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By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Sunday’s Muswellbrook meeting. Selections based on a good track.

2. Sting Jet was only getting warm at the end of 900m first-up, and after being held up for a run, behind what looks a smart type so he’ll appreciate a little extra ground and a small field here. If it’s not too sharp for him he looks a good chance to be right in the finish.

Dangers: 4. Jet Empress possibly didn’t beat a strong field first-up at Warren but she beat them easily from the front and would have to take improvement from it. Imagine she looks to lead and could take running down. 3. Don’tcha Think might not have loved the heavy track second-up at Tamworth off a fresh win at the same track. Inclined to give him another chance. 7. Miss Espionage hasn’t raced for almost a year since an all the way maiden win at Lismore. Trialled against stronger opposition recently at Ballina and is one to keep an eye on.

How to play it: Sting Jet WIN ($3.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

Sting Jet runs fifth at Scone on June 30

5. Snow Star backs up from a sound effort when runner-up at Newcastle on Tuesday and there was some support to say she’d run well. Five placings now from 12 starts and this is a winnable race. Good chance to break through.

Dangers: 1. French Comet was a shade disappointing in his fifth at Scone just over a week ago, seemed to have a good run but only held his ground late. Draws well again and coming back slightly in trip might be what he’s looking for. 3. Social Outcast has the blinkers on now after a fair effort second-up at Scone but does get a very different set up from a favourable draw. No surprise if he’s a big improver. 4. Prince Carlos had some support at odds and ran his best race when second at Grafton a few weeks back. Some hope if he can repeat.

How to play it: Snow Star WIN ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds).

Snow Star runs second at Newcastle on July 25

1. Align The Planets hasn’t been far off winning at provincial level lately and he was beaten in a blanket finish at Gosford last week. Placed at Wyong and Hawkesbury before that. This looks a suitable target back slightly in trip.

Dangers: 2. Bullbarrow seemed to have every chance at Scone second-up when favourite but he was very good when resuming at Kembla so has another chance. Logical danger. 6. Pine Valley poked through late for third in a 1600m maiden at Gosford last week in his best run this time around. Wide gate a minus but should be running on again. 7. Spiral Architect also produced his best effort for some time when runner-up to Futtaim at Newcastle a few weeks back. Another placing looks within reach if he can hold his form.

How to play it: Align The Planets WIN ($3.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

Align The Planets runs fourth at Gosford on July 22

2. Stenson Wallman makes his debut off a visually impressive trial win at Wyong recently. Market will be significant but he showed speed there and held a commanding margin on the line. No surprise if he gives a big sight.

Dangers: 9. Tillusion is from the Waterhouse/Bott yard and their two-year-olds are always competitive especially when they venture out of town. Solid effort in her latest trial and has to be respected. 3. Reine Of Nine hit the line well first-up at Newcastle then led and was run down late at Goulburn three weeks ago. Drawn to be prominent and every chance to go one better. 6. Light In The Sky beat one home but was close up in her latest trial at Warwick Farm for the Maher/Eustace team. Drawn okay and keep safe.

How to play it: Stenson Wallman WIN ($4.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

Stenson Wallman wins a Wyong trial on July 10

7. Memories faces her biggest test but she’s a competitive type and fitter for a strong first-up win under a big weight at Dubbo. Will appreciate both the weight drop and the extra trip and is the horse on the way up. She should take some beating.

Dangers: 2. Ceasefire registered another placing this preparation when a close third at Kensington. Narrowly denied in the Aberdeen Cup over this course before that and expect he’ll be around the mark again. 3. Two Up is racing consistently without winning and finishing just behind the placings of late. Had good support at Newcastle last time so is obviously pleasing connections. Drawn the inside and sure to run well. 6. Tim’s Principal disappointed in the same race as he finished near the tail but he often bobs up in this sort of event. Seems to always race well at Muswellbrook so he could be an upset chance on his best efforts.

How to play it: Memories WIN ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds).

Memories wins at Dubbo on July 10

1. I’m On Break always seems to go around at each-way odds and he did that when runner-up at Tamworth earlier in the month. Can put himself somewhere near the speed and will like getting away from a heavy track. Good each-way hope again.

Dangers: 5. Edge Of Reward found his form when getting back out to the mile leading all the way at Taree third-up. He will roll forward here and if he gets any peace can give some cheek. 6. La Vesuvius went for a break after a couple of nice wins at Scone and Taree around this distance range. Wasn’t knocked about in his trial at Wyong behind a runaway winner and he’s a big market watch fresh. 2. Rockbarton Roman led all the way to an easy Class 3 win here back at the start of the month. Different task this time from the wide gate but the claim helps and he is hard to leave out.

How to play it: I’m On Break E/W ($11 TAB Fixed Odds).

I’m On Break runs second at Tamworth on July 7

5. Darkley has a tricky draw to overcome but on the evidence of his easy debut win he has the racing style to be able to manage it. It looked a soft win after settling midfield and has an extra 280m to find his feet. It’s not easy to back up a maiden win straight away but he’s a big chance.

Dangers: 12. Lago’s Daughter gets back and runs on and she worked her way through the field into second at Scone behind a promising type just over a week ago. Has each-way prospects. 2. Flying Birds started a short priced favourite and did it easily enough at Scone to break through for his first win. Draws to get every chance to repeat. 7. Crossfire Road has tried to lead all the way at her past couple and not fallen short by far. Gets a couple of kilos off her back here and is not without a chance.

How to play it: Darkley WIN ($3.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

Darkley wins at Gunnedah on July 11

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday’s Muswellbrook meeting