Selections based on a good track.
Race 1
1. Balmierro has only won one race from 23 starts, but has had seven minor placings and comes into this on the back of a last-start second at Gunnedah. His previous two starts since resuming from a spell were sound, and he looks set for another victory. 6. Xerxes broke through with a maiden win at Gunnedah when last produced and had been racing well before that. He only needs to have maintained that form to be difficult to beat. 9. Ropewalker was a last-start second at Gunnedah behind Xerxes and can be a factor again if he can repeat that performance, while 11. Redaluca Girl has been in the placings of late and should not be underestimated.
How to play it: Balmierro to win.
Racing returns to Armidale on Tuesday.Credit: Jenny Evans
Race 2
3. Celestial Bell was not beaten far at Moree and Grafton at her first two starts and then finished second in a small field at Bundarra at her last start. She’s drawn well here and looks set to run a bold race. 1. Rips Law performed well when running second on debut at Coffs Harbour and only needs to repeat that effort to be in the thick of things here. 2. Tourtel has had two starts and showed improvement last time out. A placing here would not surprise. 5. Backhander finished second at Tamworth three starts ago, and while she’s been safely held in both runs since then, she is capable of improving against this company.
How to play it: Celestial Bell each way.
Race 3
1. Nirmata is a son of Denman on debut and has had one trial where he ran second at Tamworth. He’s in a good stable and has Aaron Bullock to ride. 5. Territory Style performed well in a trial before making his debut with a close-up fourth at Dubbo. If he can repeat that run, he will take plenty of holding out in this. 12. Graphic Image is on debut after two trials with a second at Inverell in May and a third at Gunnedah last month. A bold showing is on the cards. 6. Tuncurry has had two placings from eight starts and could easily show up against these.
How to play it: Nirmata to win.
Race 4
2. Concoction ran well in two trials when in the care of Edward O’Rourke and then followed a second on debut for Stirling Osland with a last-start win at Gunnedah. He’s drawn awkwardly but dominated as favourite last time out and another forward showing is on the cards. 3. City Gold Speed has been placed in his last two starts and has the talent to give plenty of cheek again, while 4. Rhodesian Diamond has been placed in both runs since resuming from a spell and should not be taken lightly. 5. Semeco ran well when a last-start second at Tamworth behind Chestime and only needs to run up to that effort to figure prominently here.
How to play it: Concoction to win.
