Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DREAMZEL (7) was only caught late on debut after leading for most of the way and then was fifth as favourite at her next run before being put aside to mature. She will be suited to the short course trip here and will find the opposition easier as well. The 3-kilo claim makes her the one to beat. ENDLESS FAITH (5) did not have much luck at Oakbank last start but horses can always be forgiven for their performances on that track as it is very much a horses-for-courses venue. Her form prior was good enough to give her a chance to take this out. AMBELLO (1) has been trying to break through for a while and is resuming from a spell that would have done him the world of good. He has a handy gate and with form on the course, he won't be far away fresh up. Each-way. STOKKE (10) unraced filly by Rich Enuff out of Springalon. Yet to trial publicly. Watch for any market moves.
RACE 2 - LONGWARRY (6) has changed stables after a couple of mediocre efforts in Victoria earlier in the season. He looked forward at a recent trial and with the benefit of pole position, he can make his presence felt. A market watch is advised. ELLIOTTO (1) fought on resolutely to hold onto fourth place here nearly 5 weeks ago when making his debut. The experience will improve him and he is capable of picking up a win at short notice. FAIR LEGACY (14) has also changed stables this season and is having her first run after a decent spell. She was close up in a recent trial and will be ready to rumble fresh up. Watch the markets closely. TAURI (10) is on debut and has the right profile to figure in the finish.
RACE 3 - BULL DUST (1) was a beaten favourite at Penola last time out after getting a long way back in the running and to finish as close as he did was a very good run. He has been placed twice on this track in the past which is an advantage and from a superior gate he can settle a lot closer to the pace this time. He drops further in class and is ready to win. PRIZE LAD (7) is resuming down in class and he usually needs a run or 2 before hitting his straps. If the track is rain affected his chances soar. Include in all combinations. BLUE PAWSOM (4) should be nearing her peak fitness after 3 runs back from a spell for his new trainer and he is now ready to put his best hoof forward. LINES OF GLORY (5) is better than his form suggests and needed his last start for his new trainer Garret Lynch at Murray Bridge 3 weeks ago. His only career win came here and he is worth serious consideration. Each-way value.
RACE 4 - MR FERRARI (5) bolted home when clearing maiden ranks at Strathalbyn 3 starts back and after a miss he was back in form at Bordertown last time out, finishing fourth. He has a superior draw this time and will likely try for front-running tactics again. On this track, he will be hard to peg back. A TOUCH FROSTY (2) showed promise over ground at the end of his last prep and he is resuming with a couple of trials under his belt. He normally comes to hand quickly and over this trip, he has solid each-way claims. ANY LUCK (10) is trained on this track and did win on debut here at the start of the season. She made up a lot of ground at Penola last time out and will be well suited over a longer journey in this. Stick with her. HAATHER (3) came from last when scoring by a short-head at Ararat last start. He won't find this any harder and now that his confidence is back, he can win again.
RACE 5 - HAY JOE (3) has more upside than most in this and he did not have much luck when resuming at Stawell just over 3 weeks ago. He improves quickly with racing and also drops in class second up. A 3-kilo claim will help and he is the one to beat in this. CAPTAIN JOOLIAN (8) won his maiden on this track fresh up in January and after winning his very next start at Naracoorte he has not been far away in 3 subsequent runs, including his last start at Horsham when finishing third 5 weeks ago. He is capable of figuring in the top-three. MELISSA KATE (9) is a local veteran with a handy record on her home track. She will be peaking her fitness after 3 runs back from a spell and the drop in journey will suit. Include in all multiples. CHILL WITH TEEJAY (1) sure to make her presence felt.
RACE 6 - FAST 'N' FORWARD (5) is a local mare with a very good record on her home track. She has had 2 runs back from a spell in tougher fields and will notice the drop back in grade here. She is up to a suitable trip and would only need a wet track to be very hard to beat. HONOUR THE SKILLS (6) won over this trip on this circuit 3 starts back and did not cope with the poly track at Ballarat last time out. He also won his maiden here and with the benefit of a 3-kilo claim, he can bounce back into the money. BUOYANT (3) is getting ready for a hurdling career but he comes to hand quickly and will be ready to rumble fresh up. The markets will be an important guide. DR DEE DEE (1) better run last start when third over 2000m at Bordertown. Impressed last start. Right in the mix again.
RACE 7 - METEORITE (4) has been out of form for some time and should have finished a lot closer than he did last time out after getting held up at a vital stage. He is not the most reliable but strikes a very soft field here and with 3-kilos less to carry this time, he can turn it all around. Each-way value. CORK HARBOUR (10) has been mixing his form but his best recent effort was on this track 3 starts back when he finished runner-up by a neck. Include in all combinations. MISS GATSBY (11) has not had much luck with some wide gates recently and from a slightly better draw this time, she is capable of running into the money. DUBAI NIGHTS (1) bounced back to form with a third place run at Murray Bridge. Can keep form and looks ready to run well again.
