Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ERNAUX (10) is a beautifully bred daughter of Group One winner Booker back from a spell. Raced once in the maiden prep when she worked home well for fourth over this distance at the Kensington track. Big chance with the race experience on board. SWORDPLAY (8) is a full sister to smart sprinter Recommendation on debut for Bjorn Baker. Two trial wins have been highly impressive. Looks a ready-to-run type who is sure to attract interest. Stablemate JARRITO (2) also steps out for the first time. By I Am Invincible from Spright who has produced two winners from her only two foals to race. Trialling well and looks to have ability. KNOWING LOOK (3) is a half-sister to the smart mare Lumosty on debut for Waterhouse/Bott. Trials have been okay. Being by Justify a bit more ground will probably suit. One for the exotics. Les Bridge's first starter MAJESTIC LEGEND (4) is going well on the track and can feature without surprising.
RACE 2 - CINSAULT (3) returns from an eleven-month break for Godolphin. In the money at all five runs to date with the best run each prep coming second-up which is a little concern. Trialling well and in a modest line-up can break through despite the long absence. FROSTY GIRL (5) is a Super Seth filly on debut for Waller. Plenty of trial experience dating back to last August, with a win at the most recent. Major contender with McDonald aboard. CATONAHOTINROOF (2) has been racing well without winning this prep. Trialled satisfactorily after blowing the start at her latest appearance at Canberra. Should be thereabouts. CLOUD OF DUST (4) appreciated the step up in trip when a close second on the Canberra Acton last start. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and should be competitive. CANTARITO (1) resumes for the Waller stable. Needs to lift on the maiden prep performances but is worth throwing in trifectas and first fours.
RACE 3 - MARAIS (2) registered his ninth minor placings from eleven starts when a close third as favourite over 1200m at Wyong at his last run seven weeks ago. Gets in beautifully after the claim for in-form apprentice Jace McMurray. Perfect trip while fresh so this might be his day. DYAMI (1) has not appeared since making up good ground to finish second on debut over today's distance at Hawkesbury last August. Trialling very well and in a moderate affair poses a serious threat. CELERITY (3) returns from a lengthy break for Godolphin. Opened last prep with a placing here at this trip. Won two trials in May so looks ready to fire. MISS JONES (5) and REGIMENTAL COLOURS (6) both have ability and can run well first-up from their respective spells.
RACE 4 - RISE TO IT (1) hasn't been all that far away in his two runs this prep and faces a drop in grade today. Best form last prep included a close third in a Saturday BM78 at Caulfield. Fitter now and is a winning hope despite the big weight. Lightly raced four-year-old SOUNDS UNUSUAL (5) ran on well but found one better in a similar race here a fortnight ago. Registered a clear peak at the third run last prep so expect there is more to come. McDonald taking the ride is a big tick. CONTALDO (6) didn't quite run out a strong 1750m at Canberra Acton recently. Yet to miss the frame in three runs at this trip so worth considering. CANARA (8) doesn't win out of turn but on a seven-day back-up with the blinkers back on is not to be taken lightly. Can't make a case for the other two runners.
RACE 5 - BLACK RUN (1) was ridden more aggressively last start and responded by holding on well for second over 2110m at this track. Gets in with the same weight today and can progress further at the fourth run back. Ready to win. STEEL BLAZE (4) has struggled on wet tracks at his last couple. Finished second to the in-form Campaldino on a good track in the Orange Cup three back. Can bounce back to form if the track is not rain affected. The sparingly raced import TRAPALANDA (5) comes here third-up after a couple of moderate efforts to launch his Australian career. Scored a big win third-up last September in Ireland. Watch for a spike in form today. DEMARCAY (10) hasn't fired at all this prep but he is fitter now and gets a firmer surface so on the limit could be a surprise packet. UP AND UNDER (2) just ran out of puff near home last time when third-up. Cherry-ripe now and will give them something to catch.
RACE 6 - THE UNIQUE STAR (4) was well backed and dominated first-up in a BM58 over 1010m at the Sapphire Coast. Facing his stiffest test to date but is lightly raced and has great scope for improvement. NIGHT SKY (9) has been freshened up since disappointing as favourite over this distance at Wyong five weeks ago. Sparingly raced filly who has trialled well since and can make amends. MOONLIGHT DREAM (12) last appeared when successful in a Beaumont maiden over 1200m in December. Trialling in good style and looks ready for a positive return. Promising filly MANAAJEM (8) is back from a spell and looks to be on for a good campaign judging by her smart work on the track. PIEROLITE (6) was in the money in a similar race to this here a fortnight ago. Open to further improvement at just the third run back from a break.
RACE 7 - Very tough close to the day for punters. BELIEVE IN ANGELS (11) is the best option after his nice return over 1100m here a fortnight ago. Scored at this track when second-up last prep. Will race handy and should still be there at the business end. STRUCK GOLD (8) was seven weeks between runs when a game second over 1100m here last start. Form at this distance reads well so with that run under the belt he looks a serious contender. LOVE SHUCK (7) has been tackling open class sprints of late, the pick of the efforts a closing third at Wagga three back. Small risk at 1300m but with a cosy run from gate two he should be thereabouts. MISS HADES (13) has been freshened up since failing over 1500m at Hawkesbury on 3 May. Back in class today and gets the blinkers on for the first time so a return to form is on the cards. KADALL (6) has been in the money at eight of ten runs at this distance. Must go in all the exotic bets.
