Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ILOVENEWS (3) fitter now and improvement expected after having to work hard from the wide gate when a tiring sixth at Kembla Grange on August 10. Well drawn today and has genuine top-three claims. MINNEHAHA FALLS (6) back in grade when battled away late to finish fourth over 1400m at Kembla Grange on August 17. Fitter now and can take a hand in the finish.
RACE 2 - LADY GOLD (6) much better run with the claim when sitting on the speed for a narrow second over 1600m here on August 18. Hard fit and expected to take holding out. EUROMASTER (2) consistent gelding racing in career best form. Gets the blinkers added after showing plenty of grit when second over 1500m at Kembla Grange on August 17. Should be strong late. LINE OF FIRE (1) dropped in grade and delivered an improved result at Hawkesbury last start. Added fitness third up and getting out to a mile looks a recipe for success.
RACE 3 - WILD SENSATION (5) resumes from a three-month break after showing early dash on debut in the heavy going when a fighting second over 1200m at Gosford on May 16. Fitted with two trials and can shed his maiden status here. USEAPIN (12) three-start maiden who drifted back when resuming with a poor sixth over 1150m at Randwick Kensington on August 14. This looks easier and expecting her to race closer today. No surprise to see her play a leading role. GENEROUS HARRY (3) Harry Angel gelding who should have strengthened over the break. Finished runner-up at his last two starts and clearly come back well judging by his two recent trial wins. Well drawn with the claim and looks hard to hold out. BROKERAGE (1) fourth-up for this after attacking the line late when second over 1000m at Kembla Grange on August 10. Blinkers go on and has the speed to get across from the wide gate.
RACE 4 - A host of key scratchings have changed the complexion of this race by some margin. THE ACT (4) is a well bred three-year-old colt by Zoustar from the former top mare Belong To Many on debut for the Widdup yard. Two latest trials were full of merit and will be hard to hold out. KOIOS (1) finally debuts as a four-year-old. Won his latest trial at Scone. LA PELAGO (16) placed on resuming at Dubbo. Will be fitter for the run and her go forward racing style tends to be conducive to success around Wyong.
RACE 5 - Race has been hammered by scratchings. EXCELINDEED (4) shapes as the main beneficiary of the races' new complexion. Placed at both runs in town last prep and expected to have strengthened over the break. Impressed in both recent trial wins and looks one of the main dangers from the good barrier. DECONSTRUCTION (2) resumes. Showed promise during his maiden prep which included a placing on debut at Warwick Farm. Won a Rosehill barrier trial in readiness for this. Suspect it is a race in two with the above mentioned runners. VIERI (8) the best of the rest.
RACE 6 - AFTER MATCH (8) progressive gelding with a ton of ability. Won well first-up, before going under narrowly when a solid second over 1100m at Hawkesbury on August 13. Brings the best figures here and should be suited by the tight Wyong track. FIRE STAR (2) stablemate to After Match who looks the main danger after fading late when sitting on the speed to run second over 1000m at Kembla Grange on August 17. Hard to beat in this suitable race. REIGNING KING (6) started a firm fav on resumption when a tiring third over 900m at Newcastle on August 15. Has won second up and must be respected. CROSS YOUR HEART (3) progressive mare resuming from the in form O'Shea & Charlton yard. Not been sighted since rocketing late when a narrow second over 1100m at this track on April 11. Fitted with two even trials and gets the blinkers on for the first time.
RACE 7 - HELLAVADANCER (7) tough mare who gives her all with a good record over this track and trip. Launched late with the 57kg when a determined winner over 1400m at Rosehill on August 17. Ready for this company now with fitness on her side. TERRA MATER (4) progressive mare who loomed strongly before knocking up late when a narrow second as fav behind Kazou over 1200m at Rosehill on August 17. Has a dynamite second-up record and maps to get the right run. NINGALOO STAR (8) deep into her prep and deserves her chance in this stronger contest. Gave her all with the 60kg when third over 1200m at Randwick on August 10. Can run into the minor money.
RACE 8 - TENDER STREAK (7) strips fitter now after coming out of a decent race on resumption when a neck second over 1300m at Hawkesbury on August 13. Gets Nock's 3kg claim again and can go one better today. DRAMA DODGER (4) deep into her prep and due for a change of luck. Anchored with the 60kg when a gritty fourth over 1280m at Muswellbrook on August 22. Drops in the weights here and trained locally. Looks the main danger. IRISH KISSES (1) hard to catch on her day after having mixed luck at both runs back. Trained on the track and will appreciate this easier contest with the blinkers added.
