Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HARDLY FORTUNATE (7) snagged back from the sticky draw on debut before launching late with an unlucky second over 1000m at this track. Would have taken great benefit from that effort and the 1200m is ideal. Goes close. AL FLORES (5) returned from a lengthy spell with a tough on pace second over 1200m at Goulburn as a $1.55 fav. Will prove hard to run down again. TESSARION (14) unwanted in betting on debut when a surprise on speed third over this track and trip. Map looks a bit tougher today but stays in the contest. TIPPYTAY (10) comes here in peak condition and expect to see her race a little closer to the speed. Chipped away late when fifth over 1100m at Goulburn. Likely improver on the quick backup. IZABLONDE (8) sound debut when second on her home track at Leeton over 1150m. Gets her chance from the low draw.
RACE 2 - MAJESTIC DEEL (7) two runs back have been encouraging, and a win looks imminent. Closed strongly from near last on the turn when third over 1500m at Albury. Look for him late. DANTAINS PRIZE (16) improving with each run and gets the right setup today. Stalked the speed when a narrow second over 1400m at Narrandera. Drops in weight here with the blinkers going on. Goes close. LUNAR FANTASY (4) unlucky not to fill a minor placing on debut when a fighting fourth over 1212m at the Sapphire Coast. This looks an easier contest and worth thought. PRIDE OF JEZZA (11) deep into his prep and trained locally. Tongue tie goes on and no shock to see him take this out.
RACE 3 - DESERT OPAL (5) rewarded for his consistency at start eleven when stalking the speed and getting over them late over 1400m at Albury. Proven at the trip and kept up to the mark with a 900m tick over trial. Finds a winnable race again from the good gate. DOC MARCH (11) massive run from the wide gate when taking good ground off Astern Torch to run fourth over 1600m at this track. Hard fit and will relish a stronger tempo. SHEBRINGS BEAUTY (14) has found a bit of form at her last two outings and can shed her maiden status at start twenty. Kept finding on the line when second over 1600m here. Drops further in weight from the low draw. ASTERN TORCH (1) confidence is high now after getting off the mark at this track and trip.
RACE 4 - SOOBOOGELISCIOUS (8) no excuses today fifth up from the good gate, after covering plenty of ground in the run when a fading seventh over 1413m at the Sapphire Coast. Key jockey switch and proven at the trip. CHRISTMAS STAR (2) underrated filly deep into her prep now. Caught the eye late when third over 1280m at Canberra Acton. Apprentice goes on and can race much closer to the speed. Leading prospect. ELASTANE MISS (3) has impressed in all four career runs and should have little issue stepping out to the 1200m. Covered ground from the awkward draw when a game second as fav over 1000m at this track. McDougall sticks with the winkers going on. Hard to stop. PERFECTLY GOOD (4) almost a month between runs when a fading seventh over 1200m at Corowa. Kept fresh again and assess off his good first up run. Value player. IMABARBIEGIRL (10) resumed over the unsuitable 1000m when an eye catching third at this course. Clearly come back well and ready to win.
RACE 5 - Even staying contest with plenty of chances. FIRST DAY (11) both her wins have come at this trip and racing in career best form. Gave her all over the 2400m when a solid fourth at Swan Hill in a strong rating race. Winning rider sticks and will take stopping. BELLMAN (7) has his hoof on the till after finishing runner up at his last three outings in easier company. Returned good closing splits with the 62kg when an eye catching second over 1600m at Albury. Looking for this trip and maps to get the gun run. SEA STRIKE (1) won well two back, before heading to town with a wilting ninth over 2400m at Sandown-Hillside in BM70 class. Trip suits and the 4kg claim keeps her in contention. DUE CALZINI (5) finds a suitable race after struggling to get through the going when eighth over 2000m at Randwick in BM72 grade. Races well here and the visors go on.
RACE 6 - COMMANDS SUCCESS (9) all five wins have come at this trip and drops sharply in weight with the claim. Anchored with the 58kg when a plugging fourth to Scampi over this journey at Pakenham. Can race closer from the draw and play a leading role. THREE MUSKETEERS (11) starting to hit his straps this prep and looks up to this stiffer contest. Back in trip after returning good figures when a sharp 1300m winner at Wangaratta. Since fitted with a jump out win over 900m and Cory Parish retains the ride. Value prospect. CONDOR (3) building an imposing winning CV and chasing his fourth win from five starts. Ploughed through the heavy going when demolishing his rivals over 1000m at Mornington. Gets similar conditions for this and must be kept safe. JUST GOOGLE ME (7) failed to negotiate the Flemington straight on resumption when a wilting ninth over 1100m. Undefeated second up and saves his best for this track. Goes close. ROCKET TIGER (1) smart on his day and will relish the claim.
RACE 7 - MISS FENNELL (2) is a lightly raced filly with a ton of upside who drops in class here and that looks all important. Missed the start before rocketing late on resumption when an unlucky third over 1200m at Corowa in C2 grade. Comes to hand quickly and looks destined for better races. Can start on the path to those by winning here. JUST LIKE TILDA (1) was kept safe in betting on debut when finishing over the top of them in a decent contest over 1000m at Kembla Grange. Each way prospect with more to come on on the back of that. ROCKET RUDEE (4) is fitter now with the winkers going on. Another potential improver today with that profile.
