Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HORSESHOE HILL (7) resumes. Excellent debut when motoring late to finish third to O'ole and Memo in the LR Wyong Magic Millions 2yo Classic over 1000m six months ago. Given the two trials in readiness for this and should prove too strong for these. VANLEE (6) returns after chipping away late when second over 1100m at Wyong last December. Fitted with the two trials and should have strengthened over the break. RACY TIME (8) two-year-old filly by Time To Reign out of Racy on debut for the Blake Ryan stable. Given the two trials and the cross-over nose band goes on. One for the minor money. SHEEZA TRICKA (5) trained locally and strips fitter after resuming with a fading sixth over 1000m at Gosford. Well drawn for this and the firmer surface can see an improved showing.
RACE 2 - CELERITY (5) massive class drop today after going under narrowly when second over 1100m at Warwick Farm in a Super Maiden. Fitter now and brings superior ratings here. ALL SAINTS (3) heavily supported on debut when a fighting nose second to Ghielmi over 1000m at Kembla Grange last February. Fitted with a sharp 800m trial win and has each-way prospects. THE WAY AHEAD (9) fifth up today and has to improve further after chipping away late when fourth over 1000m at Goulburn. Winkers come off and can sneak into the minor money. NORDIC STAR (8) Nathan Doyle trained three-year-old filly by Star Turn on debut. Impressed in a small field when a slick 1000m trial winner at Beaumont. Stays in the mix.
RACE 3 - Tricky contest with plenty of chances. BLACK BUGATTI (5) covered plenty of ground in the run and didn't have much left in the tank when a fading seventh over 2000m at Kembla Grange. Desperate for the firmer track and the in-form Ash Morgan rides. Best form is good enough for this. MALBORK CASTLE (1) Castlevecchio gelding with his hoof on the till fourth up. Will appreciate the firmer surface after gripping on late to finish third over 1600m at Kembla Grange. Hard to stop from the low draw. MAIRE DE PARIS (9) was never comfortable in the heavy going when a plugging fifth over 1600m at Gosford. Senior rider on and can play a leading role on the firmer deck. BELGRANO (4) given a more positive ride third up when a game fifth over 1600m at Wyong. Gets a better run here and proven at the trip.
RACE 4 - JAMARNI (8) is ready to shed his maiden status third up. Blinkers come off and the winkers go on after warming up late when second over 1300m at Kembla Grange. Desperate for the firmer surface and gets his chance from the draw. EMPRESS TSARINA (6) bounced off her good debut fourth, with a gritty on pace third in the same race as Jamarni. Trained locally and looks the main danger. AUTUMN HEIR (7) failed to keep up with them on resumption before surging late when fifth over 1300m at Kembla Grange. Further improved and can run into the placings. DOLLARS (3) underrated gelding resuming. Bumped into some handy types last prep and fitted with a narrow 800m trial placing at Beaumont. Big market watch. PICCADERRO (1) had mixed success in his second prep and resumes a gelding. Only the one soft trial and look for him running on late from the gate.
RACE 5 - HAZEL JEAN (10) underrated filly deep into her prep who is capable of going one better. Unwanted in betting when returning good closing splits to finish a narrow second over 1250m at Canterbury in BM64 grade. Tom Sherry keeps the ride and gets her chance. NOTHING BUT NET (11) two-year-old gelding who surged late on debut when a sharp winner over 1000m at Goulburn. Gives the impression the extra distance will suit and doesn't have to improve much to win again. QUEEN'S RHAPSODY (2) was rewarded for her consistency last time in when getting off the mark at start five, with a commanding victory over 1100m at this track. Drawn out and goes close with the visors going on. YES SIREE (3) won on debut two back at Wyong, before failing to go with it in a strong rating race when fourth over 1200m at Kembla Grange. Back on his home track and expecting a better showing today.
RACE 6 - CELTIC SIN (3) improving filly who scored a sharp win on resumption, before fading late when used up early to run ninth over 1400m at this track. Maps well for this third up and can bounce back quickly. GREY SECRET (6) drops further in weight now and gets a more economical run. Kept finding on the line when fifth over 1600m at Goulburn. Each-way prospect on the improving track. VIA VARALLO (8) rewarded for his consistency at start thirteen when a slick on pace winner over 1400m at Nowra. Gets in light again with Chambers' claim and sure to be thereabouts. WEXFORD MISS (5) deep into her prep now and due for a change of luck. Held on gamely in this grade with a plugging second over 1300m at Goulburn. Stays in the mix.
RACE 7 - LIKE LUKEY (6) disappointed in town second up in a muddling run contest when ninth over 1500m at Rosehill. Drops in grade and will relish the extra trip with Osmond's claim. Ready to win. INCANTATION (8) deep into her prep and gets her chance again after closing off to run third over 1550m at Canterbury. Will get the journey and take a hand in the finish. OKAMI STAR (9) has come back a more reliable commodity this time in and chasing his third win from his last four starts. Will control the tempo and take catching. HOVLAND (5) lightly raced Dundeel gelding coming along nicely in his second preparation. Ready for the extra ground and not to be underestimated.
RACE 8 - GRINS (10) finally drawn a decent barrier and gets in light with Llewellyn's claim. Recorded good figures when she swamped them from last on the turn to salute over 1000m at Dubbo. On the quick backup and can surprise some of her more fancied rivals. THE GREY (6) underrated gelding who showed a ton of grit on resumption when a narrow fifth over 1000m at Kembla Grange. Proven second up and the in-form Tommy Berry rides. DIVINE VICKY (11) will appreciate the firmer surface after failing to stretch out in the heavy conditions when a dismal sixth over 1250m at Newcastle. Kept up to the mark with a 796m tick over trial and has a key jockey change for this. MR ROCK IT (5) three runs back have been excellent and has his hoof on the till. Gets weight relief again after going under narrowly when second over 100m at Kembla Grange. Shapes as a leading contender. The chances don't end there.
