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By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Sunday’s Wyong meeting. Selections based on an improving soft track.

2. Hawaii Five Oh is a full brother to Libertini and he has struck a perfect race to debut in. Looked the part in his two trials and in the small field there should be no excuses. If he runs up to what he’s shown he should win. Read trainer Michael Freedman's comments here.

Dangers: 5. Villa Tino could be a threat after a promising debut at Hawkesbury. Had no luck there from a wide gate and responded after looking to be off the bit early in the straight to close off strongly late. Better set up here and has a case. 4. Nolan ran an improved race second-up behind what could be a smart one in Narito here two weeks ago. Fourth in a Black Opal reads well and he could lift. 6. Dear Jewel was solid enough in betting at her only start and made some ground over the 900m at Newcastle. Drier and further are pluses and she is in the mix.

How to play it: Hawaii Five Oh WIN ($1.50 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Hawaii Five Oh wins a Rosehill trial on August 12

12. Ra Ra Grandpa is an interesting runner kicking off at a mile on the back of one trial a month ago. Liked how he worked home in that 1000m gallop and he was in the market on debut back in April. Each-way claims.

Dangers: 3. Speedy Song doesn’t need to improve a whole lot to break through after three placings this time in and perhaps the small drop to a mile is suitable after having his chance at Newcastle. Has to be included. 4. Walk Up Start ran a handy race at his first run for the new stable here in July then a bit disappointing at Kembla last time. Blinkers go on and entitled to another chance. 1. Anansi is ex-Chris Waller and only got warmed up on debut at Hawkesbury over a month ago and imagine the mile will suit. Has drawn well and is a market watch.

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

Ra Ra Grandpa’s trial at Hawkesbury on July 18

5. She’s All In will be fitter for a solid first-up fourth at Moruya and it’s curious she’s venturing all the way up here from the Canberra base. Could get control of this race and when that happens she’s usually hard to run down.

Dangers: 4. Sanstoc showed some promise in her first preparation but have to say she was very disappointing when resuming at Newcastle behind Air To Air. Blinkers going on might help and if she finds her best no surprise if she goes close. 1. Diva Bella will appreciate coming back to this class after two runs back in Midway company. Smaller field suits and this is a good chance for her to find some form. 8. Eve ‘N’ Ruby was impressive at Bathurst two runs back before a solid showing at Hawkesbury up in class a bit. Racing well and has to be considered.

How to play it: She’s All In WIN ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

She’s All In runs fourth at Moruya on August 14

5. Noble Legend was back from 1400m on a heavy to 1000m on a soft 5 at his latest run at Kembla and probably found that a bit sharp. Would appreciate a bit of pace but much better suited out another 100m and should run well.

Dangers: 4. Tycoon Charger started favourite at both starts last time in with mixed results and returns as a gelding. Showed speed in his second trial and with any luck from the wide gate it wouldn’t shock to see him show up. 2. Diamond Flare was a shade disappointing when resuming at Hawkesbury but less depth in this race and he should be fitter. Has shown ability in his trials but yet to convert it to race day. 7. Bringonthebubbles took off before the turn and was reeled in when an odds-on favourite at Bathurst on a heavy track second-up. First go away from the heavy ground and she’s worth another chance.

How to play it: Noble Legend WIN ($6.00 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Noble Legend runs fourth at Kembla on August 13

1. Legend Has It showed some handy improvement second-up in a slowly run race as he found the line late into fourth at Kensington behind Hameron. Proven at this distance range and in well with the claim. Entitled to be competitive.

Dangers: 4. Deniliquin is back in form this preparation and proved too good late racing to a popular win at Kembla third-up. Small class rise but this is well within reach. 9. Mirror Queen is only lightly raced so there is upside to her but she did have every chance when third in a Highway at Randwick earlier this month. May be under the odds but wouldn’t be leaving her out in a wide open race. 5. Time Raid is an on pacer who has led at his last couple and they’ve been his best recent runs. Likely to find the front here and can give a sight, particularly if the track is playing on speed.

How to play it: Legend Has It E/W ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Legend Has It runs fourth at Kensington on August 10

1. Stonecoat is a promising three-year-old who steps to the mile for the first time and looks well placed. Tried hard two starts back on a very heavy track then only beaten a length in a solid BM72 at Rosehill. Takes on older horses but is the one to beat.

Dangers: 4. Prize Draw ran right up to a sound debut when out to 1400m at Newcastle and she romped away to an easy maiden win. Might have to give a start from the wide gate but logical threat if she has some luck. 2. Dark Satin was excellent first-up for the new stable then not beaten far at Kembla on a firmer surface. Might be better for that run and is well worth considering. 3. Just Tozza has only been fair in three runs back but on best efforts is capable of being placed at least.

How to play it: Stonecoat WIN ($1.90 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Stonecoat’s last start at Rosehill on August 13

4. Jacquine Reward ran his best race this preparation when leading at Newcastle and while he was run down by Le Vizir he held the rest okay and the winner has gone on to place twice in town. Drawn well and if he can hold that form can be in the finish.

Dangers: 2. Always On Show is a capable mare on her day and while she hasn’t won first-up previously she kicks off at 1350m this time and that could be significant. No guide from her trials but expect her to be strong late. 9. Mayhem led all the way on a heavy track on debut at Goulburn and held four rivals comfortably. Interesting runner, drawn the inside, up in class and onto a firmer surface. Has the upside and should be respected. 3. Budhwar is an honest campaigner who often shows up in Midway company but tends to find one better. Pressured in the lead here last time and weakened late though not disgraced. Capable of featuring.

How to play it: Jacquine Reward E/W ($5.50 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: EVENS.

Jacquine Reward runs second at Newcastle on August 6

4. Per Ivy bounced back from a disappointing first-up placing, albeit not beaten far, with an impressive win at Newcastle over 900m. This sets up well for her to track the speed and be strong late again and if that pans out she should go close.

Dangers: 3. Don’t Doubt Katie was far too good when she resumed at Port Macquarie as a well supported favourite and deserves a shot at this level. Done nothing wrong and has a good finish on her. Definite chance. 10. California Touch enjoyed a nice run and broke away late to post his maiden win at Hawkesbury second-up. That was his first run away from heavy ground so clearly appreciates a firmer track so no reason he couldn’t repeat. 12. Passistas is unbeaten first-up and at the 1000m so bears close watching fresh.

How to play it: Per Ivy WIN ($3.80 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Per Ivy wins at Newcastle on August 11

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday’s Wyong meeting