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By John Schell

Selections based on a good track

1. Balmierro has only won the 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 here. 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 hard to hold out in this. 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 shouldn’t be underestimated in this line-up.

How to play it: Balmierro WIN.

3. Celestial Bell wasn’t beaten far at Moree and Grafton at her first two starts and then finished second in a small field at Bundarra at her latest 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 wouldn’t 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.

1. Nirmata is a son of Denman on debut and has had one trial which resulted in a second at Tamworth. He’s in a good stable and has Aaron Bullock to ride. 5. Territory Style performed well in a trial before debuting 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 WIN.

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 in this event. 3. City Gold Speed has been placed in his latest 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 shouldn’t 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 in order to figure prominently again here.

How to play it: Concoction WIN.

4. He’s My Warrior had been racing well with a second at Tamworth before a Scone victory. He then ran fourth at Tamworth before failing at that track when last produced. He’s drawn well here with Aaron Bullock to ride and can bounce back to form. 1. Enniroc won well at Tamworth three starts ago and has since finished fourth at Tamworth before a fifth at the same track last time out. He has the talent to run well here. 2. I Am A Winner won at Newcastle three starts ago and has the ability to bounce back to form here having disappointed in both runs since. 6. Reprisal debuted for a new stable with an eighth at Tamworth and should have derived benefit from that hitout.

How to play it: He’s My Warrior WIN.

5. Wine Time has struck winning form again having scored two in a row at Port Macquarie and Bowraville at her latest two starts. She’s shown speed in both to lead and hold on well and can do the same in this line up. 6. Brutal Elegance was a winner at Tamworth two starts ago and then finished fifth at Scone. This looks a suitable event. 8. Purple Esprit resumed from a spell with an easy win at Bundarra and has claims, while 3. Gerety was placed at Grafton last time out and only needs to run up to that to be a chance again.

How to play it: Wine Time EACH WAY.

1. Puzzle Designer wasn’t too far away at Moree two starts ago and then finished a close-up fourth at Tamworth behind Mystery Lad at his latest start. He’s drawn wide here but should be hitting the line strongly. 2. Eject comes into this after a last start win at Moree and should play a part in the finish again, while 5. Pariah Engagement resumes here after two trials and should sprint well fresh. 14. Indian Thunder ran his best race in a while when charging home late for a last start fourth at Scone behind Cool Waters and he can show up in the minor money here on best form.

How to play it: Puzzle Designer WIN.

Best Bets:
Race 3 (1) Nirmata.
Race 5 (4) He’s My Warrior.

Best Value:
Race 2 (3) Celestial Bell.

All the fields, form and replays for Tuesday's Armidale meeting