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By John Schell

Selections based on a good track

1. Alaskan Bay is a Pariah gelding making his debut here after being scratched at the barriers at his planned first start at Tuncurry. He had finished second in a Port Macquarie trial prior to that with Anna Roper in the saddle and she sticks with the galloper in this event. Alaskan Bay has drawn the inside gate and should get every chance from there. 6. Whil To Win has had two starts either side of a spell and while she’s been down the track in each of them, she should find this an easier assignment. 2. Mariko is on debut after three trials, the latest of them since joining the new stable. He ran second in a Newcastle hitout two weeks ago and is primed to run well in this. 3. Sammy The Bull ran sixth at this track on debut and can improve on that performance without surprising.

How to play it: Alaskan Bay WIN.

10. Logan Downs is a son of well performed mare Serene Miss and is on debut here having had five trials since earlier this year. He has finished second at Scone and fourth at Muswelbrook in the latest two and looks to have the ability to run well here. 13. Lobbyist is also on debut and was beaten less than a length in her latest trial at Gosford. Expect her to figure prominently. 1. Cogitare is first-up from a spell after two trials and has been placed in one of his three starts. 8. Sara’s Rocket is a stablemate of Cogitare that is having her first start, and she ran second in her latest barrier trial.

How to play it: Logan Downs WIN.

1. El Toro Macho debuts here after two recent trials in which he’s finished third. He had two trials back in April as well and ran third in both of those. He’s primed for his first start here and is ready to perform well. 2. Lightning Glory is another on debut and won a Wyong trial before finishing a close-up second in the latest of them at this track. He can give a sight against these. 8. Aweigh resumes from a spell in this after two recent Rosehill trial placings and can be thereabouts, while 4. Coyote is also resuming, and a strong first-up effort is expected for the new stable.

How to play it: El Toro Macho WIN.

1. Power Of The Brave is a handy performer resuming from a spell on the back of a fourth in his latest trial at this track. He’s a winner of four from 22 with another seven placings and had been tackling city races before the break. 2. No Statement scored at this track four starts ago before a close second at Warwick Farm. He’s finished seventh in both runs since. 4. Markwell Dreamer was placed at Tamworth two starts ago and has claims on that effort, while 3. Princess Cruizer bobs up every now and again and shouldn’t be underestimated.

How to play it: Power Of The Brave WIN.

1. Buckenara was placed at Randwick and Newcastle last December and April either side of a spell. He was then spelled again and had two trials before resuming with a solid sixth at this track when beaten less than two lengths. He gets his chance from the inside gate. 4. Jonson is a former New Zealander on debut for the new stable after winning two trials. 9. Sweltering is Group 1 placed and resumed with a solid effort in tougher grade at Randwick. 10. Where’s My Halo was placed at Kembla Grange at her second run back from a spell.

How to play it: Buckenara WIN.

1. Koios has shown ability in his career and resumes from a spell here on the back of two good trials including a recent heat win at this track. The small field and the inside gate should suit. 5. Tong Ho hit the line well when a last start second at Kembla Grange and looms as a danger, while 2. Autumn Blonde will find this easier than her latest start in the Tea Rose Stakes. 3. Valiant Bomb has shown talent in his four starts and is worth plenty of thought.

How to play it: Koios WIN.

1. All Hunky Dory won three on end at Taree and Port Macquarie late last year and early this year, then was placed in a couple of Wyong runs before a fourth at Gosford over 2100m and then being spelled. He resumes here after two trials and invariably runs well fresh with a couple of first-up seconds. The apprentice allowance will help here, and the latest trial was solid. 6. Surreal I Am was close-up here two starts ago and then scored another win here last time out when doing the job well. Another old showing is on the cards. 5. Orthie’s Boys was a winner at Kembla Grange before being beaten less than two lengths when midfield on the Kensington track when last produced. 3. Bellenth won well at this track three runs back and has since finished third and seventh in Midway company in town.

How to play it: All Hunky Dory EACH WAY.

Best Bets:
Race 3 (1) El Toro Macho.
Race 5 (1) Buckenara.

Best Value:
Race 7 (1) All Hunky Dory.

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