John Schell
Selections based on a good track.
Race 1
1. Harmonious Stride is on debut and has had two barrier trials for a fifth at this track and a victory at Casino when last produced. He’s got the advantage of barrier one in this event and should give a good sight with the benefit of the gate. 9. Prestige Exotic is also having his first start and has had the benefit of three trials, one in January and two recently. 8. Crazy Eights is on debut and ran second in his initial trial at this track before a fifth in a Deagon trial two weeks ago. He looks to have ability. 11. Ibetty made her debut with a midfield effort this track.
How to play it: Harmonious Stride each way.
Race 2
1. Rich Star is an extremely consistent galloper with three wins and four placings from just eight starts. He won three on end at this track between February and April, and was a last-start second at Taree before being spelled. He has plenty of ability and is set to return as a winner. 2. Dance Gavin Dance also has a good record with three wins and two placings from seven starts and has trialled well since scoring a last-start win at Casino. 4. Their Finest Hour won two in a row after resuming and has since been a close-up eighth at this track before a last in a Highway at Randwick. 9. Zoucat won last start at Port Macquarie.
How to play it: Rich Star to win.
Race 3
12. Nukatabe was having her second start when hitting the line well enough for a third last start at Casino. She looks to have upside. 10. Motion A Nation has been placed in three of six starts and can run a bold race based on that form. 8. Junostar comes here after being beaten less than a length at Casino when last produced. 2. Laurie’s Quill was big odds when third at his second start and can be prominent again.
How to play it: Nukatabe to win.
Race 4
12. Winning Harlow has only had two starts and finished fourth in each of them, including the latest effort at Eagle Farm. 2. Zweigelt wasn’t beaten far in each of his only two starts earlier this year and resumes after two barrier trials. 1. Divine Mandate trialled well before a second at the Gold Coast on debut. 11. Too Mars is on debut and has had two recent trials in preparation. She is in a good stable and is worth including.
How to play it: Winning Harlow each way.
Race 5
1. Torque So Hot has been racing well, with a resuming second at Ballina before a close up effort at the Gold Coast when seventh and beaten 3.3 lengths. He broke his maiden at this track following that. 3. Almanzas has had two runs for a new stable and followed a second at Quirindi with a strong victory at Moree. 4. Nozomu won at the Gold Coast when last produced and can give a good sight again despite the wide barrier. 2. You Are Mind won well at his second start here last month and will find this easier than Eagle Farm last start.
How to play it: Torque So Hot to win.
Race 6
11. Valouri won a maiden at the Gold Coast in December, was second at Ballina following that and was then unplaced in two Eagle Farm starts before being spelled. She resumes here after two trials and looks primed to sprint well fresh. 10. Spirits Burn Deep has finished second in each of her past two starts. 7. Constellation resumed with a third at this track before racing on the speed and toughing it out to score a last-start victory here. 6. Warrior Bae has been placed in both runs since scoring at Ballina.
How to play it: Valouri to win.
Race 7
7. Awarded Glory was a winner at this track three starts ago before a down-the-track effort here. He has since bounced back with a second at Coffs Harbour when not beaten far and has been racing well enough to give this a good shake. 6. Andros has a poor winning record, but has had plenty of placings in his career. He wasn’t beaten too far at Casino when last produced and had a win and three placings in his previous four starts. 13. Tara Koda was down the track at Coffs Harbour last time out, but her previous form was sound. 5. Zucchero was close up in a couple of runs at this track before failing at Coffs Harbour. He can improve on that effort.
How to play it: Awarded Glory each way.
Best bets
Race 2: (1) Rich Star
Race 5: (1) Torque So Hot
Best value
Race 1: (1) Harmonious Stride
Supplied by Racing NSW
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