Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MANHATTAN NIGHTS (1) was quickly back on track winning here over a mile. The extra metres shouldn't bother and he can go on with the job. ALPINE TROUT (3) raced an equal favourite in that race and didn't manage a wide gate. He has a better step up today and this distance holds no fears. A threat. GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (7) went close in that contest, jumping sharply in trip. She's in the mix, along with RIPPEN GOLD (5) who finished 1.7L behind Manhattan Heights, surprising the market. OXY BOLT (4) will appreciate the longer journey but has been struggling to recapture his best form. Fitter and a better effort is likely.
RACE 2 - SKELMORLIE (9) has been good since the switch from a top Victorian stable and missed 1.5L here last time as favourite. Come back in trip but that shouldn't be a bother. Maps well and rates to be winning. ELLA MAY (6) is third up and has more up the sleeve. She will use the rail and give a sight. THE MOUNTAINEER (5) went close in the Skelmorlie race at big odds and will be around the mark holding that form. RAGING WATERS (4) was terrible in the same contest, having his first go on the synthetic. Draws much better this time and may be worth another chance on the surface. CHALONG (1) peaks and can improve over the longer sprint.
RACE 3 - MAZZINI (11) debuts off easy trial wins with the latest here. 1.5kg claimer Bingley sticks and the gelding looks very promising. Maps okay and this is a winnable assignment. SWING LOW (9) has switched from a Victorian barn on a 28-day return and is clearly the best of the raced brigade. He will enjoy a soft run and his provincial form stacks right up. Feared. REDAIR (13) is a lightly raced improver from the Trinder yard and may control the race. She's likely to give a sight. LA ZAMPA (3) is a former Victorian who raced favourite here first-up and faded late from the speed. He has some ability and will be sharper today.
RACE 4 - HIGHLAND DUEL (2) has threatened here his last two and could have finished closer last time. He races forward and will race fitness will be tough to beat. MAGIC MOGUL (1) resumes for the Trinder yard and has switched from Robbie Griffith in Victoria. He's won two trials with Byrne Burke aboard, and she sticks. Proven fresh and he's good enough to give this a shake. TUSKEGEE (4) resumes and has also trialled well. He will race over further but enjoys the surface and he'd be a hope if produced in forward condition. ZOETE'S ROCK (8) just missed here spiking his figures. He can make the finish is the inside gate is managed. COASTAL STRIKE (5) draws awkwardly but can build in his spacious Maiden win.
RACE 5 - Tricky. PERIWINKLE (13) is busting to win and led beaten a nose in stronger. He keeps the handy 2kg claim and has the early speed to clear the awkward gate. He's been kept on the fresh side and gets another chance. MOORLANDS MISS (5) will race over further but has the best numbers and she's won fresh and over this distance. A winning chance if the money comes. AZONTO (9) has a similar profile. He was last seen in a Launceston Guineas 156 days ago, but won here only fresh outing and has trialled sharply for her return. THOROS OF MYR (8) jumps from an inside gate and will ride the speed. He's been narrowly beaten here at his last two and is fit. CORNELIAN BAY (7) peaks and has similar figures. He's also a hope.
RACE 6 - SIMPLY DEEP (3) looks an exciting gelding on the rise, despite his winning streak coming to an end by 0.8L here most recently. He steps up in trip today which looks ideal and while he has draw wide, he has the speed to cross. Has stacks of upside and can get back to winning ways. CAPITAL CHEVAL (6) loves it hear and has gone close his last three heavily bet. Will use an inside barrier and has been kept on the fresh side. HURRICANE KETUT (2) has a wide draw but rates strongly and is busting to win. He is back in grade and Sanderson is reunited. Go close with average luck. RUBICK'S AFFAIR (10) should find cover and is threatening another win.
RACE 7 - EARENDEL (2) seeks the hat trick off wins. Comes back 230m but has been kept on the fresh side and has won a trial here since last seen. The one they have to beat. NIGHT PEOPLE (1) made it 2/3 this preparation with a big all-the-way win here over 1350m. Has to run out the extra metres but has a handy 2kg claim and is in the right form. KIREINA MARUBRAH (4) is going well and led and missed a whisker this track/distance two starts back. Draws inside today and will give a big sight. MATEUS (5) is good enough on his days and benefits from a 2kg claim and low barrier. In the mix. FROM PANTHERLAND (7) was tracking well before the latest and drawn better will be around the mark.
RACE 8 - A small field but a keen contest. HIGH TAIL EAGLE (3) came from the turf and just missed the hat-trick here over 1650m. He'd delivered over a middle distance prior, so the extra metres will hold no fears. He can bounce back. SHY GUY (2) won here and has missed a nose at the track at his two starts since. The latest was over this trip in a touch stronger, and he will use the inside barrier. A live chance. CHICANE (1) just nudged out the above in that contest and keeps the handy 2kg claim. He's sure to give a sight as well. FASHION FOX (5) spiked his figures placing in the same contest and the on-pacer can't be ruled out. COUP DE SPRY (6) is back in trip and has been racing in Hobart. He will be around the mark putting his best foot forward.
