Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CORONATION KEELY (7) resumes for the Cotton yard and wasn't beaten far at Launceston on debut. Owns a trial win here and will be naturally improved. Should prove hard to beat. MY DESIGN (4) found a place here on resumption and will be better for the outing. Has an awkward gate but keeps the handy 3kg claim and with average luck can make the finish. ALPINE THUNDER (1) and GEE GEE DARE (8) debut for the Gandy yard and have looked good at the trials. Carr sticks aboard the former and she draws the paint. This is a winnable assignment.
RACE 2 - MAY WE ALL (3) is third-up and ready to find his best. He's missed a whisker here a couple of times but settles back and the rails gate needs managing. MISS PRIVATE (6) will be better for the two runs back and has more to give. Newitt stays aboard and that's a positive. LET'S MESSAROUND (2) will be fitter for two runs since a spell so can show much more in this suitable assignment. TIDEFORD (4) is also third-up and is better than the numerical form suggests. Has a small claim and his best Victorian form would see him competitive.
RACE 3 - PEPPARONI (8) peaks off two solid placings and keeps the handy 3kg claim. Gives away a start but can finish over the top of this field. MISS PEBBLES (5) spiked her figures beaten 1L at Launceston and then settled too far back there and didn't get into it at a price. Has to be taken on trust but keeps the 3kg claim and is good enough if she brings the A-game. GEE GEE TYCOON (7) is still lightly raced and tries hard. Hits this at peak and finally draws a low barrier. Newitt goes aboard and that's a lead. BUEL (1) needs to find more but may be next best.
RACE 4 - I'M KEEFE (1) is speedy and went close twice before folding up badly here last time from a wide gate (vet cleared). Has a handy 3kg claim today and can bounce back. The one to beat. GEEGEES DOWN SOUTH (4) has needed the two runs back over this distance. May need longer now but he has more up the sleeve and this isn't strong. MARTINI BLUE (8) improved again placing at Launceston and it was a good effort picking up from back in the field. Finally has an inside gate and he's a chance. STEEL MIST (5) and NO ACCESS (2) have been around the mark and also have claims.
RACE 5 - WADDY WADDY (2) went close this trip and then won easily over a middle distance before getting too far back here as favourite. Rates well and like him back to the mile. The rails gate isn't ideal but he'll be hard to beat if the splits come. BOUNTY BAY (7) has been in range his two runs in Tasmania. Newitt is a key jockey switch and she's a live chance. OPALSON (5) was a big CL3 winner here over a mile and held the form the one after before a plainer run over a middle distance. Drops back to the mile and can get back on track. MONTEZULU (1) improved delivering the Maiden over 1400m. Lightly raced and may go on with it now.
RACE 6 - HAPPY CLAN (2) followed the CL1 win with two near misses with all three this distance range. Finds easier and a 3kg claimer goes aboard. Looks suited. NAVAJO WARRIOR (3) finally found his best Victorian figures easily winning this track/trip from the back. Has a handy gate today and will only have to hold the form to be a player. AFRIDI (6) has been within range his last two with the latest behind HAPPY CLAN. Newitt replaces the apprentice and he's some hope. PAGE (4) may be next best.
RACE 7 - JEHBENTI (6) was back in the winner's stall here and did it comfortably ín a CL2 as expected. He was having his second start since the switch from a Victorian stable and is improved. The extra metres shouldn't prove an issue. INTISAR (4) won a 60 comfortably and then missed by 2L in much stronger than this, Has a low gate and Newitt replaces the apprentice. She should be right in it. GEEGEE JET BY (1) resumed in Open grade and was okay. The second-up form is sharp and he has the rail and handy 3kg claim. Fitter and has to be considered. THELMA (3) led and won the 68 as expected and has won a trial since. He will push forward and also deserves consideration.
RACE 8 - ROHZHAE (3) has been knocking on the door since the Maiden win here. He gets his chance to strike again over the shorter sprint. FEAR THE STING (4) peaks and go on the lip defeat here two back. That stacks right up and he can push forward and control the race. SHALL WE PLAY (6) also runs along and comes off a tidy Maiden win. Gets in light this grade with a 3kg claim atop and will get every chance to build. NOT RICH ENUFF (1) is lightly raced and has shown good ability so should be kept very safe first up.
