Race 1 2000m CL SW
PRESLEY (8) peaks for the Neasham barn off a close-up effort at Newcastle over 1850m. Should be at peak fitness for this and is suited in country grade. Leading course-striker Collett stays aboard. Weighted to win. LUMIERE (2) is also in a top Sydney barn and will be better for the two solid efforts at the provincials. The longer trip should be right up his alley and he is a player. GOOFINATOR (4) is a leader who improved again winning here over a mile. He placed at the Sapphire Coast three-back over 2200m so the extra metres should hold no fears. Is sure to give a sight. TAYTAY BAY (6) is next best. Has been racing well over a mile and has some weight relief. The Nisbet yard is going well.
Race 2 1200m Bm50
GREAVES (1) peaks and has been racing well without winning. Ran his best three weeks ago at this track and the longer sprint shouldn't concern him. Carries top weight but presents in easier grade and winning rider Billy Owen is reunited. KAPHANDS (9) is up from Wodonga and is likely to appreciate the longer sprint. Has a low gate and Collett is a key jockey booking. PAPAVER MINER (10) was beaten 1.2L at the Sapphire Coast last time out in stronger than this. He should see out the extra 200m and the 3kg claim brings him into it. SUPER RIFF (5) has disappointed, but the local stable can spring a surprise.
Race 3 1400m Mdn SW
CLUBMAN (5) debuts for Sydney's Neasham barn and has trialled at Randwick. Has a handy barrier and they've scratched the fancied stablemate. The yard strikes at almost 30% at this track and everything points to a bold run. BO BO BEWARE (2) resumes and creates plenty of interest. He's good enough but has been off the scene for 447 days. He's trialled twice and Collett's booking is a decent push for his chances. The late betting moves will tell plenty. FINAL CRACK (3) is up from Wodonga and has been knocking on the door. May have been undone by the wet track at Echuca his latest. Peaks and Heywood is a key jockey booking. DISRUPT (6) represents Canberra's premier barn and despite the price can't be taken too lightly.
Race 4 1200m Mdn
TABEI (5) won a trial here and went close at Nowra on debut odds-on. She will have taken fitness and learning, and Day stays aboard. A decent chance. Seib-trained DOWNTOWN'S ABBEY (3) is likely a quick improver. Folded late at Wagga but the debut effort there prior suggested she's up to this. MESSAGGERO (7) resumed here and didn't have much luck. Draws better today and Penza is a key jockey booking. ISAGURA (9) debuts with Collett taking the ride. She's trialled well here with Day up and has a soft barrier. Keep safe.
Race 5 1300m CL1
Nick Olive-trained ONEFORIAN (3) looked promising in his brief initial campaign and resumed with a near miss at the Sapphire Coast. He's sure to have benefited from that and maps for the run of the race. The in-form Owen stays aboard. The Neasham-trained WORX (1) posted a strong figure winning a Maiden at the Sunshine Coast and was spelled after. Resumed here three weeks ago but (as the market suggested) needed the outing. Has raced well in Listed and Group company and quick improvement is anticipated. The speedy SIOVY DANE (7) has been busting to win on damp tracks and improved again when beaten a nose at Newcastle last time. Penza sticks and the filly should be right in it. IMASUPERSTAR (4) resumes and has switched from a Victorian yard. Races well fresh and is up to this at best. Has a soft gate and deserves plenty of consideration.
Race 6 1600m CL3
Wide open. VIESTE (2) found a placing this grade at Kembla Grange and came to that off stronger races including at Group level. She is well-placed at best and no surprise if she takes it out. RAPID OUTLAW (5) has been close-up at the provincials at her last two and has weight relief from the latest. A senior hoop goes on and she should be right in the finish. MERISI (1) was on-speed winning a 70 here over this trip. Must carry more weight but races forward and a repeat isn't out of the question. JUST GO BANG (3) peaks and can show more. The mile suits now and he may sit handier. RANGATIRA (8) has been racing well and maps for the run of the race. He also deserves consideration.
Race 7 1400m Open - Federal
Another competitive Federal. BALEDON (7) peaks off three near misses at Albury. Stepped up to Open grade last time and has been kept on the fresh side. Doubt the inside gate is ideal but Lyon has been with him all preparation and can manage. Hard to beat. BON FRANKIE (9) is also busting to win but has the opposite problem - the outside gate. His effort at Moruya two back rates particularly well and stepping out to the mile won't bother. A player with average luck in the run. Expect quick improvement from the Dryden-trained TROOPER KNUCKLE (10) out to his pet trip. Maps for a soft run and winning rider Collett is reunited. She's been clocking up plenty of successes here and will give him every chance. INVERTATIONAL (11) has been within-range both starts back and has more to give. Has won this course/distance and is also a chance.
Race 8 1200m Bm60
CHASING A QUID (1) seeks the hat-trick off emphatic wins. Keeps getting better and despite the weight rise can salute again. NOT THAT EASY (3) had threatened at the provincials and then came here and recorded at commanding with this grade/trip. Has a soft gate and no surprise if she went back-to-back. LYRICAL BEAUTY (5) is third up and should be ready to show her best. Placed as a short-priced favourite at Wagga last time and has the early speed to manage the wide gate. A player as well. WILKSHIRE (2) won a 60 here as expected and was immediately spelled. Tipping he'll be presented more forward this time around and has the gate speed to sit handy if directed. SANTORINI SUN (7) was further improved easily winning the 58 at Nowra first-up. Fitter and can't be ruled out.
