Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - To put it politely, this race doesn't inspire a lot of confidence to start a Sunday. But one of these horses is going to have their birthday and it could be BLONDI'S BOMBSHELL (7). She joins a new stable and is on the eight day back-up, having beaten a couple of rivals home in a much stronger metropolitan race. This is her first time on the dirt but she's drawn well for a jockey that rides plenty of winners at the track. SEA ROADS (4) pulled up lame after last start but his run prior in a deeper maiden gives him a chance in this. He can run along on the speed with the cliam. Most of the others have modest form but thrill seekers can include THE REAL PRINCE (2) and GRANDE FORZA (1) go in wider plays.
RACE 2 - PIRATE (2) clearly brings the best form and he's the horse to beat. All three of his runs for the in-form Theodore yard have had merit and if he replicates any of them, he should go close. He gets a low draw, a suitable jockey booking and the stable is flying. The only question is how he handles the dirt for the first time. One that does handle the surface is BRIGHT SHOW (8), who was placed at the track last start. She gets a claim here and should be able to run along on speed. The recent form is TANCREDI (3) is OK for a race like this, while STRASBEAU (5) and SPILL THE MONEY (11) both have each-way claims.
RACE 3 - Solid race with a few winning chances. It's hard to knock the form of ALPHA FLIGHT (4), who hasn't done much wrong in easier grade. He is capable of measuring up to this open contest where his chance is seen as being as strong as any. MOHITE (1) bolted in at this track last time and, with the claim, can bowl along up on speed and be hard to catch again. Danger along with THE HASS (3) who is handy on his day so be wary of him first-up, while IMPORTANT PRODUCT (6) looks ready to win after a big finish last time. Only concern is how much of a start he concedes some of these but he should be rattling at the death.
RACE 4 - I'M KENNY (2) is a track specialist with nine wins here. He looks well placed with the 3kg claim to make it 10 in this. Happy to forgive his last start on a wet track. He will roll along and be hard to watch. One of those trying to chase him down will be SHADOW EXPRESS (3), who is unbeaten in two runs here. Soundly beaten last start but this is easier. DJANGO EXPRESS (5) has found form since apprentice Sophie Potter went aboard and there's every reason to think the pair can make it three wins on the bounce. THINKINGNINTYNINE (4) will be better for the first-up run, while FIRST MAID (7) is another that can improve back on the dirt.
RACE 5 - The old boy A THOUSAND DEGREES (10) is an 11-time winner and has enjoyed good success at this track. If you forgive his last start failure, his first-up run was full of merit and third-up is generally when he starts to hit his peak. He can definitely win and he looks an each-way bet, depending on the price. OUR GODDESS (8) was solid last start and doesn't need too improve much to be a genuine winning chance here. She's another that draws well and gets the services of an in-form jockey. EASTSIDE DIAMOND (5) has some winning confidence after last-start and is drawn to get a similar run. BROADWAY LANE (7) and LANCELOTTO (3) both have claims down in this grade.
RACE 6 - Moderate race but looks the right recipe for MENACE TO SOBRIETY (6). He's on the quick back-up after a solid run in a stronger race at Balaklava on Wednesday. His prior form is consistent without winning. He can take a forward position and, if he handles the track, he will take some beating. STAR DECORUM (9) hasn't won for some time but her last two starts have suggested that she's back to somewhere near her best. She looks a main danger if she can continue to improve up in trip. Including STREET CULTURE (10) and HAVADUEL (7) in wider plays. Both need to improve sharply on recent efforts but there is no great depth here.
RACE 7 - Deep edition of the race, which is a key lead-up to the Port Augusta Cup. DOCTOR ROBERT (4) won the Hawker Cup two starts back and is building a strong body of work on the dirt. After a key scratching the door opens wide for him and expecting him to take the step through. KIMMORLEY (7) joins the new stable and is a big watch. If he handles the dirt he can run a cheeky race with his best efforts good enough to make him a key player at this level. SHINY ROCK (2) and ICHIBANSAN (6) should be respected and, on their best form, must be included in quaddies and wider plays. Shiny Rock is 2/2 at the C&D so the switch back can be taken as a key lead.
RACE 8 - Tough way to finish the card. DANCING STREAM (2) mixes her form but her best is good enough to win. She was plain last start but happy to forgive that and take her on the prior run at the track. OK draw and aided by a useful claim. EDGY ERA (5) is another who can be forgiven for a below par run last time. She won well here the start before and looks a threat if she can reproduce that sort of run. Have a feeling ALPINE JOY (4) is going better than her form reads on paper so including her in wider plays. Can say the same for HONDURAS (7) who is a winner here. They pull the blinkers off today looking to spark some form.
