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By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Wednesday’s Newcastle meeting. Selections based on a heavy track.

9. Cold Gin had a hard luck story to tell out of her debut at Warwick Farm, she went to the line climbing over their backs beaten just over a length. Imagine in the small field she either leads or trails the leader and gets her chance to atone assuming she handles the ground.

Dangers: 4. Poised was run down by Declichy Boulevard on debut on a heavy track back in June last year and resumes from a decent layoff. Latest trial looked just fair to the eye but wary she could be hard to beat fresh. 11. Surf’s Up started $26 in the same race as Cold Gin and had an unimpeded run into second placing down the outside. If she runs up to that performance she has to be in the finish again. 1. Big Red Tequila was safely held at Wyong but did hit the line nicely enough from last into third placing. Better for it and the scratchings have helped offset that barrier to a degree. Has a show.

How to play it: Cold Gin WIN ($2.50 TAB Fixed Odds).

Cold Gin runs sixth at Warwick Farm on April 16

8. Miss Freelove was strongly supported at her first start and while she did have her chance up on speed, and hit the front, she wasn’t disgraced in holding third. Likely better for that experience and she’s a good chance with perhaps a bit of cover.

Dangers: 11. Chatterley has trialled quite well on two occasions and wound up nicely enough into a close second in her latest at Randwick recently. Has the inside gate and if she’s adept in the heavy she’s a good hope. 6. Bryant debuted in quite a strong race at Rosehill back in November and was spelled afterwards. Returns a gelding and has trialled okay so can show something in the small field. 1. Agent Zero hasn't seen a wet track but the fact he's here says the Maher stable thinks he can handle it.

How to play it: Miss Freelove WIN ($1.95 TAB Fixed Odds).

Miss Freelove runs third at Warwick Farm on April 16

5. Shangri La Impact was solidly supported at her debut at Kembla and went down fighting in a close finish over 1400m. Fitter for that run and imagine they’ll look to lead with her this time. Not seen a wet track yet but go well.

Dangers: 7. Ant comes through the same race as Shangri La Impact and he basically held his ground in running fifth. Extra trip will suit him and no surprise if he improves a bit. 2. Dark Arts led them up and had his chance when runner-up at Hawkesbury third-up. Has placed on a soft 7 and is hard fit so can’t be left out. 3. Barbray showed improvement second-up in the same race as Dark Arts to run third and is in the mix.

How to play it: Shangri La Impact WIN ($3.70 TAB Fixed Odds).

Shangri La Impact runs second at Kembla on April 15

4. First Mission returns for his second campaign and was a winner on a soft track in November. Held together nicely in his recent trial, is back as a gelding and draws to get a nice sit behind them. Sure to be very competitive fresh.

Dangers: 2. Bellenth was cut down when resuming from almost a year off at Wyong then raced handy as favourite and was just a little flat but held on well to run fourth. Draws well for the first time this prep so he’s well worth another chance. 7. Be Quiet is a month between runs again after a solid on pace second at Wyong behind a handy one. Gets a nice run in behind them and is one of the chances. 6. Bonjour Madame is in top form and was a strong winner on a soft 7 at Wyong a couple of weeks ago. Could measure up.

How to play it: First Mission WIN ($2.90 TAB Fixed Odds).

First Mission runs third in a Rosehill trial on April 11

2. Debello should take some catching if his last few are any guide. Too quick two starts back at 1300m at Hawkesbury then again gave a big sight up 200m when caught on the line. Handles all ground and draws to find the front.

Dangers: 8. Brave One is going to be popular with his debut heavy track win there for all to see. Didn’t fire in two subsequent starts and is back as a gelding. Two trials back have been solid and he is dangerous if he can produce his debut effort. 6. Cruel Summer has excellent wet track credentials and finds a heavy for the first time in a while. Recent form doesn’t read great but barrier one and ideal conditions can see him lift. 7. Metallic Ruler is hit and miss and if he's on then he's some chance.

How to play it: Debello WIN ($3.40 TAB Fixed Odds).

Debello runs second at Hawkesbury on April 9

5. Naval Commission has a handy fresh record and resumes in his favoured ground at a suitable trip. Was narrowly beaten on a good track when resuming last time in with 4kg more and no surprise if he runs a cheeky race.

Dangers: 1. Body Bob gets the chance to roll across second-up after an even effort under 63.5kg at Canberra. Capable of giving a good account. 6. No Drama is a free roller who will put himself right up there as usual. Heavy track is a query but won his only start here and best form is good enough. 2. Danaustar does need to improve a little on his two runs back but has five wins in the wet including a heavy so capable of finding some form.

How to play it: Naval Commission WIN ($4.40 TAB Fixed Odds).

Naval Commission’s trial at Randwick on April 14

7. Dr Evil gets his chance to show his best back onto a wet track. Ran on well two starts ago from well back then couldn’t get into the on pace dominated race on a good track here last time. Has a huge heavy track record and is right in this.

Dangers: 4. Perfect Play has had a few chances but comes through a reasonably strong race at Hawkesbury when third behind Flying Bandit. Has placed several times in the wet and has another chance. 1. I Am The Empire won a good form race two starts back when he resumed then not as effective at Hawkesbury in the same race as its stablemate. Down a notch and a wet track is okay. Can improve. 9. Lugarno was a winner first-up then last couple have been a little below his best. Won on a heavy back in September and is a possible improver.

How to play it: Dr Evil EACH-WAY ($7.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

Dr Evil runs fourth at Wariwck Farm on April 2

2. Island Dec is back in class after two runs in Group company since her first-up win on a soft 6 at this track. Not beaten too far in the PJ Bell and suited here with good speed engaged. If they’re running on she’ll be hard to hold out.

Dangers: 1. Llanddwyn likes a wet track and is fresh since finishing midfield at Randwick in February. Can pull out a big one off a break in suitable ground and has to be respected. 5. Photograph only had the one run last time in and didn’t fire when favourite and no excuses found. Spelled and she did win fresh on a heavy at Scone last time in so the ground is no issue and she’s worth including. 7. Elegant Empress usually runs well first-up and doesn’t mind a wet track. Barrier is a negative but wouldn’t surprise if she figures in the finish at odds.

How to play it: Island Dec WIN ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds).

Island Dec wins at Canterbury in February

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday’s Canterbury meeting