Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SAPPHIRE ROSE (7) Blue Point filly from Rocket Commander on debut for the Bjorn Baker stable. Has impressed in her last two trials and gets every chance from the low gate. QUEEN OF THORNS (6) on the quick back with the 3kg claim again after sitting on the speed in the heavy conditions when third at Gosford. At her top now and worth plenty of thought. EXPEDITIOUSLY (3) resumes from a lengthy spell. Kept safe in betting on debut when a fading ninth over 1300m at Kembla Grange. Fitted with the two mixed trials and not to be underestimated. SHUTTERING (8) comes out off a decent race when fifth over 1100m at Scone on debut. In leading yard and worth thought.
RACE 2 - CUESTA (5) improving mare who finds her race third up. Surged late from last on the turn when a game second over 1200m at Kembla Grange. Brings superior ratings here and looks too good for these. OAKFIELD ZENA (9) assess on her good first up second at Gosford, after disappointing when last over 1400m at Newcastle. Failed to handle the conditions last start and was a month between runs. Gets the right run again and the firmer surface helps. PRINCE HARRISON (3) showed a ton of potential in his first prep, before resuming with a battling sixth over 1200m at Kembla Grange. Winkers go on and capable of improvement. INNCOURT (1) Irish bred gelding making his Australian debut for the Matt Smith yard. Two recent trials had merit after making his debut when fifth over 1609m at Leopardstown last year. No surprise to see him finish over the top of these. RAINBOW GODDESS (10) fitter now second up and finally drawn a decent gate. Each way.
RACE 3 - HARLEX (1) progressive gelding who shed his maiden status in good style first up, before gripping on late when fourth to Shropshire Lad over 1100m at Scone. Comes out of a strong race and expected to go close. EXPLOSIVE TORPIDO (4) handy mare ready to win after leading them up with the 59kg when a fading second over 1100m at Hawkesbury. Gibbons' sticks and can take up a position from the gate. PRATT (2) back for his second prep when demolishing his rivals with a solid on pace victory over 900m at Newcastle. Gets in light with Osmond's claim and can play a leading role again. BETHSHEBA (8) fitter after two runs back and breaking her maiden status here two back. One for the minors.
RACE 4 - TWILIGHT ELEGANCE (5) has come back a much stronger filly in her second prep. Rounded them up late when a head winner over 1400m at Kembla Grange. Has further improvement to come and not to be underestimated. NOVEMBER AIR (6) holding her form well and another win looks imminent. Showed a ton of fight when third over 1500m at Kembla Grange. Hard fit and will take catching. ICEMAN (3) raced without luck all prep and can surprise at the good odds. DIAMOND SHOW (4) walked in at Hawkesbury last start and appears more than capable of taking that next step.
RACE 5 - WHY WHY WHY (9) unwanted in betting on debut, before closing off strongly with a valiant third over 1300m at Goulburn. Gives the indication the mile will suit and goes close from the low draw. EMELIA'S MAGIC (10) kept fresh at her second run back when surprising at the big odds to secure third over 1500m at Goulburn. Near her top now and Buckley sticks from the better gate. Each way. NEVIIM (4) had excuses from the wide draw third up when jumping sharply in trip. Expected to improve sharply. REVERBERATES (12) should be right at her top fourth up and should be prominent from the outset.
RACE 6 - MIZELLA (3) fourth up into this and drops in weight from a softer gate after making inroads late when sixth over 1550m at Canterbury. Should get the trip and take a hand in the finish. DE LOUVIERE (7) consistent four-year-old who failed to surrender with the 59kg when slugging it out on the speed to secure second over 2230m at Newcastle. Backs-up quickly and drop in weight helps. FIGHTING MAGNUS (4) raced closer to the pace from the better gate when a most improved second over 1870m at Newcastle. Has good figures at this trip and a repeat of latest keeps him in the contest. STYLEBENDER (10) was a total forgive from the wide gate at Canterbury last start. Don't dismiss.
RACE 7 - FRENCH MARINE (2) big improver at his second run back when scoring a comprehensive victory over the 1250m at Newcastle in similar class. Can stalk the good tempo again with the claim and prove hard to hold out. DIVINE BENE (4) made it two wins from four starts this time in when leading throughout over the 1200m at Gosford in the heavy going. Can keep the winning momentum going from the low gate. DESI EMPEROR (3) finished runner up at his two runs back with the big weights and doesn't have to improve much to take this out. Can get across from the awkward gate and play a leading role. FLYING ARGYLE (1) a big watch in his return, he is more than capable.
RACE 8 - MAGICAL MOMENTS (4) progressive filly resuming who looks primed for this from the good gate. Progressed nicely last prep and the two recent trials should have her forward enough for this. PARIAH ENGAGEMENT (9) not far away second up when seventh over 1200m at Kembla Grange in a good rating race. Gets weight relief with the claim and the blinkers go on. Improver. BROADWAY FOLLIES (2) another from the Bjorn Baker stable who returns from a let-up. Proven at this level and kept up to the mark with a 900m tick over trial. Goes close. CANDY WOMEN (8) form dropped off last prep and goes well fresh. Strong through the line when third in a 900m Rosehill trail. Can take control early and play a leading role. CELESTIAL BREEZE (13) sharp maiden victory at her second run back and has the figures to go on with the job. Value prospect.
