Race 1 – NAC Services 2yo Maiden Plate 900m
Blue Illusion and Counteroffensive have raced in top two-year-old company, and they are the class runners here. Blue Illusion was placed in the Kirkham Plate in October, and he has trialled nicely for the first up run. Counteroffensive was placed in the Group 3 Chairman’s at Caulfield in February and has had a recent trial.
Vinniro resumes after winning a Randwick trial.
Selections: 1 – Blue Illusion 2 – Counteroffensive 5 – Vinniro
Race 2 – Newcastle Transport Specialists Super Maiden Plate 1890m
Waverley has been disappointing but last preparation he was placed in the Listed Geelong Classic. He drops in class and is back in trip, and he races on the pace.
Ladyking is racing well and only carries 53kg while Sweet Heaven has a chance.
Selections: 7 – Waverley 10 – Ladyking 11 – Sweet Heaven
Race 3 – The Burwood Inn Class 1 Handicap 1400m
Smart Action’s first up run at the Scone Cup carnival was outstanding. He gave the leaders ten lengths near the turn and after shifting out abruptly got within ¾ length of the winner. The longer trip is ideal.
Barazin is an import with good form and has trialled well while Scholl Deep is consistent.
Selections: 4 – Smart Action 1 – Barazin 5 – Scholl Deep
Race 4 – Sharp Office Provincial Class 1 Handicap 1200m
Party Doll has a good record on this track where she has a win and two seconds from three starts. She loves a wet track and was narrowly beaten at Hawkesbury last start.
Hydrometer has led in all three starts and won easily at Gosford last start. Spirit Of Storm is ready to win.
Selections: 5 – Party Doll 1 – Hydrometer 9 – Spirit Of Storm
Race 5 – Reward Hospitality “MHF Cup” Midway Benchmark 68 Handicap 1250m
Cosy Corner has finished second in three of four starts on this track. She is quick and was run down late first up on a Heavy track at Gosford on May 16. Barrier one and the apprentices 2kg claim are positives.
Bully For You races well here and had no luck at Warwick Farm last start while Spats Pav Bowie can run well first up.
Selections: 7 – Cosy Corner 1 – Bully For You 9 – Spats Pav Bowie
Race 6 – Hunter Signs F&M Maiden Plate 1250m
Alvina’s Luck was narrowly beaten first up at Rosehill and has since trialled nicely. She was a close second on this track in October and has barrier one.
Summer Soiree has been placed in her last three starts and has a claim. Lily Bobtail went well first up.
Selections: 1 – Alvina’s Luck 12 – Summer Soiree 7 – Lily Bobtail
Race 7 – The Junction Hotel CG&E Maiden Plate 1250m
Presides hit the line hard when a fast finishing second at Gosford on May 16. The longer trip and long straight are both positives, and he will be fitter.
Rum Daisy has been placed in all five starts and has a good barrier while Warhol has trialled okay.
Selections: 3 – Presides 5 – Rum Daisy 12 – Warhol
Race 8 – Robin Hayter Memorial Benchmark 64 Handicap 1600m
It’s A Wonder won her only Newcastle start in April, and her run in the Wagga Guineas was outstanding. She has no speed but is a powerful finisher.
Pandano has won three races at Newcastle and can lead this field. Behind The Storm can fill a place.
Selections: 7 – It’s A Wonder 1 – Pandano 10 – Behind The Storm