Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Small field to kick things off. JUST LIKE LISA (2) returns and is a noted fresh runner. Was a winner in this grade last campaign and strips fitter for Murray Bridge trial in readiness. Bold showing anticipated. STORM VOYAGER (5) was below her best at the latest when always well back but was much better the start prior when filling the frame. Mixing her form but her best is good enough. Take on trust. DEEVINE (4) chased soundly into a midfield finish in town last start. Strips fitter third-up and can give this big shake. FINAL CHANCE (1) hasn't been in the hunt both runs back when tackling tougher opposition. Easier this time and gets weight off with the 2kg claimer going on. Don't dismiss.
RACE 2 - THINKINGNINTYNINE (5) hasn't threatened in his last two but looks to strike an easier assignment this time. Rock-hard fit and is drawn to get the gun run. Ready. STECARA (11) progressed nicely in her second-start when getting home fairly into fourth at big odds. Should be nearing a peak now and gets a key booking in Crowther. Main danger. COLD TRAIN (2) has been thereabouts in his two runs back. Fitter now and is one of the main hopes. GLACIES HEART (7) will likely head back again from the draw and be doing her best work late. Keeping safe.
RACE 3 - RECIPROCAL (10) came from well back first-up when beaten just over 2L in sixth. Better for the hit-out and will appreciate the added trip. Expect him to prove too hard to stop. FALL OF ROME (1) was better last start when going forward to give a bold sight, beaten a lip when gunned down on the line. Will go forward again and takes benefit from the booking of Crowther. Big chance. PAINTED PONY (8) was an eye-catcher when resuming at Strathalbyn in a blanket finish. Fitter now but is drawn ugly. Watch for her launching late again. GREAT CITY (2) next best.
RACE 4 - THEY CALL ME DUSTY (5) went desperately close to notching up his second win of the prep last start. Drawn kinder and has Tourneur sticking. Can go one better. FOREVER WAITING (6) is knocking on the door. Broke his maiden here and has winning hoop Crowther reuniting forces. Key player. ZAIN PRINCE (2) shed his maiden tag in fine style last time out at Port Augusta. Tougher this time but deserves respect. JOHNNY CIGAR (7) doesn't win out of turn but has shown some signs of life to kick of this prep. Peaking now and is worth keeping onside.
RACE 5 - ZALINI (8) progressed nicely second-up when giving backers a bolds sight at Naracoorte, only getting reeled in late. Peaking now and is drawn much kinder. Leading player. BASE OF FIRE (2) doesn't win out of turn but ran a nice race last start when also going forward at Murray Bridge. Easier this time and gets in well at the weights again with the 3kg claimer engaged. IN THE SUN (5) gunned down Zalini to score at the latest. Carries more weight this time but deserves serious consideration. PADSTOW POLLY (10) dug deep to get into the frame last start at Casterton in testing conditions. Hasn't won for a long time but is worth some thought.
RACE 6 - WILLASTON (1) doesn't win out of turn but will enjoy the sharp drop in grade. Drawn sticky but rates highly in this line-up and could prove a class above. GAME COVE (3) was swamped in the lane last start at Strathalbyn but was much better the start prior when beaten a long neck at Mildura. Sairyn Fawke reunites and gets the best out of him. Can win. ARACHNATTACK (9) was a determined winner three back at Echuca when leading pillar-to-post. Hasn't quite been able to follow it up in his next two but usually runs well at this track and is worth some thought. BINGOESBANG (7) next best.
RACE 7 - CANIDAE (1) continues to be his own worse enemy leaving himself with too much to do when turning for home. Easier grade this time and is a track specialist. Will undoubtedly head straight back from the draw and be saved for the final shot at them. Watch for him climbing over their backs late. SANCTIMONIOUS (8) backed up his close win at Berrigan with a barnstorming finish to just miss at Warracknabeal. Only needs to hold his form to give this a big shake. LINES OF GLORY (3) was denied by the barest of margins last start in testing conditions. 2kg claimer pilots again to get him in well at the weight and he's among the main hopes. OUR ELLIE ROSE (12) hasn't saluted for a long time but has turned in some solid efforts this campaign against tougher opposition. In the mix if she brings her A-game.
RACE 8 - LIMITED RISK (3) put the writing on the wall last start when just missing the winner at Murray Bridge. Peaking now and gets weight off with the 2kg claimer engaged. The one to beat. MR WHITACRE (12) has been far from his best in his last two. Drops back to a winning trip and carries a feather with the 4kg claimer piloting. Gets his chance to break a long run of outs. TRAK CHILLER (11) only warmed to his task late when finishing midfield at Naracoorte. Warrants respect with in-form hoop Crowther sticking from a favourable alley. READ (5) next best.
