Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MAGIC SPEED (1) lived up to her name on debut, jumping as favourite and delivering in sharp style over 900 metres at Queanbeyan. With natural improvement to come, she looks a strong winning chance again. EXILED PRINCE (3) is Pariah gelding stepping out on debut off the back of a slick trial win at Goulburn. Has ability and profiles as a serious threat on debut. RING OF FIRE (4) is a North Pacific colt on debut for the Dryden & Snowden partnership. Found the line nicely in a recent trial and looks ready to make an impression. Must be respected. CAYMAN ISLAND (2) is Hello Youmzain and out of a proven black-type producer. Didn't fire in a recent trial but brings strong pedigree credentials. Capable of surprising.
RACE 2 - SOUTHERN DANCER (5) continues to knock on the door, producing another strong chasing effort last start at Wodonga. While wins have been elusive, she's holding her form and looks a genuine contender again. McDougall sticking is a big push. CRAFT (1) has been rock-solid for the Olive stable this campaign. Possesses a positive racing pattern and is drawn well for young Sinclair, who claims 3kgs. Sure to give another bold sight. DIAMOND CARAT (6) bounced back in brilliant fashion on the Riverside track just under two weeks ago in testing conditions. Tougher this time but looks ready to handle the rise. BELLMAN (2) ran on soundly to grab second last time at Albury and is building nicely this prep. Fit and well placed, he's right in the mix.
RACE 3 - DOC MARCH (3) continues to leave himself with too much to do but is savaging the line. Peaking now and while he's sure to get a long way back again from the draw, suspect McDougall to have him launching at the right time. SHEBRINGS BEAUTY (11) finds the maiden win elusive but is a consistent mare. Was better last start when racing prominently. Strips rock-hard fit now and keeps Kissick. Main danger. ASTERN TORCH (1) made a pleasing return on the Riverside circuit last start. Fitter now and can't be underestimated on the home track. MADAM DOESFLY (9) next best.
RACE 4 - DEFLECTOR (7) has returned in good order this prep, finishing a lip away at Corowa last time in a determined showing. Building nicely and keeps McDougall from the inside alley. Ready. BOMERTON (1) couldn't live up to market expectations when resuming at Albury last month. Strips fitter and can feature prominently with natural improvement. Worth another chance. SANTOLINI (10) finds it tough to break through but has ratings littered through her form that can see her be competitive. Backs up quickly and is worth keeping safe. DENNAY (3) has failed to threaten in his two runs but does come through some hot maidens. This looks more suitable and he can improve sharply at start three. Don't dismiss easily.
RACE 5 - SHINE LIKE IT DOES (4) resumes. Has shown plenty of positive signs to date but has just lacked the winning punch. Gets in well with the claim and looks best of the raced bunch. HARDLY FORTUNATE (5) is an All Too Hard filly on debut for the smart Nick Olive stable. Worked to the line nicely in her sole lead-up trial and is worth a market watch. MO SPIRIT (2) caught the eye on debut when closing off strongly into the placings in testing conditions on the Riverside circuit. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt. Expect him to settle back again early and be launching late. BOSCO (1) is a Cosmic Force gelding on debut for the Potter camp. Has been readied with a soft trial and is worth keeping safe, especially if there's market support.
RACE 6 - Competitive. ELASTANE MISS (7) showed plenty of fight when resuming at Albury, just conceding late. Fitter and has McDougall sticking. Expect the duo to burn across from the draw and give another bold sight. ALL ASTERN (2) made two on the trot last start with another gritty victory on the home track. Form around her is stacking right up. Looms as a major threat again. VAINSTREAM (4) rattled home to get the verdict in testing conditions on the Riverside circuit last start. Will appreciate the anticipated tempo and will be charging hard late again. IMABARBIEGIRL (9) returns for the airborne Luke Pepper stable. Was a handy maiden winner when resuming at Queanbeyan last campaign. Can make a bright return.
RACE 7 - SMART POPPY (10) only warmed to his task late at Albury but made good inroads to finish midfield. Strips fitter and will eat up the added trip second-up. Expect him to drift back again from the draw and be charging hardest late. BLOW IN (2) hasn't won for a very long time but has returned to form and is drawn to take much closer order this time. The booking of Loy is also a big push. EXPLOSIVE ROSIE (8) bounced straight back to form last start at Albury with a gritty victory. The form around her is strong and she gets in low at the weights again. Have to take seriously. COPPERFIELD (3) dug deep to score narrowly at Deniliquin and now benefits from a significant weight drop. Obviously tougher this time but he's capable of making his presence felt once more.
