Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - VINCENZO (1) is a consistent gelding who has started this prep impressively. Flashed home to just miss in a three-way go first-up at Wyong then again closed strongly to score over 1800m at Hawkesbury last start. Placed 2/2 at today's distance which looks like a perfect progression at this stage of the campaign. CASIRINA (2) has been safely held in both runs this prep on heavy tracks, the latest when eighth over the mile at Taree. Placed 3/4 at this distance so expect to see him improve this afternoon. KINGSTAR BULLET (3) had a change of trainer and a five-week let-up before her barnstorming win over 1900m at Armidale recently. Carries the same weight today against a slightly better field. Must be respected. ZOFFANY'S GAZE (5) is an honest and lightly raced seven-year-old who couldn't quite match Kingstar Bullet at Armidale last time. Loves this track so he is a definite contender. SEAHAVEN (4) is best of the others.
RACE 2 - SPICY MARGHERITA (11) has raced handy enough but lacked a turn of foot in her two runs this prep in shorter races. Worth another chance at big odds over this distance on an eight-way back-up. BRIEF SONG (6) didn't have things go her way when down the track on debut at Scone recently. Did work home okay on that occasion at the end of 1300m so this journey should suit. SOUL TAKER (10) was a little one-paced when fourth over 1350m at the Beaumont track last start. Has only raced twice so there is plenty of scope for improvement. Backmarker ROCKBARTON ISLAND (4) is worth including at his first try at the mile. THE FAVORITE SON (5) returned in good order last start and from the inside alley he is a major player.
RACE 3 - GREAT SIEGE (2) is an interesting runner who hasn't raced since September 2022 when trained by Anthony Cummings. Placed at Canterbury and Newcastle among his five starts so he has ability. Now a gelding and looked the goods in a recent trial at Armidale. SISTER JOSEPHINE (11) registered her first placing in 12 career runs when she led but found one better over 1100m at Mudgee last start. Wide gate a worry but she is going better than most of these so must be included. POPPY BOXER (9) showed pace but tired late to finish fifth on debut last time out over this distance at Scone. Won't find this as tough so she is a great chance to break through. STIORRA (8) returns after a 28-week spell. Finished less than a length from the winner over this distance at Gosford when fresh from a spell last prep. Big chance on that form. Merchant Navy gelding A PATCH OF HONOUR (4) is trialling well and looks set for a bright debut.
RACE 4 - SILENT TOMAHAWK (6) was well in commission on debut last start over 1100m at Armidale and ran boldly, beaten just 0.4 lengths after being handy all the way. Should relish the extra 100m and from a good gate gets all the favours. Clearly the one to beat. ISADAMI (8) had a change of stables and a seven-week break before her fine effort last time out over 1100m at Armidale, edging Silent Tomahawk out of second. Speedy mare who will be hard to catch again. CAUVERY (10) comes here off a couple of plain runs at the provincials to launch this prep. Well drawn and worth another chance back in a country maiden. ARCTIC LEGEND (1) resumes for new mentor Cody Morgan. Opened last prep with a minor placing at Kembla which is strong form for a race of this calibre. IRISH ACCOLADE (5) returned to form last time and is in the mix.
RACE 5 - Lightly raced gelding PARIS LAD (5) won with ease on debut at Bathurst then overcame a wide gate to finish a game third over 1280m at Muswellbrook last start. Steps up a level today but he is progressive and has the figures to test this field. SUPERARGO (6) had a five-week let-up before finishing a close fifth over 1300m at Armidale last time out. Doesn't win out of turn but strips fitter for this and gets in nicely with the allowance. CORPSMAN (9) launched this prep with a couple of eye-catchers at Newcastle before dropping out at the end of 1400m at this track four weeks ago. Far better placed back to this trip so watch for a return to form. NOT IN DOUBT (8) started favourite but was a shade disappointing first-up over 1000m here. Won her maiden over this course and distance second-up last prep so give her another chance. POWDERFINGER (3) saves her best form for this trip so she can improve on that latest effort.
RACE 6 - OUR BOY OLLIE (7) comes out of a couple of Country Championships qualifiers in decent form, the latest effort a close fifth in the Scone Wildcard over this distance. Cherry ripe after four runs back, likes racing here, and is beautifully in after the claim. OLAKAU'ATU (9) returned to form last time out when a closing second in heavy going over 1500m at Coffs Harbour. Very fit gelding who looks a danger with the blinkers back on for this. AESTHETE (11) dominated a Bm66 field over this course and distance two runs back before failing at 1200m last start. Up in class but he gets weight relief and is back to his preferred trip. SMOOTH ESPRIT (5) flew home at the end of 1100m at Dubbo when resuming a month ago. Won in open company over this distance last prep so don't take him lightly.
RACE 7 - FULD'S DOUBT (10) started her move a fair way from home then proved too good late when resuming over this distance at Scone last start. Progressive filly who is back in great shape and ready to take this next step. PROVENCAL (7) came from midfield and had to dig deep to collect her maiden win last time out over this trip at Muswellbrook. Open to further improvement at the third run back so stick with her. RAGMAN (3) was poor at Toowoomba most recently after an eye-catching return at Coffs Harbour the run prior. Deserves another chance with the aid of the inside gate. SACRED DELAGO (4) has been freshened up and can improve on his midfield finish over this course and distance a month ago.
