Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MR EVANS (4) had been racing at Townsville and then found Betoota much more to his liking belting the 45 graders by 4L over this distance. He was heavily bet and only has to run up to that effort to be winning again. ATLANTIC RIDGE (1) didn't miss the hat trick by far at Richmond. Has a handy 2kg claim and can is a quinella hope. CHICA HOTTIE (5) won comfortably at Corfield as expected and then raced greenly throughout at Longreach. Has a gear addition to remedy and using the rail she can get back on track. PALACE KEYS (2) mixes the form but finally draws a low gate and can go better.
RACE 2 - BENEVENTO (1) is third-up seeking the hat trick off spacious wins. The former Victorian has a handy 2kg claim and he can go on with the job. AWEN (2) has a similar form profile and also has decent claims. The 1400m will suit and the Darwin galloper is feared. Stablemate PRECONI (4) was heavily bet at Betoota in a 60 and didn't get close. She's showing something and gets another chance. MISSILES ARMED (3) didn't miss by far in a 50 on the same day but needs to find more to be threatening.
RACE 3 - STROMA ASTER (1) won a Gatton Maiden and then switched from a top Brisbane yard and placed at Roma. That's strong form and the 2kg claim brings him right into it. Should have them covered. Darwin trained LORD FENRIR (3) has had two runs in the region and hasn't fired a shot. He has pieces of Darwin form that would see him in the finish and we're likely to see more. TERAMBI (2) switched from a South Australian barn and needed the first-up outing. He is proven second-up and has more up his sleeve. Has a 2kg claim and has to be kept safe. DREYFUS (4) has been knocking on the door and has plenty of weight relief. He can't be ruled out.
RACE 4 - POMPEII EMPIRE (4) won a 66 at Darwin and then was expected to win the 70 there and was beaten 2L from a wide barrier. Has the rail today and has been freshened. He has a ratings edge and should be bouncing back. STAR MAGNUM (1) brought decent Darwin form to Betoota beaten 2.5L. Carries plenty of weight again but is a quinella hope. Ditto OCEAN EMPEROR (2) who won an Open at Bowen by 4.8L and has since switched from the Button yard on a 20-day return. Gets in well with the 2kg claim. MATHEMATICS (3) has been struggling to win in Darwin but rates competitively.
RACE 5 - DESERT SAFARI (3) resumes improved beaten 2.5L at Katherine and then was backed off the map but disappointed at Betoota behind a dominant winner. This isn't hard and he has to be given another chance. GOIN' SKITZ (4) was bet $3 in the same contest and finished second albeit beaten 5L. There is no Kipsamo here today and he's a decent chance. BOP 'N' DAN (1) debuts with the blinkers on and the first of his two trials was good. The betting will be key. MISTER (5) can get some of the minor money but needs to find lengths to be winning.
RACE 6 - A tricky race and the Healy barn looks to hold the aces. STARLITE REBEL (5) may be the best of them. Brought strong Darwin form to Betoota and had excuses. The longer sprint will suit and she's worth another chance. Stablemate LOTTO FIGHT (6) sits at the bottom of the handicap Was plainer at Darwin last time but won well there prior. She has been freshened and is worth another chance. NOBLE MAGNATE (2) from the same yard is better than the form line suggests. He's been mixing his form in Darwin but finds easier company and this is a winnable assignment. MERSEYSIDE (3) needed the first-up outing at Katherine and will be much sharper today. Keep onside.
