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By John Schell

Selections based on a soft track

13. Sunset Park is a mare on debut here and she comes into this having had four trials, two in July and then another two recently. She won the latest of them at Warwick Farm and she has the benefit of a good barrier with Tyler Schiller taking the ride. 14. Thaibeefsalade resumed from a spell with a sixth of seven at Kembla Grange but was only beaten just over one length. She has shown talent in her career and is worth including among the main chances. 8. Montigo Bay has been placed in three of her eight starts and wasn’t disgraced when midfield at Kembla Grange when last produced. 4. McKenzie is a former New Zealander that didn’t do a lot in two NSW runs in July last year. He resumes here and bears close watching.

How to play it: Sunset Park WIN.

1. Akaka Falls is a winner of two of four starts at this track over this distance. He resumes here and invariably races well first-up. He should get every chance here from the inside barrier. 3. Yukon Rose won a couple on end before finishing third at Tamworth at her latest start. 6. Invincible Madison resumed with a Canberra win and has been placed in both Kembla Grange starts since. 2. Drums Of War has had two runs back from a spell and should be ready to show his best again.

How to play it: Akaka Falls EACH WAY.

3. Tenniel is a lightly raced mare with nine starts to her name, but she has shown herself to be adept over a trip when winning at Wyong and Hawkesbury midway through last year, both times over 2000m. She’s third-up from a spell here and set to peak over 2300m. 8. Montgomery ran well when placed at Wyong before only battling at Warwick Farm last time out. This is easier. 5. Flambeur was close-up behind Montgomery when they clashed at Wyong and a forward showing is on the cards. 1. Adios Steve is a last star Beaumont track placegetter that has the talent to figure.

How to play it: Tenniel WIN.

5. Format was resuming and having his second start when third behind subsequent city winner Pretty Powerful on the Beaumont track. The step up to the mile suits and he should take running down. 9. Rebel Rhapsody has been placed in his last three starts and can figure in the money again with a repeat of those efforts. 12. Noctua ran her best race yet when paced at Kembla Grange last time out. 10. Stock Road has had a number of trials to prepare for his debut and could surprise.

How to play it: Format WIN.

2. How Much Better has been racing in great form with three straight seconds after resuming being followed by a last start Wyong win. He’s consistent and should take beating with Braith Nock in the saddle. 5. Autumn Dream was a narrow winner at Warwick Farm on debut then ran well enough at Kembla Grange at her second start. 8. Pocket Eights hit the line well for a last start second at Port Macquarie, while 1. Oakfield Prince has been racing consistently and has claims.

How to play it: How Much Better WIN.

6. Soo Gold is on debut and has looked good winning two trials from as many attempts. He’s drawn wide here but has Joshua Parr to navigate. 4. In And Out is on debut and has had two recent trials to prepare. Expect a bold showing. 11. Magical Elegance led and was narrowly beaten into second on debut at Nowra. 3. Flying From Above is on debut and the third of his trials was his best.

How to play it: Soo Gold WIN.

2. Merchant Empire did the job well to score a win on debut at Wyong this time last year. He’s had two trials leading into this return and has been placed in each of them. Expect him to take plenty of beating again. 8. Zounaka broke her maiden when resuming from a spell with a win as favourite at Kembla Grange and should show up again with a repeat. 12. Missile Charm is lightly raced but has shown ability and can figure in the money again, while 3. Cryptonic has been racing well and warrants respect.

How to play it: Merchant Empire WIN.

16. Lights Of Paradise looked good winning on debut at Scone and then resumed for her second campaign with another win at Tuncurry. She finished second on the Beaumont track here last time out when claimed late and she has the advantage of gate one here. 12. Dark Gleam resumed with a solid win at Kembla Grange and then ran third here when not beaten far. He has the form to give this a shake. 14. Scholl Deep has shown some ability and was midfield at Port Macquarie when last produced. She’s a winner at this track and shouldn’t be underestimated. 7. Wizards was a Hawkesbury winner at his second start last March and resume here having won a recent trial here.

How to play it: Lights Of Paradise EACH WAY.

Best Bets:
Race 4 (5) Format.
Race 5 (2) How Much Better.

Best Value:
Race 8 (16) Lights Of Paradise.

All the fields, form and replays for Tuesday's Newcastle meeting