Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - EXTRA BOUNCE (12) progressed nicely second up when flashing home to just miss at Gawler. Further improvement anticipated third-up. Ready to shed her maiden tag. ZAIN PRINCE (7) looked to be nearing his first win before disappointing last start but did have some excuses. Carries a fitness edge and is drawn ideally. Big danger. IRLANDAIS (4) finds the maiden win elusive but it hasn't been without trying. Can give this a shake on best efforts. TOP SHOGUNN (5) is still figuring it all out. Gets in well at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged. Worth keeping safe in exotics.
RACE 2 - FINE FUTURE (3) returns and makes his stable debut for Stephen Theodore. Showed some positive signs in his debut prep back in Vic without getting the job done. Strips fitter for a Morphettville trial in readiness and can make an immediate impact for his new stable. HARD LEAF (8) showed good early dash last start when sent out public elect but faded late. Holds serious claims on best figures and is drawn to advantage. Main danger. ARTISTIC GAL (6) is another that is set to return. Looks short of a preferred trip and is drawn ugly but has enough ability to get involved. WITHIN SIGHT (11) also returns from a break for a new yard and gets a key jockey booking in Kayla Crowther. Will pay to see what the market does with her.
RACE 3 - MR WHITACRE (5) hasn't won for a long time but looks to strike a very suitable assignment this time. Proved tough to reel in when going forward last start. Similar tactics from the wide draw will have him hard to beat. PRANCING COUNTESS (7) returns and has run well fresh without winning. The form around her last prep reads strongly and her lead-up trial should have her forward enough. Winning hope. REALTIN (2) was a determined winner fresh but has since struggled against tougher opposition. Better placed now and is among the key chances.
RACE 4 - OUR ELLIE ROSE (8) doesn't win out of turn but come within a lip of the winner in this grade three back at Mt Gambier. Not as effective in her last two but can bounce back strongly in this more suitable assignment. GAME COVE (1) dug deep to only go down a long neck last start at Mildura. Easier this time and will appreciate linking back up with Fawke who has scored twice aboard. CAFE MOCHA (4) has had three runs back from a spell and is mixing her form. Closed strongly two back at Moe to just miss but wasn't anywhere near her best last time. Finally draws a gate. Don't take lightly. OAMARU POPPY (5) has recorded all three of her wins over this journey. Gets in well at the weights again and is worth including.
RACE 5 - JILLADORA (6) warmed to her task nicely fresh when resuming in town, hitting the line nicely to just miss the frame. The form from the has stuck up strongly in 22 days and this looks an easier task. Leading player. HEADPHONES (3) is mixing her form this time in. Turned in a good one two back in what has proven to be a hot form race but struggled last start. More than capable on her day and will take benefit from Payne reuniting. Can bounce back sharply. PRICILLA'S CHOICE (9) kicked of the campaign in solid order but has since struggled. Easier this time and is drawn to get all the favours. One of the key hopes. THE HASS (1) was a sharp winner fresh but is another that has dropped away. Carries the top weight but gets a key booking in Crowther from a nice draw. Don't take lightly.
RACE 6 - CHOSEN BLONDE (5) hasn't been able to threaten in her last two when clearly below her best but is another that should find this easier. Has good tactical speed and could prove tough to reel in if she brings her A-game. SAVILLE (4) returns off a long break (316 days). Didn't do much winning last campaign but turned in some solid performances against strong opposition. May need the hit-out but is worth including. NANKEEN (9) returned in great order at Mt Gambier fresh and usually improves with a run under his belt. He's a lightly raced and improving galloper who can put his best foot forward in this suitable event.
RACE 7 - WHISKY SOUR (8) chased gamely in the lane to finish a narrow second last time at Gawler. Draws well again and will be in this for a long way. D'ISLES (9) made a complete mess of her rivals last start at Gawler in testing conditions. Drawn to go back from the wide alley but is sure to be climbing over their backs late. FOUR OUTLAWS (2) hasn't done much winning of late but does rate highly on best efforts. Opperman piloting is a positive. Keep onside.
RACE 8 - AEROETTE (12) doesn't win very often but ran a nice race last time out behind Lines Of Glory. Meets the winner better at the weights third-up. Just needs some luck from the gate. LINES OF GLORY (4) built on a nice third two starts back at Gawler with a win as favourite at Mt Gambier nine days ago. Ideally placed and is among the key chances. LORD PORCHESTER (1) was much better last start when closing off strongly into the frame at Echuca. Will likely drift back from the draw. Watch for him climbing over their backs late.
