RACE 1

MFULATHELA and TIME TO FIRE have the form and experience to be competitive but are probably vulnerable to well-bred newcomers AU CONTRAIRE, TROMPE L’OEIL, ASTROPHILE and MULHOLLAND DRIVE, so watch the betting for clues and follow the market movers. SITVA QUEEN and ALL TIME LEGEND could improve to get a look in.

RACE 2

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL defied an alarming market drift on debut to finish an encouraging second over this trip and with natural improvement she should go one better. CALADRIUS is held on that form but has the experience to play a role in the outcome. SATISFIED has shown pace and promise in both starts over 1160m and could pose more of a threat with this shorter trip likely to suit. INDECENT OBSESSION should also make her presence felt back in same-sex company after a creditable third against male opposition. Watch the betting on the newcomers.

RACE 3

Consistent KNOWMORE was returning from a layoff when finishing second over 1600m early last month and, with the benefit of that comeback outing, could improve to go one better over this extended trip. EPIDAURUS, EVENING NEWS, COMIC ARTIST and HEROIC ACT have the form and experience to stake a claim but are vulnerable to less-exposed sorts, such as the selection and youngster COVER CHARGE.

RACE 4

QUICKFREEZE stayed on encouragingly in his first start as a gelding to finish 1.80-lengths behind BRISTOL HERCULES over 1400m and, while the hat-trick seeking latter remains competitive under a penalty, the former is good value to turn the tables over this extended trip on 2kg better terms. WAR REPORTER is another bidding to complete a hat-trick but steps up in class off a career-high mark after beating a subsequent winner. FORCE PUBLIQUE, CHIEFTAIN’S SHIELD and DARK SILVER are also capable of getting involved. Unexposed 3yo JAFFA fluffed his lines last time but shouldn’t be underestimated.

RACE 5

Well-bred youngster AINT NO DOUBT improved markedly for the step up in trip when shedding his maiden tag over 1600m. With further progress expected, he could make light of his opening handicap mark, even against older rivals. Hard-knocking mares PRINCESS LOLA and GOLDEN ASPEN, SIX OF ALL and 2yo maiden CAPTAIN COOPER could trouble the selection on their best form but have less scope for improvement. LAVA FIRE and SHEETS AND GOGGLES also have earning potential.

RACE 6

WARNING SOUND won a similar contest over 1450m last time and a resultant penalty isn’t likely to prevent her from following up. CAPE SAFFRON has a bit to find on her last-start conqueror but is weighted to pose more of a threat. Lightly raced RUSSIAN NOBILITY caught the eye over 1200m in her last start and the step up to this trip in her peak outing should suit. VAMANOS, FIRE IN HER SOUL and SONIC JET also have earning potential.

RACE 7

PRINCESS ILARIA boasts consistent form in stronger company off higher ratings, so this looks like a good opportunity for her to end a 369-day winless spell. She drops in class off a reduced mark with a top jockey engaged. Lightly raced DELAWARE RIVER has the form, experience and scope for improvement to fight out the finish. Last-start maiden winners GREENANDGOLD and MASTER’S ROSE aren’t taken lightly on handicap debut, while BEAUTIFUL RANIA is another capable of getting into the picture.

RACE 8

A trappy concluding contest, so go wide in the exotics. Veteran JET CAT is probably most effective over 1000m but his last, fast-finishing close-up 5th over that trip suggested he should remain competitive over this distance on his peak outing. OH MY GUCCI GIRL is versatile and her recent form, albeit over further, suggests she is good enough to play a leading role. TIME WILL TELL, READY SET FIRE, NKANDLA GOLD and DARING ACT all have the means to make their presence felt too.