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By John Schell

Selections based on a good track

1. Joey D’Or looked good in two trials earlier in the year before drifting in the market when failing to beat a runner home behind the handy Celestial Legend on debut at Rosehill. He was immediately spelled following that performance and has since again won two barrier trials in preparation for this return. He has drawn to advantage here and has Rachel King in the saddle.

Dangers: 3. Belyaev led them up when finishing third at Wyong when second-up from a spell and another forward showing is on the cards here. 4. Souttar was down the track in both runs earlier this year and has looked good in his trials this campaign leading into his return to racing. 5. Bambi Belle was placed at Moruya last time out and should get every chance from the inside draw.

How to play it: Joey D’Or WIN.

1. Zondee is a well-bred colt in the Hawkes stable and he has been placed in three of his four starts. His latest effort was a midfield finish in a ‘super maiden’ at Rosehill when he was far from disgraced. This race looks perfect for him to break through with a first win.

Dangers: 2. Unquestionably is on debut here and has had two barrier trials to prepare. He finished third at Warwick Farm in the latest, and a bold showing is on the cards. 3. Autunno was just behind the placings here at his latest start and he can be placed this time. 5. Bright Red is yet to figure in the placings but hasn’t been digraced.

How to play it: Zondee WIN.

5. Uncle Harry was heavily backed when second-up from a spell at Scone last time out and he hit the line powerfully to land the plunge when scoring impressively. The long straight here will suit him again and he can go on with the job.

Dangers: 2. Owari has been placed in each of his latest two starts at Hawkesbury and Newcastle and has a good overall record. He should get every chance in this. 3. Whisky Wisdom was down the track in stronger grade at Randwick last time out but can improve here, while 1. Grenoble has place claims.

How to play it: Uncle Harry WIN.

6. Microna has had three runs back from a spell and has finished second in each of them at Goulburn, Nowra and Wyong. He should race on the speed again here and can dictate to suit himself.

Dangers: 4. Verbek was solid when midfield behind Loving Cilla at Randwick last time out and a repeat of that would have him figuring prominently here. 3. Jessandi comes out of the same race as Verbek and is also deserving of respect in this. 5. Vieste scored a surprise last start win and is not out of this.

How to play it: Microna WIN.

3. Noble One had looked good in a couple of trials before making his debut at Scone with a solid third behind the promising Midnight Opal, which has since confirmed the form by winning again. Noble One will be improved by that run and can go on with the job here.

Dangers: 5. Pharoah Magic hasn’t raced since finishing down the track in the Magic Millions Maiden and his two runs before that were sound. He has performed well in two trials leading into this return. 6. Lasqueti Boom ran well when placed at Hawkesbury when resuming and can be thereabouts again. 1. Amadia has the advantage of Anna Roper’s apprentice allowance and is not out of this.

How to play it: Noble One EACH WAY.

2. Best Intent was a Wagga winner three starts ago before following a second at that track with a runaway victory at Canberra last time out against a subsequent winner in Zelago. Best Intent has an apprentice claim here which will benefit her chances.

Dangers: 7. Alot A Lip has only had two starts and followed a Hawkesbury placing with a dominant win as an odds-on favourite on the Beaumont track at Newcastle. She should take plenty of running down here. 6. Vividness has a win and two placings from five starts and she has the ability to figure in the thick of things here. 5. Rotorua is resuming here and should sprint well fresh.

How to play it: Best Intent WIN.

1. Swagger looked the goods when winning by a big margin at Wagga two starts back, then followed that up with a close-up second at the same track behind Mathrin. He is fresh for this and has a good gate and an apprentice allowance.

Dangers: 7. Ritzytwenties was a winner at Wagga at his second start in a race but was down the track in two city starts either side of that. He resumes here and has had two trials to be fit for a bold first-up showing. 5. Headstock has had four runs since resuming from a spell for a fourth, a win, and two thirds, all at this track. He should be given consideration again here. 6. Bully For You was a winner at Goulburn three starts ago and can show up here on his best form.

How to play it: Swagger EACH WAY.

3. Furious debuted earlier in the year with a second at Newcastle then was produced at Sandown in Melbourne last month with a dominant maiden victory. He can go on with things here.

Dangers: 4. Clear Choice is resuming from a spell in this and has had two trials to prepare. He is a two-time winner from six starts so has obvious ability. 1. Famous Pedrille has had two runs back from a spell and he fought on well to finish third at Rosehill at his latest start. He has a handy record and shouldn’t be underestimated. 5. Roma Avenue was down the track when resuming at Newcastle but his form last campaign was very good so expect him to improve sharply.

How to play it: Furious WIN.

Best Bets:
Race 2 (1) Zondee.
Race 6 (2) Best Intent.

Best Value:
Race 5 (3) Noble One.

All the fields, form and replays for Thursday's Kembla Grange meeting