Race 3 SUPER MAIDEN PLATE (1000m)
4. Force Red is the clear measuring stick here resuming off a year-long break. Showed more than enough in the Group 3 Breeders Plate last spring, and has been strong through the line in two recent trials, the latest parking off the speed and cruising home under a throttle hold.
Dangers: 7. The Act is a serious threat at his second start, having missed narrowly on debut at Wyong as a hot favourite, and draws to get an economical run right on the speed. 9. Celestial Blind is drawn wide, but has plenty of ability returning for only a second start after running subsequent Group 1 winner Manaal to a head in the Group 3 Gimcrack last spring.
How to play it: Force Red to win
Race 4 MIDWAY CLASS 1 HCP (1500m)
8. Pleasure Artist at her third start, although she is another one dual-accepted for the Goulburn meeting as well. Was very good sweeping home to win a Midway Maiden at Kembla 26 days ago, and as long as can tuck in for some cover from the wide gate, a metro target is just around the corner.
Dangers: 2. Side Show is the natural threat coming back from deeper BM 72 city company, and blinkers off again. 1. Coto De Caza has been fitted to run out this trip first up with two improving trials past 1000m.
How to play it: Pleasure Artist to win
Race 5 BENCHMARK 64 HCP (1800m)
10. Tenbury Wells broke through last start at Kembla and can repeat the dose in deeper company. Again draws to get a charmed run right behind the speed, and the extra furlong is a further plus.
Dangers: 7. Cristal Clear who shoots for a third consecutive win after leading all the way in CL1 company here a fortnight ago. 4. Highborn Harry ran home well here second up in similar company and is over the odds.
How to play it: Tenbury Wells to win
Race 6 COLTS, GELDINGS & ENTIRES BENCHMARK 64 HCP (1100m)
4. Cassiel returns as a gelding with a string of gear changes. Powered home to win on debut at Wyong back in March, and has been primed for this with two city trials, bolting in the latest at Randwick, running a slick 33.16 secs for his final 600m.
Dangers: 8. Admitted has also been gelded and looks ready to rock for Godolphin off two close-up trials. 2. Hydrometer was never out of a place in four runs last prep to start his career, claiming his maiden with a dominant front-running display at Gosford. Has had an easy trial, and draws to get a soft run on-speed.
How to play it: Cassiel to win
Race 7 FILLIES & MARES BENCHMARK 64 HCP (1100m)
10. Island Dec swept home from the back for an impressive debut win at Kembla in June. Had a very easy trial 13 days ago and can settle back with cover and be saved for one whirlwind final burst. Was scratched from Warwick Farm on Wednesday to be saved for this.
Dangers: 5. Miss Couver made a mess of the start at Wyong three weeks back yet from a tailed off position, chased hard and made up a tonne of ground. Has since trialled quietly, and can hit the line. Expecting lightly raced 9. Rantan to improve sharply second-up.
How to play it: Island Dec to win
Race 8 BENCHMARK 68 HCP (1400m)
5. Tavs hasn’t won for a while but can produce his best third up coming back from a deeper metro race. Likes to settle well back and hit the line, and a return to soft ground with the blinkers back on can flick the switch.
Loading
Dangers: 10. Flying Rani stalked the speed before going home best here 19 days ago. Draws to get a charmed run right behind the speed, and drops 2kg for the rise in class. 3. Hellfire Express is hard fit and over the odds from the inside draw.
How to play it: Tavs to win
BEST BETS: Race 5 (10) TENBURY WELLS; Race 6 (4) CASSIEL
BEST VALUE: Race 7 (10) ISLAND DEC
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au