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Selections by John Schell

The rail is out 2m from the 1200m-800m; out 4m from 800m-350m, then the cutaway rail applies with the track rated a Good 4. There's a strong chance of showers Sat/Sun with a cloudy afternoon and a top of 25 degrees on raceday.

Sunday 9th February – NOWRA

3. FERNAO ($3 on TAB) is resuming from a spell here but had sound form last preparation including a couple of solid efforts when fifth and fourth at Doomben before the break. He has a win and six placings from 11 starts and he looks to have more upside than most of his rivals here. 7. Bernen Win ($2.40 favourite) hit the line well to finish third at Warwick Farm for a second straight placing at that track last time out. This looks within his reach. 5. Scoundrel ($3.80) resumed with a fourth at Queanbeyan when not beaten far and can run into the placings, while 1. Amigos No More ($12) ran third in the same race at Queanbeyan and has place claims again based in that effort.

9. PERFORMING DIVA ($3.10) is a filly on debut and she looked good winning a recent trial at Hawkesbury in preparation. She’s drawn to get the run of the race from barrier three and can start her career in winning form. 10. Rose Aye ($1.95 fav) wasn’t disgraced in the Inglis Challenge at Scone at just her second start and then ran second at Wagga before being spelled. She resumes here and warrants respect. 6. Lombardi Lass ($12) is a five-year-old mare having her first start and she finished second in a trial leading into this. 7. Alottosay ($4.20) debuted with a third at Goulburn and a repeat of that would have her in the finish of this.

7. FOURCADE ($10 into $6.50) is a talented mare that is resuming from a spell in this. She ran fourth in a Highway last preparation before scoring at Moruya in good style and then finishing second at the same track. She was spelled after failing at Rosehill but is fresh for this and has the advantage of barrier two. 5. Vella Fox ($3.30) failed to fire at Goulburn when last produced but he ran well when narrowly beaten at Moruya before that. 6. Mountain Chatter ($2.60 fav) was a Canberra winner before being spelled and has run well in a recent trial.

4. CIGAR MAN ($11) is on debut from a leading stable and has had a number of trials to prepare. He wasn’t beaten far in the latest of them at Randwick and bears close watching here from the good draw. 7. Glory ($4.20) has shown some ability and was placed at this track last time out. 6. Powerful Prayer ($3.20 equal fav) debuted with a down the track Newcastle effort but will be improved by that. 5. Nikino ($71) ran last on debut at Wyong but is capable of improving.

3. JAMACRI ($1.70 fav) resumed from a spell at Port Macquarie and went to the lead and gave nothing else a chance when scoring by a big margin. She’s drawn awkwardly here but there was a lot to like about the first-up victory and she should take a power of beating again. 1. Missile Maiden ($3.40) ran third at this track two starts ago then hit the line hard to score a narrow win at the Sapphire Coast last weekend. She has a good record and can be in the finish again. 2. Impressiero ($8.50) hasn’t been too far away of late and can get into the placings here without surprising. 4. Man Of Reign ($6.50) has a second placing and a win from his last two starts at this track and he can be around the money again.

7. PUSHALOT ($5.50) raced in a prominent position at Cowra when last produced but didn’t get too much peace and weakened late into third placing. She’s drawn the rails here and if she can get an easier time of things in front, she should take plenty of running down. 6. Soho Artist ($2.40 fav) resumed with a strong win at Queanbeyan when justifying odds-on favouritism. She can go on with the job here. 5. Petawawa ($4.20) resumed from a lengthy break with a strong Wagga victory and she only needs to run up to that to be hard to hold out again. 3. Siovy Dane ($6) was placed on the Kensington Track three starts ago and she has the ability to figure in the placings.

1. ISTOLEA MERC ($2.10 fav) debuted with a second at Hawkesbury back in September then resumed with another solid effort when second at Kembla Grange behind Bold Bidder. He looks to have talent and can break through with a maiden win here. 2. Simply Just ($3.70) has only had three starts but has performed well in each of them with a second on debut being followed by two fourths. He ran third in a recent trial leading into this. 4. Stormbringer ($3) is on debut and won the latest of his trials leading into this. He is worth including among the main chances. 5. Ceannasai ($101 into 23) had one run back in September when failing to beat a runner home. He resumes here and can lift on that effort.

BEST BETS
Race 1, No.3 - FERNAO ($3)
Race 4, No.4 - CIGAR MAN ($11)

VALUE
Race 3, No.7 - FOURCADE ($6.50)

View final fields with full form & race replays for Nowra here