Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FORREST GUMP (7) finds his right race today third-up. Went out hard before being collared late when third at Kembla Grange over 1400m on August 17. Trip suits and will prove hard to catch in this easier contest. HOOLIGAN TOMMY (1) beaten for early speed and warmed up late when fifth over 1400m at Kembla Grange on August 17. Can race closer today out to the 1600m. Genuine contender with the blinkers added. SHEBRINGS BEAUTY (5) started favourite when surging late for a gritty third over 1400m at Nowra on August 12. No excuses today with the claim. Value runner. KIA ORA GOLD (2) improving gelding who shouldn't be a maiden for long. Nice return when sitting on the pace for a nose second over the 1600m at Newcastle on August 15. Stays in the calculations.
RACE 2 - LASPIRIT DEELER (4) improving with racing and finds her right race today. Strong through the line late when fifth over 1800m at Hawkesbury two-and-a-half weeks ago. Ready for this trip now and look for her charging late. CRUSHEEN LASS (12) relished the jump in trip third-up when sitting on the pace for a gritty second over 2105m at Tuncurry on August 9. Gets weight relief with the claim and looks the main danger. WICKED GAMES (11) at his peak now and will appreciate the firmer surface after finishing fourth over 2105m at Tuncurry on August 24. Can take a hand in the finish with the 3kg claim. SUPERCRISP (10) expecting improvement out to this trip after finishing eighth over 1600m at Newcastle on August 15. Minor money hope.
RACE 3 - ACE'S IN BLOOM (2) progressive mare who will find this more to her liking after finishing eighth to the handy Headstock over 1200m at Kembla Grange on August 17. Back in trip and expected to go close. SHE'S ALL IT (3) holding form well in this class and due for a change of luck. Back in trip when a plugging second over 1100m at Wyong on August 4. Trained on the track and has genuine top-three claims. RITZSUN (8) showed blistering speed on debut in the heavy (8) going when a slick 2.25 len winner over 900m here on August 2. Has further upside and stays in the mix. GOGMAGOG (1) at his peak now fourth-up and expecting more in this event after running fifth over 900m at Newcastle two weeks ago. Go on his solid win three-back when assessing his chances.
RACE 4 - ARTIC PANTHER (1) has his hoof on the till third-up and the firmer track suits. Stalked the speed in the heavy going when fifth over 1000m at Tamworth on August 16. Trained on the track and expected to go close. ATOKA (6) improving with racing and is on an eight-day back-up. Finished off strongly when third over 1000m at Muswellbrook. Extra trip suits and should be able to hold a forward position. ROSES IMMINENTE (13) Impending filly out of a Dane Shadow mare on debut for the Lou Mary yard. Not pushed out in a recent trial and trained on the track. TIMES ELEVEN (14) American Pharoah filly on debut for the Cavanough yard. Fitted with two trials and market moves must be monitored.
RACE 5 - TOUCH OF NAVY (2) tough gelding racing in career best form. Made it three wins from four starts when a tough on pace winner over 1400m in the Dubbo Cup Prel on August 11. Expected to get the trip and should be thereabouts. SUBUKI (8) has a good record at this track and trip and recent efforts have been satisfactory. On the quick back-up and looks good each way value. KING KIKAU (4) handy staying type fitter after one run back. Caught the eye late when seventh over the unsuitable 1405m at Taree on August 16. Claim helps and has a solid second-up record. The chances don't end there. RING AHOY (5) best form is over this trip and improvement expected after failing to get into the contest the seventh over 1000m at Muswellbrook on August 22. Each way claims.
RACE 6 - CLASSIC POETRY (6) is knocking on the door after just missing last time over 1200m at Newcastle. Will find this a little easier than last time. Should measure up. ECLAIR VITALITY (3) finished 3.5 lengths away in fifth after being in contention on the turn at his last appearance over 1200m at Newcastle on August 15. Cannot be ruled out in this suitable assignment. DREAM SMART (7) Queensland trained filly with ability. Will appreciate the extra trip after warming up late when second over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast on August 10. Stays in the mix. SHERIFF'S STAR (10) sound debut when running on late to secure third in a small field at Kembla Grange over 1200m on August 10. Fitter now and sure to be doing his best work late.
RACE 7 - SIXFOOTONE (5) much better performance at his second run back when third in the heavy going over 1200m at Newcastle. A repeat of latest will see him hard to beat. JINSOKU (6) won two of his last three starts and going nicely through his grades. Gave them a galloping lesson with the 60.5kg when leading throughout over 1200m at Nowra on August 12. Will sit on the speed again from the inside gate and take catching. SILVER HALO (3) much better performance with the 3kg claim when sitting on the speed for a plugging third over 1280m at Muswellbrook on August 22. Saves her best for the home track and looks good each way value. POINT BASSE (1) tough assignment first-up when disappointing to get into the contest finishing 11th over 1200m at Rosehill in Highway grade on August 3. Happy to overlook latest and go on his sound record over this track and trip.
RACE 8 - SIR FREDDIE (3) racing well and rewarded for his consistency when a tough neck winner over 1000m at Randwick in Highway grade on August 10. Gets in light with the claim and will relish the solid tempo. SILENCIO PORFAVOR (6) got the job done in grand style on debut when a slick 0.8 len winner over this journey at Kembla Grange on August 10. Looks up to this stronger contest. LULO ROSE (12) first-up after four months started fav when a dominant 2.5 len winner over 1005m at Tuncurry on August 9. Has upside and looks up to this stronger contest. I AM SUGOI (4) won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of six-and-a-half months. Came to the end of her prep when ninth over 1175m at Albury on February 18. Fitted with two trials and stays in the calculations.
