Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CALICO'S GIRL (2) was far too good from the front last start over 1200m here when running away to score by 1.7L. Jessica Gray has the hot hand of late, striking at 30% from her last 50 rides. The extra trip shouldn't pose an issue, and she can get the job done once again. PUSHOVER (3) missed out by 2.1L over 1200m at Port Hedland last time out, bouncing back from a disappointing run two back. Maps for a nice run once again and rates well in this field off her latest effort. Can make her presence felt again. THERMOSPHERE LAD (1) gets the blinkers on first time following a disappointing effort over this course and distance 10 days ago. Draws a better gate this time and was a big winner three back when leading throughout. Expecting a turnaround in his form. EZELOVE (4) is better than he showed last time out and won't be far away on his best form.
RACE 2 - FRIES WITH THAT (6) just missed over 1300m here last time out when getting well back in the run. He's performed well over this course and distance on June 30th and is expected to sit much closer today than in his most recent effort. The one to beat if he can run up to his latest figures. CHEDDAR BOB (2) couldn't fend off the first couple last start when beaten 1.3L over the mile at this track last time out. Coming back to this trip holds the key as he jumped favourite in a similar race at Roebourne two back. Draws well and will take some catching. QUILLOW (3) didn't see out the mile at Port Hedland 37 days ago, beaten a long way following a good win over 1400m the start prior. The blinkers go on again and a much better effort is expected this time around. SABINO (5) is best of the rest.
RACE 3 - OUR NORMAN (1) didn't see out the journey last start when beaten a long way at Port Hedland following some good efforts in stronger company prior. Getting back to the mile is a big tick for this galloper and although he hasn't won for a while, this looks a very suitable race to end his drought. MONEY FOR OLD ROPE (3) was now match for the first few when beaten 4.3L over 1800m here 10 days ago. He was good over this trip three back and he drops right down in the weights today. Big chance if he can bounce back to his best. YANKEE LIMA (2) is another who may not have enjoyed the extra journey last start following a win over 1400m at Derby two back. He boasts a good record at the mile and he drops plenty of weight with the claim of Sardelic. Can put his best foot forward. THE CHIEF JUSTICE (6) just missed last start at Port Hedland and steps out to this trip for the first time. Creates plenty of interest.
RACE 4 - STAR SOPRANO (1) sat up on the speed and was only gunned down late in the piece, beaten 0.7L. He should be up front once again from a good alley and Catarino's 2kg claim comes in handy. Loves this track and trip and can go one better this time. DISCO DONUT (2) meets Star Soprano worse at the weights for beating him last start, remaining unbeaten at this course and distance. Drawn nicely to sit just off the speed again and he's sure to be coming over the top of them late. DE LOVELY LAD (4) should hold a more prominent position today after sitting back in the run and closing off well over 1200m last time out. His form prior rates well in this field, including a good win at Roebourne two back. Can be right in the finish. BIN SHALAA (6) just missed on the quick turnaround last start over this course and distance. Been a while between drinks, but with further improvement expected he won't be far away. SIOUX CITY (3) can be in the finish if he can get back to his best.
RACE 5 - OUR KIWI PRINCESS (1) did finish 5.1L off the winner at Port Hedland last time out, though this is a much easier race than she's been contesting of late. She's a course and distance winner previously and Yuill has a successful record when partnering. Drawn to effect and can return to winning ways. TOPAZ (6) is still a maiden galloper but gets in with little weight because of that. Nothing really went right for her last start over 1200m here when right in the market and the slight rise in trip may help. Best form is good enough, she just needs to recapture it. ROTATION (4) returned with a sound effort at Port Hedland and looks set for improvement. May get back in the run but can be running over the top of them late. TRISUEM (7) wasn't far away last start and has performed well at this track and trip previously. Can go close if she runs up to that effort.
RACE 6 - The feature of the day. I'm happy to put GINGER JONES (2) on top. He's won his past two in good time, sitting up on the speed and bounding away to score by 1.5L last start. He's drawn a good marble again today for Galati and he'll make his own luck up front. Leading chance on his recent figures. DARK CITY (1) has won his past five, including a lead-up to this 10 days ago by an impressive 2.1L. The outside draw is a slight niggle, though he does possess good early speed to offset the alley. Worth noting Gray rides this galloper over Ginger Jones. Likeable commodity. SACRED OATH (12) resumes after winning 3 on-end, with his latest win at Belmont rating very highly. He goes well fresh, and he'll carry no weight. The wide draw is a query, but ratings say he's good enough. WAKAN TANKA (11) is better than he showed last start and can bounce back. Undefeated at this track and trip bodes well. ROGUES POINT (4) creates interest dropping right back in trip. Tough horse who will give a big sight.
RACE 7 - DARE ME (2) is hard to knock on recent form, scoring by 1.8L at Port Hedland most recently. Back in trip today may be a slight issue, but she'll be strong late in the race and finds a suitable event to bring up back-to-back wins. SHOOTING KONTIKI (1) didn't see out the extra journey last start following a dominant win at Port Hedland two starts ago. Yuill has a good record on board this gelding and he has the sped to offset the sticky draw. Can turn his form around. JUST FOR MARCUS (5) has been only fair his past couple, though his best form is superior to his rivals. The blinkers going back on board are a big tick and it wouldn't surprise to see him return to winning ways. ROSE OF DENMARK (4) can bounce back in a big way after going under last start over 1300m. GUNNERSIDE (7) resumes today with some good form from Alice Springs behind him. Worth thought.
