Selections based on a soft track.
Race 1
2. Creative Righteous is a former Victorian-based galloper that won on the synthetic track at Ballarat at the end of June. He since had a change of stables and debuted in this region with a fourth at Taree just over a week ago. He showed enough in that event to suggest he can be hard to hold out here. 4. The Comanche ran second in the same event Creative Righteous contested at Taree and looms as a chance with a repeat of that. 6. Pelosa hasn’t been beaten too far in two starts back from a spell and is drawn to get a good run. 1. Cannystep won well at Taree two starts ago before failing to fire at the same track when last produced.
How to play it: Creative Righteous WIN.
Race 2
3. Fratianno has had two starts back from a spell and finished second in each of them at Port Macquarie and Taree. He’s had eight placings from 18 starts and has drawn to get the run of the race from gate two in this event. 5. Miners Mate has been placed in two of three starts since resuming from a spell and only needs to maintain that form to be hard to hold out. 2. Elton debuted with a fourth at Taree and can be prominent on the strength of that performance. 4. In Bocca Al Lupe has been placed in three of his past four starts and can make an impact while in his current form.
How to play it: Fratianno WIN.
Race 3
7. Kiss Of Gold raced on the speed and held on well when a last-start third at Hawkesbury. She’s been placed in four of six starts and gets her chance to break through. 10. Strasbelle has been placed in each of her past four starts and she looks to have the talent to give this a shake. 11. Written About was safely held at Hawkesbury last time out but should find this an easier assignment. 5. Birdy Girl hit the line well when a last-start second at Coffs Harbour and can get into the money again.
How to play it: Kiss Of Gold WIN.
Race 4
14. Pomelo Chamomile had four late last year and early this year either side of a spell. She’s been placed in two of those and has had two barrier trials in preparation for this return to racing. An ideal barrier assists her chances. 8. Comsic Jive was safely held on debut at Wyong but will find this an easier assignment and is capable of improvement. 6. Qui Rouge is resuming from a spell and has the benefit of a recent trial. 5. Love You Anyway is a last-start Scone second placegetter with minor claims.
How to play it: Pomelo Chamomile WIN.
Race 5
1. Issy’s Star resumed from a spell with a solid second placing at Gosford and is fresh for this after more than a month away from racing. She looks suited against these. 10. Miss Trump resumed from a spell with a strong win at Port Macquarie and can go on with the job. 8. Dirty Does It has been placed in his latest two starts and can be in the mix again. 3. The Warrior was placed at Newcastle when last produced and can be thereabouts again with a repeat of that.
How to play it: Issy’s Star WIN.
Race 6
** 1. Damascus Gate raced on the speed and held on well when a last-start second at Gunnedah. He should press forward again in this and take plenty of running down. 10. Mosgiel Crystal hasn’t been too far away in two starts since running second at Taree and has claims. 9. Purple Kitty has been racing well with a few recent placings and can show up again. 5. Explosive Tycoon** is a last-start Taree placegetter with claims in this.
How to play it: Damascus Gate EACH WAY.
Race 7
** 6. Navy Steel failed to beat a runner home when resuming on the Kensington track at Randwick but then bounced back to score a strong last-start win at Dubbo. He is handy at best and can go on with the job. 5. Hibiki Harmony ran fourth behind Navy Steel at Dubbo and can make an impact here with a repeat of that. 3. House Of Cards won well at Casino when last produced and can make an impression again on best form. 4. Jacenza** has failed to fire in two runs back from a spell but can improve.
How to play it: Navy Steel WIN.
Race 8
** 6. Cresta Run ran well when finishing fourth in her first two runs back from a spell at Tamworth and Muswellbrook before running another good race when a last-start second at Muswellbrook. She looks suited here and can break through again. 9. Altercation is a last-start Quirindi winner that can run another bold race with a repeat of that effort. 10. Grassburn is a last-start third placegetter at Taree that can show up again, while 11. The Piccolino** ran fifth in the same race Grassburn contested at Taree and had a couple of wins at that track going back to June.
How to play it: Cresta Run WIN.
Best Bets: Race 5 (1) Issy’s Star.
Race 7 (6) Navy Steel.
Best Value: Race 6 (1) Damascus Gate.
Supplied by Racing NSW