Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GEETEE FORTY (2) continues to leave himself with too much to do but is savaging the line. Has found the maiden win elusive but is peak fitness now and should prove very tough to hold out, if he holds his form. MOANA'S FORTUNE (6) is edging closer to a breakthrough win. He stuck on fairly at Strathalbyn last time, despite not threatening a dominant winner. Can take another step forward. NORMIE NO SHOW (5) didn't fire fresh at Port Augusta but strips fitter and can press forward early. Has been lightly raced for his age and could improve sharply second-up. HIGH HEELED (9) best of the rest.
RACE 2 - SHOWRUNNER (2) had been in flying form with back-to-back wins before failing to fire in tougher company over 2000m at Flemington. The drop back in trip suits perfectly and this assignment is far more manageable. Expect a sharp return to form. FLYWAY (3) bounced back strongly to score here last start. The form around him stacks right up and he looks a genuine winning hope over a preferred trip. Expect him to settle back early from the wide gate and be saved for the final shot at them. SOMEWHERE SOON (10) broke through impressively here last start and keeps Johnstone aboard. Faces stronger opposition but gives the impression she'll keep progressing. THERMODYNAMIC (1) has been sound in his two runs back and is open to sharp improvement third-up. Don't dismiss lightly with Pannell taking over.
RACE 3 - GARCON RENARD (6) was an eye-catcher fresh and then followed it up with another strong effort, beaten narrowly here last start. Will likely drift back from the draw and be saved for the final shot at them. Peaking now and should take some stopping. CLASSY CLARET (5) beat home Garcon Renard last start, sticking on strongly to finish second behind a smart winner. Has a hand full of ratings strong enough and is drawn to get the gun run. Bold showing anticipated. ALI FOREMAN (4) made up good late ground last time out after settling a long way back. Draws to go back again but he'll be finishing hard. NUNNIONG (2) brings some decent Victorian form, having hit the line well to finish third at Sale last start. Should be competitive with that form and is in the mix. ROLL START (9) was a big improver last start when closing off solidly into third at Strathalbyn. Open to further improvement fourth-up and is among the chances.
RACE 4 - WILD WILD WEST (6) made a promising debut when runner-up over this track and trip. He showed natural speed and should take plenty of improvement. Looks well placed to go one better despite the wide draw. THANK GOD I GOTHIM (2) hasn't fired back in Vic this prep but does strike an easier assignment this time and strips cherry-ripe fitness now fourth-up. Should be taken seriously. OLD MATE BLUEY (4) drops back in trip off a 44-day freshen and steps out for a new stable. Might benefit from the fresh start. His form reads modestly but a market watch is advise. INVINCIBLE ALICE (9) is expected to improve sharply at her second start.
RACE 5 - WARM BREEZE (1) couldn't have been more impressive fresh, putting away a maiden field over 1200m at Murray Bridge with ease. Has come back in terrific order and retains the services of Holder. Can go on with it. HEBRINGS CASH (4) bounced back to winning form last start on the dirt at Hawker and although this is tougher, confidence will be high. Deserves respect. I LOVERAIN (3) resumes for the sharp R & C Jolly stable. Failed to get going last campaign but this is much easier. Will take beating if he returns to his best form, but that's a big if. THE CREED (2) got off the mark by the barest of margins last start, in a much improved effort. Fitter and is in the mix.
RACE 6 - ARTILLERY (1) resumes. Has a touch of class and generally runs well fresh, narrowly beaten first-up last prep. Leading player. IMPENDING DIAMOND (13) was much better here last start, finishing a solid second over the same distance. Have to respect off that. ECLAIR VITALITY (2) has mixed his form this time in but does boast peaks that measure up. Backs up quickly and is aided under the big weight with the claim. Don't dismiss. FOSTER STREET (15) will finds this much easier and can finish much closer.
RACE 7 - FLYING STEP (9) continues to knock on the door, going down narrowly at Newcastle last start over 1890m. Drops back in trip off 37-day freshen and steps out for her new stable. Bursting to break through and finds a very winnable contest here. I'M KENNY (1) went forward and stuck on gamely here last start when third over 1506m. Sure to burn across early from his outside alley and give backers a great sight. ROBERT THE PUSS (15) has mixed his form this campaign but has peaks that stack right up. Cherry-ripe fitness now gets his chance to break a long run of outs. ZIPPITY DOODAH (7) was never in the race last start but is better than that and is worth another chance.
