Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DIS IS HEAVEN (3) made a nice return with the claim when attacking the line late to finish a close third over 1006m at Grafton on August 20. Has clearly come back well and looks one of the leading contenders. RICHATTACK (7) desperate for a former surface after having no luck from the wide gate when a poor eighth over 1205m at Tuncurry on August 24. Saves her best for this trip and go on the run two back when assessing her chances. LORDSTER (1) handy gelding having his first run for the Brett Bellamy yard. Hasn't raced since finishing seventh in the G3 Red Anchor Stakes at Moonee Valley ten months ago. Not seen at the trials and finds a fairly weak race to kick off today. Big market watch. PENNYPACKER (2) handy gelding back from a spell of six months. Returns without a trial and gets the blinkers added today. Back in grade and must be kept safe.
RACE 2 - MARGOT'S BULLSEYE (2) trained on the track and on the quick back-up after gripping on late to finish second over 1255m at Taree on August 26. A repeat of that will see prove hard to stop. WELCOME BACK (10) appreciated the better surface when giving her all to the line to run third over 1255m at Taree on August 26. Claim helps and has each-way prospects. SHALAMIYNA (7) comes out of a strong race after finishing fifth over 1255m at Taree on August 26. Well drawn again with the claim and ready to produce. BELLE OF THE BAYOU (4) near her top now and ready for this trip after finishing sixth over 1006m at Grafton on August 20. Will appreciate the 3kg claim and must be kept safe.
RACE 3 - SELFLESS VALOUR (7) solid debut in the heavy going when sitting on the speed for a fighting third over 1005m at Tuncurry on August 24. With natural improvement she's expected to go close. DIZZY DEE (6) has fitness on her side and stretches out to the 1205m for the first time today. Finished in the minor money at her last two runs and will be in this for a long way from the low gate. BYE GONE DAZE (9) unwanted in betting on debut when battling away late to finish fourth over 1000m at Muswellbrook on August 22. Fitter now and Andrew Gibbons keeps the ride. BRAVE MAX (8) fitter after two runs back and made improvement when fifth over 1005m at Taree on August 26. Can sneak into the minor money.
RACE 4 - TOYGER (3) finished runner-up at his last two outings and looks ready to shed his maiden status at start 14. Sat on the speed from the wide gate when a tiring second over 900m at Newcastle on August 24. Go close with the claim in this easier event. PADAM PADAM (2) much better run at second race start when a weakening second at the end of 800m at Ipswich on August 2. Travels down from Queensland with strong figures. NEROLA (7) is a four-year-old mare by Nicconi out of Lis Nediym on debut for the Kavanagh yard. Recent trial was full of merit and maps to get the right run. ROSE CODE (9) returns from a spell of six months after having mixed success in two career runs. Given a soft trial when third over 1100m at Scone on August 21. Look for her hitting the line late.
RACE 5 - ADJOURN (3) anchored with the big weight when returning from a break of 14 months when a fighting second over 1400m at Newcastle on August 8. Kept fresh and maps to get the right run out to the mile. Go close. BAGLIONI (5) fourth-up today and has won over this track and trip. Up in class when failing to get into the contest finishing 11th over 1350m at Doomben on August 24. Anywhere near his best would see him play a leading role. DUBAI FLYER (9) progressive miler who's come back stronger over the break. Second-up stalked the speed when a gritty winner over 1600m at Newcastle on August 24. Down in weight and should handle the rise in grade. CASSIA LANE (8) mixing her form and happy to overlook the latest flop at Doomben and go on her narrow fifth two-back at Casino. Maps well and has each-way prospects.
RACE 6 - SAMMY CONQUERS ALL (1) improving gelding who got off the mark at start three when a determined 0.5 len winner over 1350m at Ipswich on August 23. He gets Fitzgerald's claim and will prove hard to beat again on his home track. TOSEN DREAMER (8) racing in a rich vein of form after winning his maiden two-back, before charging late with an encouraging third over 1710m at Grafton on August 20. Best form is over this distance range and looks one of the main contenders. ROYAL TEENS (4) is back in her right class and can turn it around in this contest. Look for her late with the 3kg claim on the firmer track. DURUSEHVAR (6) trained on the track and will relish the firmer surface after finishing sixth over 1605m at Taree on August 16. Can add value to the exotics.
RACE 7 - AYE AYE SKIPPER (7) led to the turn at a good tempo when a tiring tenth over 1181m at Grafton on August 20. Will get control again from the good gate and expected to turn things around sharply. Undefeated here and represents good value. LA CACHE A VIN (5) racing in career-best form and chasing his third straight victory. Gave them a galloping lesson when a 1.1 len winner over 1320m at Lismore on August 5. Hard to stop again. MONTE DRIFTER (3) races best with his runs spaced and hit the line with plenty of intent when a narrow second over 1205m at Tuncurry on August 9. Gets a similar set-up here and no surprise to see him go one better. PRETTY SHAMROCK (4) returns off a 34-day let-up after failing to handle the rise in grade when 12th over 1200m here on August 2. Placed this track and trip and in his right grade for this.
