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By Neil Evans

Track likely Heavy 8 and rail out 3m from WP to 1400m & True the Remainder:

One of the more open contests to start the meeting meaning well-travelled and improving four-year-old 1. Burdekin presents over the odds third-up off a seven week break. Held his ground behind a smart and well backed winner at Albury over the carnival, and that formline reads well for this coming back a little in trip. Bred to handle wet ground.

Dangers: Big watch on nicely bred filly 8. First Mover who worked home late on debut here at a big price, and a superior country-based rider takes over. Must keep safe lightly raced filly 9. Madiba Rose who resumes for a second prep from a softer draw; while local four-year-old 3. Regulation resumes off a long break and quiet trial, with blinkers removed; and home track mare 5. Briefly is bred to handle the ground second-up.

How to play it: Burdekin each way and trifecta 1,8,9/1,3,5,8,9/1,3,5,8,9
Odds and Evens: Odds

Another tough maiden sprint, although shapes as a nice return assignment for talented filly 12. So Fly Baby despite having not raced for 12 months. Was strong through the line under a hold in a recent open class trial that she could easily have won. The booking of top country jockey, along with some important gear changes, are big pointers to a first-up kill.

Dangers: Watch the betting on Headwater two-year-old 13. Forbidden Water who returns as a gelding behind a solid trial at this track. Gap to the rest headed by local mare 9. Lavish Lady who can improve; while 10. Mystic Water fresh is also a worthy inclusion in exotic bets.

How to play it: So Fly Baby to win
Odds and Evens: Split

From the same Scone stable as the previous on top selection, progressive four-year-old 4. Second Half can open his account dropping back in grade. Finished hard at this track five weeks ago before a little flat late at Mudgee in a CL1. Less depth here, and draws to get a soft run just off the speed, and should be able to work into the clear if the inside ground is disadvantaged.

Dangers: Keep safe honest filly 12. Topender who has been in and around the money all prep, and leading provincial stable has applied blinkers; while 2. Dobbin charged home from the back first-up, but would need to find a length or two against a couple of these.

How to play it: Second Half to win
Odds and Evens: Evens

Several of these are going around for practice which augurs well for lightly raced provincial filly 8. Zippy Power who resumes behind two progressive trials. Ideal fresh trip being by 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, and she only needs to find some cover from the awkward draw to take care of this lot.

Dangers: Provincial three-year-old 11. Mr Cosmic can improve sharply fourth-up; while at bigger odds 14. Serenata is third-up with winkers removed.

How to play it: Zippy Power to win
Odds and Evens: Split

Good competitive mile race for this grade, typically with several chances. This looms as breakthrough time for progressive Newcastle four-year-old 3. Five Crowns peaking fourth-up at the distance. Stretched out late coming from midfield to go down narrowly at home 25 days ago, and she's advantaged in rain-affected ground, with the "Raging Bull" sticking like glue in the saddle.

Dangers: Keep safe last start CL2 winner 12. Martian Queen who is building a tidy record, and also likes it wet; while 8. Surjin is capable of finishing in the minor end of the prize.

How to play it: Five Crowns to win
Odds and Evens: Split

From the wide barrier and off a five month spell, talented filly 7. Mirror Queen only needs a half decent run with cover to be the one to beat. Swept home for a dominant maiden win at the provincials last December, and cruised home behind the placegetters in a recent open class trial.

Dangers: : Big market gap to the rest headed by home track three-year-old 9. All I Wish For who improves third-up.

How to play it: Mirror Queen to win and quinella 7 and 9
Odds and Evens: Odds

Keen on improving filly 11. Irresistible Miss who draws to either lead or take a close trail second-up, and right at home on soft and heavy tracks in another weakened race.

Dangers: Keep safe resuming three-year-old 2. Superdeel first-up; while consistent home track four-year-old 7. Demeurer shoots for a third consecutive win, but meets some better ones and is drawn off the track.

How to play it: Irresistible Miss to win
Odds and Evens: Split

We wrap the meeting with the restricted sprinters, and this shapes nicely for provincial three-year-old 6. Sharkim who finds an easier race fifth-up over a shorter trip. Has felt the pressure late in his last couple against significantly better sprinters, but trainer has added blinkers and chased down the much superior and stronger "Raging Bull" to ride.

Dangers: Both last-start maiden winner 7. Anchor's Point and 9. Takanakuy getting down in the weights; are knockout chances

How to play it: Sharkim to win
Odds and Evens: Split

BEST BETS:
R2 12. SO FLY BABY
R5 3. FIVE CROWNS

BEST VALUE:
R1 1. BURDEKIN

All the fields, form and replays for Monday's Tamworth meeting