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By Neil Evans

Track: Likely improving to Soft 7 & Rail True so on or near the speed early before gradually trending away from the fence

Testing maiden sprint to get us underway, with a few debutants on show, but resuming for a second prep, promising 3YO Newcastle gelding 5. FROM THE HIP (late scratching) (Philip Atkins/Ms Louise Day, $2.30 favourite on TAB fixed odds) can strike first-up. Won both lead-up trials, and draws to park right behind the speed.

MAIN DANGERS: Muswellbrook filly 8. JENNIFER MAGIC (Magic Albert x Ugly Juggly by Lion Hunter, $2.70) has had a long and measured preparation at the trials, and looked good in a recent open win in good time. Watch the market on Wyong mare 7. POETIC HARMONY (late scratching) ($7.50) who resumes without a public trial, but draws to get a soft run, and blinkers go on. Another first starter 9. SHEEZASHOOTINGSTAR (Shooting To Win x Rosmarino by Langfuhr, $5.50) has had two quiet trials for leading Newcastle trainer/rider combination; while 4YO Muswellbrook gelding 4. TOUGH CASE ($4.20) looks to have come back in stronger shape for new stable after tackling tougher opposition last prep. Stuck on okay after leading at Cowra, although back up sharply in weight.

Tempo: Good to Strong
My Betting Attack: FROM THE HIP to Win & First Four: 5,8/5,7,8/5,7,8,9/4,5,7,8,9

Up to the mile in a tough and open contest across varying form-lines. Tough 3YO Newcastle gelding 6. UNDER THE PUMP (Paul Perry/Brooke Stower, $3.60) has been finishing on late in a string of races this prep over more ground against tougher opposition. Back in trip and up in weight, but this looks an easier assignment from good trailing draw.

MAIN DANGERS: None.

Tempo: Moderate to Good
My Betting Attack: UNDER THE PUMP to Win

Another big field, with plenty of chances. After four progressive runs in his first prep, 3YO Pt Macquarie gelding 3. STONECOLD FLEX (Tas Morton/Ms Samantha Clenton, $1.95 fav) is ready to break through up slightly in trip. Comes out of some strong form maidens, and got home late last start behind smart Captain Solo. Looks well treated at the weights, and the "Queen of Hoops" is booked to ride.

MAIN DANGERS: Local 4YO gelding 8. EPAULETTE PRINCE ($5) has gradually improved this prep, and ready for the extra trip while local 3YO 12. NOBLE BANNER ($6.50) are the pick of the rest despite both drawing off the track.

Tempo: Fair to Good
My Betting Attack: STONECOLD FLEX To Win

One of the toughest races on the program, and early tactics will be crucial. Big fan of emerging 4YO Gosford mare 1. TAKE TO HEART (Adam Duggan/Cameron Noble, a1.5kg, $3.80 fav) who just missed hitting the line first-up at Muswellbrook, and draws to go one better on a track she finished hard on at only previous start.

MAIN DANGERS: Progressive 3YO home track filly 5. MONICA'S STAR ($5.50) will appreciate any improvement in the track after boxing on okay first up leading in the heavy here nearly three weeks back. Ripped home from midfield to easily win her maiden at only second start in spring. Muswellbrook 5YO gelding 3. ROY'S COMMAND ($9) can be hard to catch, but has gone down only narrowly after leading in last two, although may find it tough getting over and controlling this from a wide draw. Pt Macquarie 4YO gelding 8. JUST SIZZLING ($9.50) struggles to win, but form is better than it looks across generally deeper races. Draws to get a nice trail around midfield.

Tempo: Fair to Good
My Betting Attack: TAKE TO HEART to Win

Bask to the dash, and local 3YO filly 2. GOLD BRACELET ($1.85 fav) looks a real wet-tracker bolting in debut on a Heavy 9 before again doing best work late at third start on the same track rating. Will get back, but watch for her late, with the blinkers coming off. Will be surprised if anything else wins.

MAIN DANGERS: Home track mare 8. PEACHIES DREAM ($3.60) won two runs back here in heavy ground, although was very flat last start, and might be coming to the end of the prep.

Tempo: Good
My Betting Attack: GOLD BRACELET to Win & Quinella 2 and 8.

Another competitive battle for the restricted sprinters. Lightly raced and consistent 4YO Scone mare 6. THE LIGHT OF DAY (Stephen Jones/Ms Samantha Clenton, $3.40 fav) has been close up in her last three after landing her maiden this track first-up just before Xmas. Will likely come across and sit outside the leader, and blinkers going on is a big key.

MAIN DANGERS: Smart 4YO Cessnock mare 5. LINGALONGA LASS ($5.50) is a threat first-up from a good draw, and with a 1.5kg claim. Was very consistent in spring, bolting in a similar race at Quirindi three runs back, and fresh record is sound. Handy 5YO Coffs Harbour gelding 1. INWITHACHANCE ($4.80) gave nothing else a chance second-up from the front at Casino, but plenty more depth here. Wyong 6YO mare 2. ISLAND GRANGE ($10) found the rise in class a bit tough at Scone after charging home to win this grade at Pt Macquarie; while include Coffs mare 4. ALL ABOUT CHARLIE ($16) who finished well to claim a Fillies & Mares BM 58 at Casino, although strike rate is only average.

Tempo: Good to Strong
My Betting Attack: THE LIGHT OF DAY to Win & Quinella 5 & 8

Good deep battle over the mile, with plenty of chances. Capable 4YO Newcastle gelding 2. TIME RAID (Jason Deamer/Ms Samantha Clenton, $2.80 fav) hasn't always lived up to his potential, but that might be about to change judging by his last couple. Worked home okay in the stronger Quirindi Cup at Scone before charging late again in a BM 70 at Wyong. Draws to be tucked away back in the field, and only needs clear air from the 400m to be the one to beat.

MAIN DANGERS: Lightly raced and ultra-consistent 5YO local gelding 4. CASINO MONDIAL ($3.60) flew home in the Country Championships Qualifier here first-up, and normally holds his form into the next run. Watch the betting on 6YO Pt Macquarie gelding 6. O'DRISCOLL ($18) who resumes without an official trial, but draws well and will be finishing on late; while 8YO Grafton gelding 1. MELTED MOMENTS ($6.50) has had a new lease of life winning two of his last three, including the Ballina Cup three starts back, and enjoys rain-affected ground.

Tempo: Fair to Reasonable
My Betting Attack: TIME RAID to win and Quinella 2 & 4

Open sprint to finish, but very keen on progressive 4YO Scone gelding 1. JOEY'S CHANCE (Rod Northam/Ms Samantha Clenton, $2.10 fav) who is hard fit and hit the line hard in a good quality Class 2 at Mudgee.

MAIN DANGERS: Watch out for big-striding Newcastle grey 2. SCHEMER ($7) charging home late. Has been freshened up, and draws to do little work back in the field, although will need plenty of speed on up front. Promising 4YO Pt Macquarie gelding 5. SEBAGO ($4.20) let down strongly to win his maiden second-up off a long break in the heavy this track. Drops in weight for the rise in class, but has to overcome a tough barrier.

Tempo: Fair to Good
My Betting Attack: JOEY'S CHANCE to Win

BEST BETS
R3 3. STONECOLD FLEX
R7 2. TIME RAID
R8 1. JOEY'S CHANCE

BEST VALUE
R2 6. UNDER THE PUMP
R4 1. TAKE TO HEART

Jockeys to Follow
SAMANTHA CLENTON
CAMERON NOBLE