By John Schell
Selections based on a soft track.
Race 1
5. Marin County is a UK import that had two starts at Kempton Park late last year and didn’t do much in either. She had her first start in Australia when produced at Inverell and ran a solid-enough race to finish midfield. She is better for that run and can go on with the job here. 7. Priscila Statement ran third at Muswellbrook on debut and shouldn’t be taken lightly based on that effort. 8. It Stays In Vegas won a trial before resuming with a fifth at Muswellbrook. He could make an impact in this. 1. Hot Chestnut resumes from a spell here and has shown some ability despite not figuring in the placings to date.
How to play it: Marin County each way.
Race 2
2. Lady Memphis has only had two starts for a debut second behind Private Harry at Newcastle and a strong win at Goulburn as favourite. She resumes from a spell here after two trials and only needs to return in the same form she left in to be winning again. 3. Signatories won at Muswellbrook on a heavy track two starts ago then was down the track in a tougher race here last time. He is set to improve in this. 1. Capital Dancer wasn’t beaten far at Newcastle when last produced and has claims, while 8. Ranhita has been midfield of late and is far from the worst.
How to play it: Lady Memphis to win.
Racing returns to Scone on Tuesday with an eight-race card.Credit: Jenny Evans
Race 3
9. Ritzsun is a talented performer with two wins and four placings from nine starts. He has finished second at Mudgee and Gosford at his latest two starts and is knocking on the door for another victory after a recent trial in which he ran well. 6. Florida Sky resumes here after two trials and has shown the ability in her career to maintain her good fresh record here. 7. Bodgie has finished third in each of his latest two starts and can get into the money again. 8. In Spades was placed last time out and has claims again.
How to play it: Ritzsun to win.
Race 4
1. Louisburgh resumed with a solid second at Wyong then started at a short odds-on quote only to finish second again at Gosford when narrowly beaten. He should be at his peak now. 3. Purple Haze debuted with a third in a small field at Wyong and followed that up with a last-start fourth at Gosford. 9. Backward Glance followed a couple of placings with a last-start fourth at Newcastle and that form looks solid, while 5. Omaha Sand resumes here and hasn’t been beaten far in each of his three starts.
How to play it: Louisburgh to win.
Race 5
3. Calico Miss did the job well to justify favouritism and score a debut win at Quirindi. She followed that up with a second at Inverell when having her chance. She’s drawn the rails here and should get the run of the race and bounce back to winning form. 1. Twilight Rock is a consistent performer that has been placed in his latest two starts and warrants thought again. 2. Insightful Award has been racing well since winning here back in March. 4. Sheila’s Fanta Sea is a last-start Taree winner on a heavy track.
How to play it: Calico Miss to win.
Race 6
5. Oakfield Mercury won on debut at Gunnedah and backed that up with a close second at the same track when running well again. He’s a colt with potential and looks set to run well again from the good gate. 4. Dubai Warrior was a beaten favourite when a last start third at Wagga when having every chance. His previous form was sound, and he must be respected. 8. Linwood is a chance if he can run up to his Warwick Farm debut victory. 12. Pieronimo has been placed in all three starts since resuming from a spell.
How to play it: Oakfield Mercury to win.
Race 7
11. Croatian Madame failed to beat a runner home here three starts ago but has since been placed in both runs at Quirindi and Tamworth. She should get a soft run from the inside draw here. 6. Kiltiki is a last-start Wellington winner that looks like he will appreciate the step up in distance. 5. Shutter has been racing well, with a win and three recent thirds, and is a chance to show up with a repeat of that form. 10. Bellascent gets into the placings every now and again and isn’t the worst.
How to play it: Croatian Madame each way.
Race 8
4. Monarch Express won well at Lismore before being spelled and resumed with a solid fifth at Grafton when running home well. The big track here should suit. 3. Mercantilist was a debut winner at Gosford in good style, then ran fourth at Hawkesbury when last produced when far from disgraced. 2. Gold Sluice scored a solid win at Taree last August and also finished second in two other runs in her initial preparation. He resumes here after two trials. 6. Archaic Force ran home well here last time out, and a forward showing is on the cards.
How to play it: Monarch Express each way.
Best Bets: Race 2 (2) Lady Memphis. Race 6 (5) Oakfield Mercury
Best Value: Race 8 (4) Monarch Express
