Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - THEMYSCIRA (9) is a Victorian visitor who rattled home late to finish runner-up when resuming at Moe 12 days ago. She has 4-kilos less to carry this time and if she can get around the tight turning track, she will be the one to beat. YOURAWAY (7) is another border-hopper who was third on debut at Terang 6 weeks ago. She only needs to make an even beginning to be right in the finish again. DREAMZEL (2) has been placed in 3 of her 4 starts which have all been in Victoria. A wide draw may not be as bad as it seems if the track is rain-affected. Stick with her. Can win. MAGIC FIELD (3) was narrowly beaten as favourite here last prep at his second-ever start. His recent spell would have done him the world of good and he is not out of this fresh up. MUNTHAM MISS (6) is a locally trained mare who was second here on debut. She will be stronger in this campaign and should pick up a win at short notice.
RACE 2 - ROSTOPCHIN (14) has improved in each of his 2 starts to date, the last being a fourth-place finish at Ararat a month ago. She will be peaking third up and looks set to shed her maiden tag in this. BELLONADO (1) was well supported in the markets fresh up on his home track at Warrnambool and though he was out of the placings, he did strike some trouble in the run that day. He has a good draw and will find this easier. Stick with him. FALLING LEAVES (8) is a locally trained mare which is always an advantage on this circuit. She was third at Bordertown when resuming and can overcome a wide draw to figure in the finish again. Each way. FRISE (3) is also trained on the track and has finished third in both of his starts this prep. He will relish an extra 100 metres and is good enough to take this out.
RACE 3 - NORWOODS (8) led all the way fresh up at Horsham and was near to that form again when finishing fourth at Geelong just over a fortnight ago. He will relish the step up to a middle distance for the first time and is most likely to set the pace here. Hard to beat from a handy gate. MR FERRARI (4) has been in good form since winning his maiden at Strathalbyn by 4 lengths in March. He has been placed in 2 of his 3 starts on this track and is ready now to step up in journey. He is ready to win again. MOORAK MISS (11) is locally trained and her only career win did come on her home track. She was a solid runner-up at Horsham last time out and only needs some luck from a wide gate to be right in the finish here as well. Each way. SAVABOO (7) next best.
RACE 4 - GAME COVE (6) won in this class 2 starts back and then found the company a bit rich 8 days ago at Morphettville-Parks, finishing well back. He is much better placed in this and can make his presence felt. Stick with him. WHENTHEDEELINGSDUN (3) is a handy mare resuming and she is always competitive in this grade. She has a good draw and even though this trip is short of her best she should still be hitting the line strongly. Each way value. BAY WAVE (1) has not fired since leading all the way at Stony Creek in March. He drops down in class and with a blinkers back on, a form reversal is expected. Include in all combinations. The resuming UNLIMITED ABILITY (2) also holds claims on best efforts and warrants safe keeping.
RACE 5 - THUNDER PARK (7) was only claimed late when resuming on a heavy track at Geelong nearly 8 weeks ago, finishing runner-up and less than a length from the winner. He seems to prefer wet tracks and has been placed in his only start on this circuit which is an advantage. He is nicely placed to go one better this time. FOURTH POWER (2) had won 3 on the bounce prior to finishing eighth in a stronger field at Morphettville-Parks 8 days ago. He is much better suited to this level and with a 3-kilo claim, he can resume his winning ways immediately. CRACKLE 'N' BURN (6) is a promising 3-year-old fresh up. He was well beaten at Moonee Valley in his last run before going for a spell but it was in a far tougher lineup that day. He benefits from a 2-kilo claim and will be very hard to beat fresh up. Use the markets as a guide. ACTION IN CAIRNS (1) is a very handy local gelding who is not badly off at the weights as a winner of 8 career races, including 3 on his home track. Can win.
RACE 6 - NOT A BRASS RAZOO (3) won by a short-head in this class at Gawler last time out and is up 2-kilos for that victory. A wide draw is no help but she is good enough to figure in the finish again. CAPTAIN JOOLIAN (1) has been mixing his form in slightly tougher fields this prep but has won on this track in the past. He has to overcome a wide draw but with a 2-kilo claim, he is worth including in all combinations. FIRST COMMANDMENT (2) only battled fresh-up at Geelong nearly 5 weeks ago and will find this easier. Both of her career wins have come over this trip and she does improve quickly with racing. She lands the pole position and is not out of this. ANY LUCK (10) can bounce back sharply off a disappointing last start effort.
RACE 7 - BRAWL (3) got back further than expected last time out at Casterton but then really hit the line strongly late, finishing third. He will find this easier and only needs to make his move at the right time around this circuit to be the one to beat this time. On top. IMPOSING SUSPECT (10) has been thereabouts in tougher fields at Morphettville lately and is very well treated at the weights this time with only 54 kilos to carry. He can settle close to the pace from a good draw and will be among the hardest to beat. Can make smaller cases for RED PATROL (5) who is more than capable on his day and CAPRICORN RIDGE (7).
RACE 8 - TURBO TORONADO (2) has been mixing his form this prep and was a big winner at Warracknabeal 3 starts back and tried hard when runner-up at Horsham last time out. He is well placed in this and 60 kilos is not too prohibitive. Hard to beat from a good draw. DISTURBING (5) has yet to fire this time time in but is worth one more chance at this easier level. Dom Tourneur in the saddle is a positive around this track. Each way value. LORD CAT (1) ran on late when resuming at Bordertown and he will appreciate an extra 100 metres on offer here second up. His only career win came on this track and he is good enough to overcome a wide draw and figure in the finish here. ZOULY (11) battled on well enough to hold fifth at Mornington nearly 4 weeks ago. She was competitive at this level earlier in the season and is capable of bouncing back into the money here. Include in all multiples.
