Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - EMBELLISHER (7) has caught the eye in his two runs back without finding the placings. Will appreciate stepping out to the 1400m and gets the chance to take much closer order drawing the inside pillar. Ready. BRIMARVI ROSEMARIE (10) was scratched at the gate last start when firm in the market. Has been looking for further and now gets her chance. Watch for her charging hard late. LET IT RIDE (3) failed to fire a shot last start but was much better the start prior when missing by a neck at Penola. Looks better suited over this journey and draws well for Opperman. One to consider. I AM A FINE LINE (11) finds it tough to break through but has turned in some solid performances. Strips fitter on the rapid turnaround and carries a feather on her back with the 3kg claimer engaged. Not without her chance.
RACE 2 - SHALHAVMUSIK (13) was much better last start when chasing gamely into a narrow third at Strathalbyn. Drawn sticky again but strips fitter third-up and will appreciate the added trip. Bonus with Neindorf taking the steer. JANDAMI (3) bounced back sharply at the latest when rattling home into the frame at Mt Gambier. Open to further improvement fourth-up but is likely to get a long way back again. Watch for him late. ALL TOO TRUE (6) has been much better in his last two over the border. Drops back in trip and is right in the mix if he holds his form. TOSEN STORM (5) holds genuine claims on the quick back-up. Nearing peak now and can play a major role. CIELAO (11) has been freshened after a plain debut. Has kept the legs ticking over with a trial in between. Interesting to see her out in trip off short break. Keeping safe.
RACE 3 - SUPER LAD (7) has improved with each run under his belt this campaign. Gets in well at the weights again with his regular rider sticking claiming 2kgs. Sets up perfectly. MURPH (6) was much better her last start when closing off nicely into the placings. Should be nearing his peak now and looks the main danger. BELLE FROM HELL (10) wasn't beaten far on debut when battling on soundly into fourth. Has a wide draw to overcome but has a key booking in Neindorf. Deserves a lot more market support this time. I AM RALPH (3) returns and is a likely improver. Readied with a solid trial here and is worth considering, especially if the late money shows interest.
RACE 4 - ISLA'S FURY (12) has shown good tactical speed in both of her runs, so looks set to give a bold sight from the advantageous draw. Has upside and carries a feather on her back again with the claimer sticking. Will prove tough to reel in for her rivals. HE'S A COOL CAT (5) is a nicely bred Lonhro gelding on debut for Shane & Cassie Oxlade. Is a full brother to G2 winner and multiple G1 placed Heatherly. Readied with a solid trial behind Isla's Fury and draws well for Crowther. Can make an immediate impact. ARAMOSO (1) finds the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Rates highly off her narrow last start defeat here and now drops in trip off a short 32-day freshen. Is sure to be very competitive. ALLROUNDGOODGUY (4) returns and looks best of the rest.
RACE 5 - BRAVE ACTION (1) will get a pleasant surprise when he looks around the mounting yard for his first-up assignment. Failed to make an impact at the back end of last prep but was tackling handier types. Has been tuned up with a nice hitout here and gets the 3kg claimer on to help at the weights. Bright return anticipated. MY RUBY (8) doesn't win out of turn but boasts peaks that measure right up and is 1/1 over this course and distance. Has a wide alley to overcome but is aided under the big weight with the 3kg claimer engaged. Easier this time but can't afford to get too far back. VAMPIRE SLAYER (15) was much better last start at Clare. Hasn't broken through for a very long time but gets her chance down in the weights for Milnes. Don't overlook. MY HARUCONI (5) returns. Is a capable type on her day but will have to lug the big weight and could land in a tricky spot from the low draw.
RACE 6 - KATIM'S CLUB (8) has been mixing her form this prep but we saw back somewhere near her best last start when narrowly beaten at Balaklava. Can keep the ball roll now under the light weight and can break her long run of outs. NICISH (9) hasn't lived up to market expectation in her two runs back but will find this easier and appreciate the added trip. SHADOW EXPRESS (3) has been catching the eye of late with his strong finishing bursts. Interesting to see her dropping back in trip on short turnaround. Is the one to watch for late if they run along early. BIG MAV (2) has been knocking on the door and is capable of playing a major role. Don't overlook.
RACE 7 - Good contest. WILD WINNER (11) didn't give a yelp last start in the LR Clare Lindop Stakes but that was a big step up. Her two prior read favourably and suspect she will be hitting her straps fourth-up. Bold showing anticipated. RABTAT (1) has struggled in his last two when up in grade but there's no denying he's got his share of ability. Drops back to a winning trip and will find this easier. THERE GOES MY HERO (3) gave backers a bold sight last start at Oakbank, only to tire late. Fitter now and expecting him to relish the mile. WE'VE GOTTA DEEL (9) made light work of easier opposition last start at Strathalbyn. Carries confidence staying at a winning trip. Will just need some luck from the wide draw.
RACE 8 - COMMANDER MEROO (3) strikes a nice race first-up. Produced some strong efforts last campaign in town that stack right up for this. Readied with a solid hit-out here. Can build on his handy record over this track and trip. PRANCETHRULIFE (13) stuck on evenly to the line when resuming against tougher opposition. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt. Will just need a smart steer from the wide draw. Can't knock the form of OUR DIVINYL (12) as he shoots for the hat-trick. This is tougher but he has to be considered. HIGH ON SUGAR (1) strikes a nice race for his first-up assignment and has proven a capable type on his day. No reason he can't get involved in the finish.
