3 minute read

We return to the grass on the course proper and with rain forecast on the day the track is rated a slow 5 with the rail in the true. The Maher-Eustace yard don’t bring horses here very often and have Dambulla engaged in the final event and he will prove hard to beat.

Race 1 (1000m)

Any one of the four can lead. EXOTIC DEEL (6) debuts for Nick Olive and has trialled well at this track. The scratchings bring her right into it and she will take beating. GAMBLER'S QUEST (7) ran well two back and peaks today. In good hands and can improve. ART CADEAU (2) debuts from a low gate and has trialled well. Expect a bold run. MAYA MIRACLE (8) resumes and expect her to come back improved.

Race 2 (1600m)

Stratum's Rose looks set to lead despite the drop in trip. STRATUM'S ROSE (5) is racing at peak and deserves the win. She lead them a merry chance in the Federal 2 weeks ago at 70 level, and was run over late and O'Princess has gone on to win again. Comes back to the mile and that suits. QUICK SPIN (6) finished hard winning at Goulburn and then just missed at Nowra, also in 58 grade. The latest stacks right up and he's a genuine hope with the weight drop. SWEET KNUCKLE (7) had no luck in that Federal, but the run before at that level reads well. High-stable striker McDougall is reunited and she can be right in the finish without surprising. SENSACOVA (2) has been knocking on the door in stronger city and provincial contests and, drawn to advantage, deserves consideration. 

Race 3 (1400m)

A few have led on occasions, but hard to nominate one who will take up that role today. The money kept coming for BRENNAMAN (3) on resumption, but he was forced back after meeting trouble at the start. His finish was an real eye catcher and McDougal sticks from that. Needs a good ride, but he looks to have a stack of upside. and presents as the one to beat. CADENCE (4) is a candidate to lead with a decent kick and expect quick improvement on the first-up Gosford hit-out. He draws well and the stable has a good record at the track. AESOP'S FABLE (5) hasn't been far away and the blinkers are applied today. Peaks and can be in the finish for the Sydney yard. DISCO DIVA (8) draws low and is in good hands. Expect her to make quick improvement following the Newcastle debut. 

Race 4 (1300m)

Vin Du Jour, Arithmetic and Woollahra Lass will all be prominent from the jump. VIN DU JOUR (5) interests resuming for the Beer yard. He was just beaten four back at Bendigo on debut and that's the best figure presenting here. He also led and won fresh last campaign rating well. He owns a Wagga trial win and no surprise if the speedy galloper races boldly. GLENLEIGH LAD (3) is the obvious one building on his impressive Acton win two weeks ago. He thundered home as favourite in that and keeps the claim. He can keep improving. ARITHMETIC (8) didn't miss by far resuming at Parkes and has plenty to give. She will use the low gate and the rise in trip suits. WAIHEKE (1) is a former Waller galloper back after 226 days for the Dryden camp. His best form is over further, but he's had a trial warmer and needs to be kept safe with the handy 4kg claim. 

Race 5 (1400m)

Nevada Sunrise can lead from the low gate and could even get it softish. NEVADA SUNRISE (8) put the writing on the wall at Kembla before leading and proving too good for the Maidens at Bathurst. He looks poised to take the next step. LARMOUR (3) brings a similar figure from the impressive first-up placing behind Eurosay. She was late getting clear and finished it off like a good horse. She draws out, but should be able to cross over comfortably and gets her chance. JELLIES (7) was around the mark in the same race and drawn well has the ability to make the finish. HEAVEN ON EARTH (6) should be ready to show here best and that gives her a chance. BET: Backing Nevada Sunrise.

Race 6 (1200m)

Not clear cut the lead. MADAM OAKS (3) will be better for the two runs back and has plenty up the sleeve. Will likely push forward with the blinkers on first time and can be right in the finish. LORD DESANIMAUX (1) resumes off a string of placings over further. He's trialled and has placed fresh, and Owen's booking suggest he is ready to go. KIRRO (5) debuts and profiles well and keep safe. RUM CAKE (13) and HYGIEIA (11) also deserve consideration in an open contest.

Race 7 (1000m Federal BM 70)

There's early speed across the barriers as you would expect. This is an absorbing race. CACCINI (12) will race handy and delivered in the Randwick Highway third-up from the front, after two near misses the same track and grade. Is back to the 1000m after a 34 day freshen and that won't be a bother. Peaks off his career best run and is a live hope to make the double. CONCRETE (2) resumed in town bringing a string of wins and looked in need of it. He will use the low draw and can improve sharply. TE ATA (6) resumes off the 65 win this venue and also draws to advantage. She's never been tried at this distance, but no surprise if she's ready with McDougal taking the ride. Include I AM KALANI (9) resuming and GRETZKY (13) second-up.

Race 8 (2000m) 

Dambulla will lead over the middle distance. DAMBULLA (2) presents for a leading Victorian yard and brings compelling form from the NSW provincials. Missed a lip the latest at Hawkesbury and keeps improving. Gets a handy gate and the premiership hoop and is clearly the one to beat. NIJINSKA (11) and OPPOSITE (8) were good placing behind Yeppoon two weeks ago on the Acton. The former ran favourite and hit the line well, but she'll need a good ride as a back runner drawn the rail. 
SEPULCHRE (4) has been around the mark and gets another chance.