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By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Wednesday’s Gosford meeting. Selections based on a soft track.

3. Twilight Affair did all the work in front on debut at Kembla and was only collared in the last 100m. That was on a heavy 10 and she was heavily backed there. Expect she’ll look to lead again and should be harder to run down.

Dangers: 4. Abuela performed well in two starts at Muswellbrook back in June and there was a bit to like about her recent trial win at Wyong. Drawn nicely and wouldn’t be surprised if she gives cheek. 10. Miss Sheaf is on debut on the back of an easy trial win at Warwick Farm recently and it was an improvement on her first hitout. Has the inside alley and bears close watching. 8. Ever Bella had some support at her first outing and she wasn’t disgraced in running third, just weakening a bit late. Fitter for the run and she has a case to be an improver.

How to play it: Twilight Affair WIN ($2.30 TAB Fixed Odds); Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Twilight Affair runs second at Kembla Grange on December 11

13. Vengeful showed plenty of speed in his only trial appearance and held a dominant margin at the finish. Obviously a 900m trial can only tell you so much but he should have the pace to offset the alley and if he’s above average will take beating.

Dangers: 3. All England is going to be strong late and returns as a gelding after three handy efforts back in August. Worked home nicely late in his recent trial, drawn well and is a major threat. 5. Hamaki gave a big sight first-up but run down late at Warwick Farm then shade disappointing at Canterbury when not able to lead. Drawn to be right there from gate two and is worth another chance. 12. Transformation has been around the mark on heavy tracks of late and is in the mix for a placing.

How to play it: Vengeful WIN ($2.15 TAB Fixed Odds); Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Vengeful wins a trial at Rosehill on December 14

3. Twice On Sunday appreciated a drop to country level and sprouted wings late to score at Orange second-up. Generally holds form when she finds it and the extra trip is only a plus. More than capable of showing up. Each-way claims.

Dangers: 9. Canbya produced a big finish to post a maiden win at her second start then struck a heavy track and came from last but could only get within a half length of the winner. Worse off at the weights but mile and gate one might make up for it. 4. Rejoiced has done nothing wrong winning both starts and led most of the way when holding off Canbya at Kembla. Has been a drifter in both wins to date. Can’t leave out though might need more luck this time. 2. Duchess Adele is fitter for two runs back and with a wet track she's more than capable of improving sharply.

How to play it: Twice On Sunday E/W ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds); Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Twice On Sunday wins at Orange on December 14

6. Telluride was a huge drifter first-up at Canterbury, more than doubling her price, but she worked home very well to just miss third on a heavy track. Fitter, did win second-up last prep, and looks a handy each-way chance.

Dangers: 1. Tudor Music struck a similar task last time out at Wyong in this grade and was run down late by Toto after hitting the lead 150m out. Drawn nicely, similar weight after the claim and sure to be around the mark. 8. Rupertaar led most of the way and just held on over 900m first-up at Newcastle. It was a strong win, though, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can back it up. 5. Stormborn was a bit disappointing last time but previous form was okay and handles a wet track. Worth another chance.

How to play it: Telluride E/W ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds); Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Telluride runs fourth at Canterbury on December 10

3. Kibosh should be hard to beat second-up after a game second to Forzanini at Canterbury where she was only picked up late. Fitter and just doesn’t run bad races. She’ll be somewhere on the pace and this looks a nice race for her.

Dangers: 5. Never Second is another consistent type and she was a bit too strong as favourite in a BM64 at Kembla on a heavy track second-up. Harder here but also difficult to knock especially if it happens to be heavy. 2. Dickin Medal might have been outclassed when resuming behind Bacchanalia, who is favourite for the Gosford Guineas, and he trialled too well leading into that race to not have another look. 13. River Mac is in good form in easier races and likes a wet track, narrowly beaten on a heavy at Wyong last time. Each-way.

How to play it: Kibosh WIN ($2.40 TAB Fixed Odds); Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Kibosh runs second at Canterbury on December 10

3. Bacchanalia was so dynamic winning at Randwick last time sweeping past a smart type in Dragonstone. Easy winner on a heavy track before that. In career best form and with even luck in running he should take plenty of holding off.

Dangers: 2. King Of Sparta will want the track dry as possible and if he gets one he’s a huge threat. Graduated to stakes company last time in and a third to Paulele at Group 2 level has to read well for a race like this. Nice trial recently. Respect. 1. Bend The Knee is an up and comer who went from a maiden win first-up to a Listed win at Flemington in November. Given an easy trial and drawing one here isn’t a bad thing for him. Will improve on whatever he does but definite chance. Read trainer John O'Shea's comments here. 11. Party For One is coming straight into a Listed race off a maiden win at Canterbury but it was a superb effort coming from last and sweeping past them. Likely goes back again but sure to be strong late.

How to play it: Bacchanalia WIN ($2.60 TAB Fixed Odds); Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Bacchanalia wins at Randwick on December 11

2. Brookspire is hard to go past on her two runs from a short break. Nice effort fresh behind Expat on a heavy then always in control from just off the speed and easily accounted for the boys at Randwick with the form holding strong. Clearly on top.

Dangers: 5. Amica is bursting to win a race and she might be ready for a peak performance now after successive fourths in BM78s in town. She’s down in weight on those runs and must be respected. 1. Expat of course beat Brookspire first-up then struck a good 4 at Eagle Farm and was comfortably reeled in. Any give in the track is a plus for her, especially around this track, and if she can run out a strong mile can take catching. 6. Monegal hasn’t won for a while but did go very close at Canterbury last time going down in a tight finish. Gets back and runs on strongly and is capable of being placed here if things pan out for her.

How to play it: Brookspire WIN ($1.45 TAB Fixed Odds); Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Brookspire wins at Randwick on December 11

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday’s Gosford meeting