John Schell
Selections based on a soft track.
Race 1
5. The Cristal had a couple of placings at this track and then at Newcastle before leading and fighting on well for a last-start third at Newcastle behind Appeared. Sheโs drawn well in gate two. 4. Joika was a winner at this track three runs back over 1600m and then ran third at Newcastle. She then failed to fire behind Appeared at Newcastle. 9. Royal Princess has a good record with five minor placings from 11 starts. 3. Tsarevich was midfield at this track when last produced and should be ready to deliver his best.
How to play it: The Cristal to win.
Race 2
1. Tasman Deel is a Dundeel gelding making his debut and has been fitted for this with three trials. He was a close-up third in the second of them at Tamworth. 5. Malay Peninsula made his debut with a third at Gunnedah and can be thereabouts again. 8. Summer Force also ran well when making her debut with a second at this track and should be prominent again. 10. May The Force finished third at big odds at this track in her second start.
How to play it: Tasman Deel to win.
Race 3
2. Heathcliff broke his maiden in good style at Muswellbrook when second up from a spell. He followed that up with a fourth at Gunnedah when not beaten far. 4. Street Boss resumed from a spell with a strong-finishing win at Gunnedah and has the upside to go on with the job. 3. Supreme Statement has been close up when midfield in each of two runs since resuming and can run a forward race. 5. Famahan was a third last start at Moree and was a winner at this track in March.
How to play it: Heathcliff to win.
Race 4
7. Punxsutawney Phil makes his debut on the back of four trials, the two most recent of which have been sound. He looks to have the ability to kick off his career with a win. 11. Warshade had one start at Muswellbrook earlier in the year and resumes here after two trials. Expect improvement. 2. Yeah Buddy has been placed in eight of nine starts and is having his second run for a new stable. 5. Mr Hugo ran fourth here on debut and can be thereabouts again.
How to play it: Punxsutawney Phil to win.
Race 5
6. Super Sugoi is third up from a spell and has a good record at this distance. He is ready to peak and looks a good chance at value. 1. King Jerry won impressively here when resuming before a solid midfield effort in a Rosehill Highway. 3. Fan Harder just beat home King Jerry at Rosehill last time out and can make an impact based on that effort. 5. Magic Merlin has been racing well with two straight wins.
How to play it: Super Sugoi each way.
Race 6
12. Speed Encore made her debut with a second at Muswellbrook in the Miss Finland in May when hitting the line after settling off the speed. She was spelled after that and resumes here on the back of two barrier trials. 3. Party Rebel is on debut after a number of trials and has shown enough to suggest she can make an impact if she can overcome the wide barrier. 5. Akatoa has had two trials leading into this debut and a bold showing is on the cards. 10. Shanti is a stablemate of Akatoa, also having her first start, and she looks set to run well after a number of trials.
How to play it: Speed Encore to win.
Race 7
1. King Potter has won two of six starts and is resuming from a spell. He hasnโt raced since scoring at Taree in March and has had two trials in preparation for this. 3. Via Flaminia is first up and has two wins from seven starts. Sheโs also had two trials and has won fresh. 5. Herman Said finished third at Gosford when resuming and followed that up with an eighth at Newcastle. 8. Kakoda has a good record with two wins from six starts. She was placed in a Highway at Rosehill two starts ago before being down the track in another at Randwick.
How to play it: King Potter to win.
Race 8
5. Amajicstar trialled well before winning on debut over 900m when leading and giving nothing else a chance. She has a wide gate but has the pace to overcome that. 1. Nevermista had a win and a second at this track in his first two runs back from a spell, then was down the track in Highway grade before a last-start third here. 2. Cassiere is resuming from a lengthy spell for a new stable and has a win and three seconds from six starts. 4. Panta Rhei charged home from well back for second here last start and should be hitting the line hard again.
How to play it: Amajistar to win.
Best bets
Race 2: (1) Tasman Deel
Race 6: (12) Speed Encore
Best value
Race 5: (6) Super Sugoi
Supplied by Racing NSW.
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