Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MAYNE (3) showed good pace on debut last start over this distance at Warwick Farm then dug deep when challenged but just failed to hold on in a thrilling finish. With a little natural improvement likely, he looks the testing material. MAORI CHIEF (2) has started favourite at both his runs to date but found one better on each occasion. Drove late but just missed at his latest run a fortnight ago over 1200m at Canterbury. Big threat on a roomier track over the extra 100m. BEHAVIOUR (7) copped a nasty check close to home when beaten just a length in the same race as Mayne at the Farm recently. Meets that horse slightly better at the weights today so there shouldn't be a lot between them. DUVANA (1) resumes. Class runner of the field with a third to Storm Boy in the Skyline on the resume. Cannot be underestimated. CALIFORNIA BAY (4) is a half-brother to Airman on debut for Peter Snowden. Recent trial winner who should be monitored for market support.
RACE 2 - JOHNNY THE KID (1) has disappointed punters this prep, starting at $4 or less in three runs without return. Raced handy and battled on well when narrowly defeated over 1400m at Warwick Farm last Wednesday. Blinkers go on which might give him that extra spark required. WEXFORD MISS (6) again found the line well last time out when second-up from a spell, finding one better over 1400m at Newcastle. Looks ready for the longer journey and gets a little weight relief. Genuine threat. TI AMO TANTO (8) worked home fairly on debut at Canterbury a fortnight ago and will be far more at home over an extra 300m today. Looks the only other realistic winning chance. OCEAN DIVA (10) has failed to threaten in two runs this prep, both at Newcastle. Fitter and worth including in trifectas and first fours. Cannot make a case for the rest of them.
RACE 3 - Cannot rule any of the seven starters out. ASTAPOR (5) brings superior form lines to this race. Led and battled on well for fourth behind Gatsby's in the Listed Rosebud two back then went to Melbourne and found the impressive Growing Empire and others too strong at Caulfield in the McNeil. Likely leader who will be tough to catch in this company. Team Hawkes bring CATAHOULA (7) to Sydney for the first time after some decent performances in Victoria to date. Even effort to finish midfield when resuming over 1200m at Sandown four weeks ago. Won over 1200m at Moonee Valley second-up last prep. Likely improver. EPIC PROPORTIONS (2) proved far too good for a BM64 field when he resumed over 1000m at Kembla recently. Drawn to enjoy a lovely run and his best figures stack up in midweek grade. HUON (1) has won 2/3 when fresh so don't rule him out first-up from a 165-day break. PIERCING ARROW (4) is a big market watch first-up for Gai and Adrian following a gelding op.
RACE 4 - Easy to make a case for any of the runners. Irish import CAPTAIN MAVERICK (7) is third-up today following a year on the sideline. Only fair first-up in Saturday grade at Rosehill then didn't have the best of luck last start when beaten just over two lengths over the mile at Warwick Farm. Should relish the extra furlong today and McDonald taking over is a strong pointer. AGITA (4) caught the eye in the concluding stages of a Rosehill Midway 11 days ago when second-up. Looks a threat with added fitness and the blinkers going on for the first time. REAL PEACE (9) usually hits form third-up so keep him in mind, particularly as he steps out to this more suitable journey. ANGEL OF LIGHT (8) has placed 2/2 at this distance and always improves at the second run back from a break. RATTLE AND HUM (1) knocked up badly when resuming over the mile on the course proper last time. Has won 2/3 second-up and back to midweek grade is a tick.
RACE 5 - Winx's half-sister WINGS OF DESIRE (9) puts her unbeaten record on the line. Won comfortably on debut at Hawkesbury then returned a much better figure when successful over 1250m at Newcastle last start. Should get better as the distances get longer so she can progress again, although a five-week gap between runs is a small concern. Still deserves top billing. HALLETT (4) was outclassed when she resumed in the Group Two Silver Shadow last time out. Finished third in the 1100m Kindergarten last prep, a good effort over an unsuitably short trip. Big chance back in this company. MAKENA (6) did a fair job when fresh from a spell over 1250m at Canterbury recently. Likely improver with blinkers on over more ground. AUDREY'S LANE (8) caught the eye when resuming at Hawkesbury. Genuine mare who is sure to give a good account. POPPIN' CHAMPAGNE (2) has been kept fresh after a most impressive first-up win at Newcastle. Must be considered.
RACE 6 - GITALONG (1) is racing well in better company this prep. Returned from Melbourne last start with a tough second over 1100m at Rosehill. Jumps up sharply in the weights but it shouldn't matter greatly over the five-furlong dash. The one to beat with the blinkers going back on. ANOTHER COGNAC (6) returned from an eight-month spell with a barnstorming win over this distance at Warwick Farm. Tackles a similar race today and he generally holds the form after that first run back. McDonald sticks so plenty to like. FIRE STAR (11) has returned in good shape although punters may disagree as he has found one better on each occasion as warm favourite. Placed 3/3 at this journey and capable of winning without doubt. TANGLEWOOD (8) resumes. Yet to miss the frame in three first-up runs and a big recent trial win suggests he is ready to go. CUSTO (4) is racing in great heart and poses a threat with the blinkers applied for the first time this afternoon.
RACE 7 - ROCK EMPIRE (5) had his first run for over ten months when a strong second to the promising Yorkshire over this distance at Warwick Farm three weeks ago. Ran a cheeky race at Group Three level at this stage last prep. Meets a deep field today but is good enough to prevail. GROUNDRUSH (4) made late ground without threatening when fresh from a 20-week break over 1200m at Sandown last time out. Won here and was beaten just 0.6 lengths by the talented Legacies in his two 1400m runs last time in work. Definite threat. GETAFIX (12) finished a long way behind Autumn Glow recently over 1300m at Rosehill. Each-way chance back in midweek company. TRUE TO FORM (1) is flying under big weights at the provincials. Deserves his chance against better opposition. UNITED KINGDOM (10) is a new arrival in the Waller stable. Had a boom on him in Melbourne. Watch the betting.
