prove hard to beat. RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (4) was nudged out three times before an okay effort from a wide gate. Has an inside alley today and the extra 200m suits. SISTINE (7) has been knocking on the door and will enjoy a soft run on a quick back-up. Tumbles in weight but running out a strong 1400m is the niggle. ZULU ANGEL (3) missed a nose here two back and deserves consideration on that.
RACE 8 - TRAVELLING GIGOLO (1) missed a nose in the Tasmanian St Leger and had been freshened off a try in the Hobart Cup. Was freshened after a try in the Hobart Cup. He will be better for that and dropping back to a middle distance shouldn't bother. Newitt is a key jockey switch and he can go one better. SWOOP THERE IT IS (4) was an easy winner over this trip and then had 44 days away before threatening twice over a mile. This race looks right up her alley and she's a live chance. GEEGEES HISWORD (2) finished within range in the St Leger but the win prior here this grade/trip is the effort that stands out. Expect him to be in the finish. DALTON DANCER (3) races forward and delivered the hat-trick in a 62 at Hobart. Jumped 600m in that and impressed. This is harder but she's in light this grade with a 2kg claim atop and can't be ruled out.
