Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - COLOMBIANO (6) disappointed last start when second-up from a spell, racing handy but failing to find much in the run home over a similar trip at Corowa. Has ability and the addition of blinkers today could be telling. Worth another chance. DEFLECTOR (4) made it three minor placings from as many runs this prep when she battled on okay for third over 1300m at Wagga recently. Gets the shades on for the first time today which may give her that little extra spark required. BESSIE LA BELLE (1) turned in three pretty plain efforts before being turned out for nearly eight weeks. Hasn't been seen in any trials but she has been in the money three of four outings here so expect a strong showing. MISS PEPEHA (7) has had plenty of chances. Top four chance in the small field. Difficult to make a case for the other runners.
RACE 2 - CRYING COUGAR (1) was at cricket score odds on debut last start over 900m at Corowa but defied the market by charging home into second place. Should relish the extra 100m so with that run under the belt he appeals as the horse to beat. DONEGAL BAY (2) has been in the money at all three runs this time in work, the latest offering an eye-catching second over 900m at this track when he gave away a big start. Very fit and this looks the perfect assignment. LUNAR MOJO (4) continues to race well without winning. Freshened up to come back in trip today. The wide gate is the only concern. FINAL CRACK (3) has placed at three of his four runs here. Ready to improve second-up from a long lay-off. LADY DUTTON (10) found the line well in a shorter race at Corowa last start. Ready to peak after three runs back.
RACE 3 - BLAZING SWORD (2) has returned in good order, missing out by just 0.6 lengths here first-up then going even closer at Swan Hill last start. Comes back 100m which is the only query, otherwise he looks ready to win. RIVERBEND UNICORN (7) opened this prep with a couple of nice efforts over 1400m then failed when extended to 1675m at Wagga Riverside last time. Worth another chance coming back in distance. GIOIA RIVER (12) caught the eye late at Wagga last time. Not sure coming back in distance is the right move but she should be strong late again. BROKEN IMAGE (9) stepped up to 1400m for the first time last start and battled on well for second after racing closer to the speed than usual. Needs to go another 100m today but should be competitive. FLUTTERBY (11) has found form and with blinkers on for the first time today is a genuine threat.
RACE 4 - Plenty of chances. BOBOTOV (3) did his best work late to finish fourth when resuming over 1100m at Wodonga last start. Placed at four of five runs over today's journey, including two from two here. Gets a soft run from gate one and looks sure to be in the finish. TI TREE ROYAL (2) returned from a seven-month spell with a dominant all-the-way win over 1200m at Corowa a fortnight ago. Lightly raced three-year-old who looks ready to go to new heights this prep so stick with him. SUNDROP (9) found a Class 2 at Corowa a bit rich at her latest appearance but wasn't disgraced. Strong prospects coming back a level or two. ACE OF LACE (8) was brave in defeat at Corowa last time - should give plenty of cheek again. DARKLEY (1) was back in form last start and if he jumps better today can play a big role.
RACE 5 - Very open affair. MAJESTIC MAREMMA (16) had been racing well and thoroughly deserved her maiden win last time out over 900m at Corowa. Goes well here at this trip so from a nice gate she is a major player again. MAGNOLIA STAR (13) returned from a seven-month spell with an authoritative all-the-way win over 900m here three weeks back. Lightly raced mare who looks to be in for her best prep yet so stick with her. ROCKBARTON SHOUT (1) added to an already impressive record with a gutsy win in BM66 at Corowa a fortnight ago. Has plenty of weight but is too honest to rule out. FOREMAN'S GULLY (4) is racing in great heart and enjoys this circuit. Sure to give backers a great sight. WARUI (8) is second-up on a seven-day turnaround. Just ran out of puff at Mornington last week but will be better for that run.
RACE 6 - Consistent gelding SMART POPPY (5) came from near the tail of the field on the bend to record a barnstorming win last start over this distance at Wagga. Can race a bit closer this time from a far better draw. Distance specialist who will be terribly hard to beat again. MOJO MUSIC (9) added to his fine record with a tough win over 1200m at Wagga Riverside last time out. Up in class today but gets a bit of weight relief. Will go forward from a wide alley and is sure to give backers a great sight. JATO (11) was a month between runs when a closing fourth over 1200m at Corowa a fortnight ago. Bolted in here at this distance three runs back. Nice chance down in the weights. BLOW IN (2) hasn't won in ages but put the writing on the wall at Wagga last start. Just needs luck from the wide barrier to be in the finish. EXPLOSIVE ROSIE (8) strips fitter second-up from a seven-week break. Unbeaten here so must be respected.
RACE 7 - SLEEPER (10) has failed to threaten in two runs this campaign but can improve third-up as he did last prep. Drawn to enjoy a soft run just off the pace and with the blinkers back on today he should be ready to produce. WINGS OF CARMEN (9) has been racing okay in Victoria but he goes a lot better on right-handed tracks. Has raced here twice and won both times. Just needs luck from a wide alley to give this a shake. NEWYORK MISSILE (16) was too bad to be true at Corowa last time out after a game win over the mile at Wagga the run before. Doesn't win out of turn but this looks a nice race for him. WARPAINTED (6) has been ridden more aggressively at his last two starts and responded with a couple of close thirds, both over today's trip at Corowa. Will give them something to catch. Lightly raced mare WHIRLWIND (4) was a distant third at Seymour last time over 1400m. Better placed at the mile so expect her to be in the thick of things.
