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By Brad Gray

Tips and race by race preview by Brad Gray for Gunnedah.

1. Boketto ripped clear of her rivals late to win impressively at Quirindi on debut in the manner of a smart filly. Dropping back from 1100m to 1000m is a worry, especially given the lack of early speed she showed but she has a touch of quality.

Dangers: 4. Limited Reality impressed in his Scone trial win for Cameron Crockett and looks the pick of the first starters. 10. Le Cygne Noir held her own against more seasoned horses in a recent trial.

How to play it: Boketto WIN ($1.90 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

Perhaps a change of scenery will get the best out of 4. Switch Play? In this three-year-old’s first racing preparation he was unlucky not to win in town. Now with Will Freedman, he trialled sweetly at Scone recently.

Dangers: 10. Endorphins was great first up last preparation before losing his way. Liked his latest trial. You have to take him on trust but at the early price you can. More was expected from 1. Anselmo last start so there is a query on him over this trip.

How to play it: Switch Play WIN ($3.20 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

10. Chocolate Kisses is another newcomer to the Will Freedman yard and although she hasn’t been strong at the end of her races, dropping back to country level gives her the chance to post her first win. Drawn barrier 1.

Dangers: 8. Playing For Keeps will need luck, especially from the low draw and with her get back style, but a win isn’t far away for her. 1. All The Shops did enough on debut and looks suited out to 1400m.

How to play it: Chocolate Kisses WIN ($2.60 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: ODDS

2. Battle Guardian is flying since being transferred to Mark Stewart with the strength of his Class 1 win tempting connections to run in BM83 company where he should have finished closer. Chased hard at the Gold Coast last start.

Dangers: 4. Past Tense has his first start for Kris Lees (ex Chris Waller) so the market will perhaps be the best guide as to how forward he is after the five weeks between runs. Has solid enough Queensland form to measure up here.

How to play it: Battle Guardian WIN ($5 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

2. Charvet has hit the ground running since being transferred to Paul Messara and like the strength he showed late at Scone to run down provincial winner Free State. Should relish the extra journey and maps to settle closer.

Dangers: 3. Rightthere Rightnow has won two of her past four starts and charged home to win at Grafton last start. Suited by the likely genuine speed engaged in this. 5. Covert Miss is back in grade so forgive her last couple.

How to play it: Charvet WIN ($2.40 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

6. Danza In The Dark peaks now third up and he sets up perfectly to tackle 1400m at this stage of his preparation. Was well held by Levi’s Choice at Tamworth last start but like the big gap again back to fourth. Ready to win.

Dangers: 10. Loose Buttons whacked away on a heavy 10 track first up at Taree but forgive her that. Was well supported so expect her to stay hard in the market again second up. Will just need some luck from the wide draw.

How to play it: Danza In The Dark WIN ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

7. Highly Desired gave a big sight at Scone last start in what shapes to be a key form reference for this. Just looked to peak on his run late, understandably so given he was a month between runs and only second up. Sets up perfectly.

Dangers: 12. Eiger did enough in town last start off a six week break. He is a smart horse on his day. 9. Wild Rocket will be hoping the track isn’t too firm as all four of her career wins have been on wet ground. She is ready for the mile now.

How to play it: Highly Desired WIN ($3.70 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: ODDS

8. Attila is flying at the moment and he’ll relish was looks sure to be a frantically run race. Ran second at the provincials last start while his fast finishing third the start prior ties in well with key rival 6. Bryan’s Babe.

Dangers: 5. Beacon is 5:2-1-0 first up and has already won over 950m and 1000m in the past so will be sharp enough. Maps to get the last crack at the leaders and this is the lightest weight he has been forced to carry for a while.

How to play it: Attila WIN ($7 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: ODDS

All the fields, form and replays for Gunnedah on Sunday