Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TUFF OPERATOR (9) has found the maiden win elusive but it hasn't been without trying. Is yet to miss the frame at this venue and only needs to hold his form to be fighting out the finish. SEVEN SHOTS (5) has found the line nicely in his last two starts without threatening the winner. On the short turnaround and gets in well at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged. Expect to see him doing his best work late. SHADOWIST (6) stuck on gamely into fourth when resuming at Clare last time out. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt but will need some luck from the tricky draw. TOORAK BLAZE (8) looked to be nearing a breakthrough win but struggled at the latest. Capable of a better effort this time and is worth keeping safe.
RACE 2 - CHUCKAMICKY (7) put the writing on the wall last start when chasing gamely into the placings. Cherry-ripe now and is a leading player. EMMOOKI MAGIC (9) showed good early dash last start at Clare, only to be nailed for a minor placing late. Comes through some handy enough maidens and is expected to measure up. ME NAME'S HARRY (5) was well below his best when resuming at the latest. Better for the run and gets in low at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged. Expecting sharp improvement second-up. THE PHARMACIST (6) yet to fill a placing in two runs since resuming from a spell, the latest effort a seventh over 1100m at Oakbank three weeks ago. Fitter and drawn well. In the mix.
RACE 3 - WICKED ADDICTION (4) was no match for a smart winner in town last start but will appreciate the drop in grade. Rates highly on best figures and is expected to play a major role off a short freshen. JAMCRA (3) fought hard to fend off challengers and get the verdict last start at Clare. Not that much tougher this time as he drops back in trip from a good draw. Can win again. MAVEN MISSILE (2) didn't give his rivals a sniff last start when leading pillar-to-post to shed his maiden tag. Confidence-boosting win and can now go on with it. DEVINE ASSASSIN (7) battled on soundly into a midfield finish last time at Gawler. Drawn softly and can make her presence felt on best efforts. Don't dismiss.
RACE 4 - I'M KENNY (4) was a nice winner two back at Gawler but was far from his best last time at Broken Hill. Has been kept fresh for this, with the legs ticking over in a recent trial. Rates highly on best figures and can bounce back sharply. EXCELMAN (1) was denied a head of resuming a winner at the latest. Improvement to come second-up in what looks a similar set-up. Expecting him to feature. TAIPAN TOMMY (2) comes back over the border after two sound efforts in NT. Drops back to a preferred trip and is right in the mix. EVENING BRIDE (6) hasn't won for a long time but is ticking along nicely. Drops back in grade for this and strikes a winnable assignment.
RACE 5 - CHARLESFORT (1) was below his best last time at Gawler but had been ticking along nicely prior. Felicity Atkinson has never been out of the frame when aboard this four-year-old gelding so a better run is on the cards. RIVERSIDE ROCK (8) closed off strongly into the frame last start to grab a minor cheque. Gets his chance to break a long run of outs with a similar effort. SHIPWRECK (3) dug deep to get off the mark two starts ago. Followed it up with a solid chase into fourth last start at Port Lincoln. Right in the mix if he can find a bit more. MR RODMAN (4) next best.
RACE 6 - BITE YOUR TONGUE (9) doesn't win out of turn but has turned in some solid performances of late. Narrowly went under last start at Port Lincoln when sent out public elect. Worth another go. CHAMPAGNE AFFAIR (12) has put his best foot forward in most runs this campaign, just narrowly missing the frame last start at Clare. Gets in low at the weights with the 3kg claimer on and she only needs to hold her form to be very competitive. JIMMY DA DOZER (10) was ninth when resuming last start over 1100m at Clare. Strips fitter and expected to feature. ZOUTONS (2) stepping out at this circuit for the first time. Last appeared when he finished sixth over 1000m at Port Lincoln on April 7. Definite winning chance. Keep safe.
RACE 7 - AMANI FARASI (4) rattled home to finish in the frame last start at Port Lincoln, following up her handy win at the same track the start prior. Going well and is sure to take another strong account of herself. LEON'S SHOUT (14) hasn't won for a long while but rarely finishes too far away. Well placed this time and is 1/1 over the track and trip. Bold showing anticipated. FOSSHIO (5) turned things around last start when digging deep to get the verdict by a long neck. Drawn sticky but warrants respect. ALL CLUBS (10) will be doing her best work late from the draw. Don't dismiss.
