Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MARTINDALE DANCER (8) finds her race today third-up after tiring late when third over 1000m at Tamworth on August 27. Brings strong figures here and can get off the mark at start seven. RUSSLEY TIARA (10) handy Shooting To Win mare resuming after turning in two solid runs last time in. Fitted with a recent 900m trial and a forward showing is expected from the inside gate. ILLENIUM (16) Merchant Navy gelding having his first run for the Carlos Antonio yard. Failed to fire in two Victorian runs last prep and returns without a trial. Improvement is anticipated this time in. MISS ADAMAS (9) resumes today with an okay fresh record and placed this course and distance. Well drawn and gets the blinkers added without a trial. Go close.
RACE 2 - FIFTYFIVECHEVY (8) was unwanted in betting on debut when a gritty fifth over 1300m at Hawkesbury behind Spanish Fox on August 22. Further improved now and the extra trip helps in this easier contest. MIGHTY ZOU (2) has needed the two career runs to bring him to his top and looks a genuine contender today after finishing a close fifth over 1400m at Tamworth on August 27. Senior rider engaged and expected to go close. RELUCTANT DIVA (13) kept safe in betting on debut when taken back from the wide gate before finishing off okay when seventh over 1100m at Scone on August 30. Will race closer from the inside gate and can easily take this out. TAYLA THE SAILOR (7) has fitness on her side and the firmer surface helps.
RACE 3 - OTIUM (6) is back in trip for this and has his hoof on the till. Battled on in the heavy conditions when third over 2005m at Taree on August 16. Gets in light with the claim and expecting more on the firmer surface. CHEEKY NUGGET (11) is racing in career-best form and looks up to this stronger contest. Showed a ton of grit when a slogging second over 1605m at Tuncurry on August 24. Hard fit and look for him late. TAPA KICK (1) classy gelding third-up and steps out to this trip for the first time. Gave his all with the 61kg when a nose second over 1600m at Tamworth on August 27. Has the speed to get cover early and will prove hard to stop. CHINA GROVE (7) is mixing his form and was out of his depth when 10th over 1450m at Kempsey in BM66 class on September 2. On the quick back-up and improvement expected over this distance. Each-way.
RACE 4 - RAMIUS (1) is a ten-start maiden who looks to have found his race today. Sat on the speed when nailed late to finish second over 1300m at Newcastle on August 29. On the quick back-up and no excuses in this class. LUCILAGO (9) is a seven-start maiden who motored late on resumption with an eye-catching sixth over 1100m at Hawkesbury on August 22. Goes just as well second-up and shouldn't be a maiden for long. HOLY MACKEREL (17) returned from a long layoff with a gritty on-pace long neck second over 1300m at Moree on August 8. Drops in weight and stays in the calculations. CASDAEMON (15) was taken back from the wide when resuming with a fast-finishing third over 1100m at Scone on August 30. Clearly come back well and can easily take this out.
RACE 5 - SMART SHOT (1) returned to form from a freshen-up when a commanding length winner as fav over 1400m at Tamworth on August 16. Can race closer from the good gate and the 3kg claim helps. NIGHT FIGHTER (7) up in trip from the wide gate when a disappointing eighth over 1600m at Moree on August 8. Distance suits and can return to form quickly. CHESTERAY (8) rewarded for his consistency when boxing on for a long-neck victory over 1400m at Tamworth on August 27. Gets all the map favours again. Respect. CHESTIME (5) third-up for this and will appreciate the drop in grade on her home track.
RACE 6 - RUNRANIRUN (9) exciting Press Statement filly who created a big impression on debut when a dominant on pace 8 len winner over 900m at Newcastle on August 15. Steps up to the 1000m and should be winning again from the low draw. LORD BOB (2) five weeks between runs when he showed good speed from the sticky gate to record a solid victory over 1000m at Tamworth on August 27. Gets the claim again and can play a leading role. TELEGRAPH (5) returned from a lengthy break with a fast-finishing 0.5 len win over 1005m at Taree in this grade on August 26. Goes just as well second up and can take a hand in the finish. The chances don't end there. MANAGE THE CYCLE (11) second-up today and kept fresh for this. Gets the blinkers added with the claim and not without each way prospects.
RACE 7 - DRAVID (11) scored two back here in good style before having no luck at latest from the wide gate when a plodding seventh over 1000m at this track on August 22. Blinkers go on for this from the good draw. Can play a leading role. SAVOLDI (4) wasted no time getting off the mark when a solid debut win over 900m at Newcastle two-and-a-half weeks ago. Has further upside and can overcome the wide gate. ALTERCATION (10) nice return at Tuncurry when a good on-pace winner and gets her chance again from the low draw. SARATOGA POWER (6) returns from a 43-day let-up after impressing in three career runs. Look for him late from the awkward draw.
