Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tough race to start the day with several maidens, including an interesting ex-Hong Kong galloper. Phillip Stokes holds a strong hand here, including SECTORS (9), who brings strong race form. She was a beaten odds-on favourite last start but if she can replicate her run two starts ago behind the smart Esha, she will be hard to beat here. Must overcome a tricky draw but the claim helps. Stablemate STOLEN KISS (10) needs to find a couple of lengths on her form from last campaign but the recent trial suggests she might have. She's also drawn wide. Victorian visitor ZOUTARA (13) must be respected if she makes the trip across. ARAMOSO (1) is a longtime maiden but he's bound to win one of these soon. Include KIKKULI (4) in exotics and keep an eye on betting moves for FROM THE BLOCK (15), who has trialled well after returning from Hong Kong.
RACE 2 - Even staying race with a few horses that can take turns winning in this grade. THERE GOES MY HERO (5) has been racing well without winning this campaign. He will make his own luck on the speed and will be hard to run down with 52kg after the claim. The one-time enigmatic LAKE'S FOLLY (2) is now a model of consistency and he defeated There Goes My Hero two starts ago. He can be in the finish again. WISAKA (1) brings winning form from Victoria and can add another win to his CV. Another last start winner is HIGH SOCIETY GIRL (4), who will benefit from any rain on the day. KIRKLISTON BLU (8) is racing well out of his grade and has no weight on his back after the 3kg claim.
RACE 3 - Big field and a competitive betting race. STARTS NOW (3) for the powerful Jolly stable looks the one to beat. He's been runner-up both starts this campaign in stronger races and is ready to peak third-up. Backing in Jake Toeroek to get it done from a tricky draw. ZARKANA (10) is a frustrating betting proposition given her racing pattern but she keeps hitting the line and was great again last start. She will concede a start again but it's hard to leave her out. KATIM'S CLUB (8) is racing in great form and her best is good enough to run in the money here. PRICILLA'S CHOICE (14) can run well on the week back-up, while SIR RANDOLPH (2) is chasing three wins on the bounce and gets a deserved chance in a city race. He will be around the mark.
RACE 4 - Exciting race with a line-up of emerging 3YOs. STIRRUP CUP (3) returns from Victoria and his best form from the Autumn carnival will win this. He's been kept up to the mark with a quiet jump out in between runs. DOBBINAIR (1) jumps sharply in trip from 1000m to 1540m and, while he's never won beyond 1100m, he boasts obvious quality and must be included. BRING FORTH (4) saluted for punters at $1.40 in maiden grade last time. This is harder but he's a progressive type and is drawn to get the favours. SHOWRUNNER (2) and BIG BRUTE (5) are others that are building nice profiles early in their careers and should both run well in this.
RACE 5 - Competitive betting race as most of these No Metro Wins races can be. PURFECT LINE (9) was super first-up and history suggests he improves with a run under his belt. He's only won a maiden but he's got plenty of upside. He carries only 53kg after the claim and looks the one to beat. GRINZINGER MOON (2) finished down the track in a much stronger race last start. This is easier and her earlier form is good enough to measure up. SHARENDIPITY (8) is never far away and looks well placed from a low draw in this grade. Must respect the Victorian form of NOBLE STYLE (3) and TIZ TIME (5) who should both be included in exotics.
RACE 6 - She's an emergency but PALM OF JUMEIRAH (15) will take some beating if she can sneak into the field. She is super consistent and keeps fronting up for connections. Lachlan Neindorf has a brilliant record on her and will give her every chance from a low draw. DAISYDOO (11) won narrowly last start but there was plenty to like about her effort. She can go close again. BEAUTY BOUND (4) looks a great each-way chance on her best form and should be considered. Forget CLARENCE (7) went around last start. He goes close there with luck and looks well placed to atone here. UP THE DEN (10) is a progressive type and this is within his grasp.
RACE 7 - Plenty of chances here. NOETZIE (5) is a progressive gelding that deserves another go after being rolled as an odds-on favourite last start. There was still merit in his run and he will have taken improvement from that. Lachie Neindorf goes on and he's drawn well. He'll be hard to beat. WOLFGANG (2) is first-up off a couple of decent trials. He's raced almost exclusively in Stakes races during his short career to date, so will find this a suitable assignment. DE LUCA (18) can run well on the quick back-up but does need to find a length or two to win. NOSTRYIA (3) and HYPERNOVA (15) are others to consider for exotics.
RACE 8 - MAXILDO (12) is on the quick back-up and looms as a horse that can improve into the finish here. Good racing pattern is going to see him in the firing line for a long way. PLATINUM DESTROYER (9) brings Victorian form that can line up to these. Fresh run said he was back in good order and they find the gun jock. MYSTICAL WISDOM (14) looks ready to hit his straps after three solid runs this campaign, while FLYING STEP (13) caught the eye last start and can improve up in trip and down in weight. Blinkers on now and that could offer some assistance as well. Gawler run was good and puts him right in the mix.
RACE 9 - LOVELY LOOKIN' (7) looks a lovely bet in the last. She's a quality mare on her day, as we've seen this campaign where her only 'failure' came when fourth at Group 3 level. She's drawn out wide but Taylor Johnstone knows her well and she can plot a course to victory. She's the top seed and the horse to beat. It's been a while between wins for DELIGHTFUL SHECKY (18) but he's ready to show his best after several OK runs this preparation. He gets right down in the weights after the claim and won't be too far away. LET'S GET DOWN (3) was good in the Golden Topaz last start and just keeps racing well. Others to include in exotics are TAP 'N' RUN (10) and JACKS ON ICE (2).
