Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CENTRAL COAST (7) cracking colt by Wootton Bassett from Group 1 winning mare Sunlight on debut for the Waller yard. Has shown potential in both trials and look for him closing off strongly from the good barrier. CABRIOLE (2) regally bred colt by Lonhro from Group 1 winning mare Flit on debut for the James Cummings stable. Impressed in both trials and will get through the going. Hard to hold out despite drawing wide. CHAMPAGNE HERO (4) first starter by Maurice out of Soft Sand having his first race start for the Waterhouse & Bott yard. Primed for this with the two recent trials and maps to get the right run. COSMONAUT (5) has race fitness on his side third up and should find this trip more to his liking. Chipped away late in the heavy (8) going when fourth over 1000m at Kembla Grange. Can hold a forward position and run into the minor money.
RACE 2 - SEQUISTA (9) has shown ability in all three career starts and looks perfectly placed here. Trapped wide early second up before sitting outside the leader when a plugging fifth to Agarwood over 1200m at Randwick in the heavy conditions. Gets the gun ride today and will take catching with Tim Clark aboard. ROSA INCANTA (8) excellent debut in the heavy (9) conditions when a narrow third over 1100m at this track. Has further improvement to come and can slide across from the sticky gate. Genuine contender. LONG LEGS (5) surprised at ($21) on debut when a flashing nose second over 1100m at this track. Looking for the extra journey now and no shock to see her take this out. THE PEARLS (11) wound up strongly on debut after failing to go with them early when second over 1100m at Warwick Farm. J Mac rides and will be strong late from the awkward gate.
RACE 3 - BARBRAY (7) monstered his rivals at start four when ploughing through the heavy (9) conditions for a slick 7 len victory over 1600m at Goulburn. Well drawn again and expected to go on with the job in this tougher contest. LADY BOSS (2) yet to place in two attempts at this trip but drops in grade third up. Comes out of a decent form race after running on late when second to Piggyback over 1300m at Warwick Farm. Loomed to win last start and Roper's 2kg claim can see her fight this out. ERAANTYVA (8) has her hoof on the till fifth up after catching the eye late when second over 1550m at this track. Back in grade and due for a change of luck. BLUE WILLOW (10) walked in at Newcastle last start and appears more than capable of taking that next step.
RACE 4 - NAVAL COMMISSION (2) strengthened up over the break and further improved out to the 1900m. Looked a run short with the 61.5kg when a plugging third over 1600m at Warwick Farm. In good staying yard and the claim brings him right into the calculations. LOOSE LOVE (7) handy Canberra-trained gelding from the Todd Smart stable who will relish the drop in weight. Had to work hard from the wide draw when a fading fourth over 1900m here. Sherry retains the ride and looking for a better performance today. MONARCHS BRAE (1) his best figures are over this track and trip and strips fitter now. Back in grade after finishing a plodding ninth over 1800m at Rosehill in BM78 class. J Mac rides and gets his chance. FAY'S ANGELS (4) indicated she was near her best when gripping on late to run fourth over 1600m at Gunnedah. Goes well here and has each way prospects with the 3kg claim.
RACE 5 - Tough contest with plenty of chances. FIRST MISSION (1) smart type capable of going through his grades this time in after making good progress at his two runs back. Used up early from the wide gate and not far away on the line when fifth to Flying Embers over 1400m at Randwick in Midway grade. Gets a better run here with winning rider back aboard. Hard to hold out. TRUE AMOR (12) showed his good cruising speed on resumption before fading late when fourth over 1300m at Warwick Farm. Gets a similar set up today and will appreciate Roper's 2kg claim. OCTA DE LAGO (11) impressed on debut in the heavy (9) going when closing strongly to salute over 1000m at Goulburn. Better suited out to this trip and stays in the mix. SPACEBALLS (9) is also capable fresh and has to be kept safe.
RACE 6 - STRAAND BEAUTY (10) finds his race today with J Mac up from the good draw. Drops in weight for this after going out hard when a close up third over this track and trip. Maps well and no excuses. APEX (3) pounced late at his second run back when relishing the conditions for a comprehensive victory over 1100m at Warwick Farm. Placed twice at this trip and looks the main danger. PUNTIN (4) went to the paddock in great order and is a big watch in his return. Will be better over further but can still sprint well fresh. METAPHORICALLY (9) the best of the rest with Lloyd booked.
RACE 7 - MEMORIA (9) tough mare with excellent credentials over this track and trip. Racing in a rich vein of form and will appreciate the further weight drop after running third over 1200m at Gosford. Takes control from the low draw and goes close. WORLD ALLIANCE (11) lightly raced gelding with a solid fresh record. Anchored with the 58kg first up when a plugging sixth over 1100m at Hawkesbury in the heavy (8) going. Fitted with a recent 900m trial win at Rosehill and look for him closing off strongly. ZEALOUSLY (4) underrated gelding going nicely through his grades. Rewarded for his consistency when kicking clear in the straight for a slick victory over 1100m at Scone. Can get cover from the draw and play a leading role. DEPRIVATION (8) massive weight drop today with Roper's claim and no surprise to see a return to form. Went out hard and knocked up late when fifth over 1200m at Gosford. Goes well here and the inside gate will help his chances. The race doesn't end there.
RACE 8 - SACREDARRO (6) ploughed through the heavy (9) going on resumption when a tough winner over 1300m at Goulburn. Looking for this trip and further now and has genuine top three claims. PINK SHALALA (2) win record hardly excites but worth noting J Mac sticks after going under narrowly when second over 1550m at this track. Near his top now and will be in this for a long way. WHO EVER THOUGHT (3) well supported third up when leading throughout on his home track for a popular victory over the 1400m in the Scone Country Cup. Gets in light with McMurray's 3kg claim and can keep the ball rolling. FORECASTER (1) the best of the rest.
