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By John Schell

Selections based on a good track

1. Telling is from a leading stable and had only had two starts. He ran well in a trial before debuting with a third at Newcastle and then ran sixth in the Inglis Nursery behind Within The Law when not beaten far. He’s had another two trials leading into this and can return to racing a winner. 9. Shenandoah River is a filly on debut, and she has performed well in a trial in preparation for this. 4. Didi Dee has had a number of trials in preparation for this debut and has the talent to make an impact from the good draw. 3. Hinto is a colt on debut after two trials and his latest effort was sound enough for him to be given a place chance here.

How to play it: Telling WIN.

2. Oakfield Peewee won a couple races on end at Taree in November and December of last year. He was spelled after failing at Wyong but has performed well in a trial leading into this return. 9. Badboy McCoy was placed at Dubbo two starts ago and can lift on the last start down the track effort at Scone. 6. The Great Armada hit the line well to score a last start win at Coonamble and a can show up again with a repeat of that effort. 3. Sidenay has a good record and can show up from the inside gate.

How to play it: Oakfield Peewee WIN.

6. Sheriff’s Star has been placed in three of seven starts and has drawn a good gate to enjoy a good run in transit. He’s been placed in two of his latest three starts and gets his chance to win this. 5. Rhegion is resuming from a spell after a couple of recent trials and can show up despite the wide draw. 10. Brutal Elegance was close-up in her most recent trial and isn’t out of this, while 11. Dealt is also on debut after a number of trials and shouldn’t be underestimated.

How to play it: Sheriff’s Star WIN.

6. Merchant Gold was placed at Scone two starts ago and then ran well enough when third at Eagle Farm. He’s had a trial leading into this and should be primed to run well. 7. Mr Trackside did the job well to score a last start win here and can figure prominently again. 10. Leatothemoon is a last start Hawkesbury winner resuming from a spell, while 12. Onyspeed was midfield in a Highway last time out and is far from the worst.

How to play it: Merchant Gold WIN.

11. Roses Imminente resumed with a solid midfield effort at Canterbury and then was fourth at this track last time out. This looks well within her reach. 7. Cossack Warrior has been racing well and only needs to maintain that form in order to be hard to hold out. 8. Mischievous Molly won well at Taree last time out and is not out of this. 5. Fingers Hunter won well at Tamworth as a short priced favourite last time out and isn’t out of this.

How to play it: Roses Imminente EACH WAY.

7. Annie’s Rose ran well when finishing second when resuming and then wasn’t disgraced at Wyong last time out. She’s drawn the rails and should get every chance. 10. Puerto Banus is a consistent performer that should be thereabouts again if he can run up to his best. 12. Silver Halo has been racing well and is a last start second placegetter at Taree, while 1. The Dramatist was down the track at Rosehill when resuming but will find this an easier assignment.

How to play it: Annie’s Rose WIN.

***BIG DANCE ELIGIBILITY***

11. Les Vampires is a talented galloper that battled on very strongly when placed at Randwick when resuming and then followed that up with a last start win at Rosehill when doing the job well. He should take up a prominent position here and take plenty of running down. 5. Williamsburg is resuming for a new stable and he resumes here having tackled the Sydney Stakes last October. He’s had two trials to prepare for this and this is much easier than what he tackled last campaign. 1. West Of Africa won the Magic Millions Cup and finished third in the Ajax Stakes at Rosehill when last produced. He has the talent to give this a shake. 14. Promitto has been placed in his latest two starts in Midway grade and is not out of this.

How to play it: Les Vampires WIN.

10. Iron Hat hasn’t been far away in each of three runs since resuming from a spell. He ran fourth at Wyong last time out and promising apprentice Anna Roper takes the ride in this. 11. Hellcibell ran third in a Country Championships qualifier last time out and is well worth including among the main chances. 5. Two Ya Got was placed at Ipswich at his latest start and has the advantage of gate one. 1. Celui has a great record and debuts here for a new stable. He won a recent trial leading into this.

How to play it: Iron Hat EACH WAY.

Best Bets:
Race 3 (6) Sheriff’s Star.
Race 4 (6) Merchant Gold.

Best Value:
Race 8 (10) Iron Hat.

All the fields, form and replays for Friday's Muswellbrook meeting