Race-by-race preview and tips for Gunnedah on Sunday

Selections based on a soft track.

Race 1

1. Currumbin Alley has been racing well with three straight second placings at Quirindi, Mudgee and Scone, the latest behind the talented Bird Whistle. He steps up in distance for this, and it looks as though it should suit. 2. Lots To Love wasn’t beaten far at Kembla Grange last time out and warrants serious thought. 11. Villa Castina disappointed at Scone last time out but can improve. 8. Legs Power is a last start Taree placegetter that can get into the minor money again.

How to play it: Currumbin Alley WIN.

Race 2

2. What A Scandal was having her third start when racing on the speed and coming clear to score a last start Tamworth win. She only needs to run up to that effort to be in the mix again. 11. Sweet Leaf is on debut after a third in a Muswellbrook trial and bears close watching. 3. Karavice is also on debut after a number of trials and is in a top stable. 6. Honniball Drive faces the starter for the first time and ran third in a recent trial at Muswellbrook.

How to play it: What A Scandal WIN.

Race 3

1. Sutton Storm was a trial winner before debuting with a fourth at Dubbo. He should be better for the experience and can be a factor if he can overcome the wide gate. 10. Northern Eagle resumed from a lengthy spell for a new stable with a fourth at Tamworth and is worth thought. 7. Blackstone Plaza is on debut after a number of trials and bears close watching. 5. All Too Sheik has been placed in his latest two starts and has claims.

How to play it: Sutton Storm EACH WAY.

Race 4

6. What A Gent has had two starts back from a spell and followed a resuming seventh at Wyong with a solid second at Illawarra Grange behind Whoa Nellie. That form looks strong for this. 3. Fortheo had a string of placings before finishing midfield in his latest two runs. He can bounce back. 9. Daisy Duck was a beaten favourite when second at Mudgee last time out and is worth another chance. 14. Mr Bohemian is on debut after a couple of trials and bears close watching.

How to play it: What A Gent WIN.

Race 5

1. Portofino was first-up from a spell and on debut for a new stable when scoring a strong win at Mudgee as favourite. He looks to be on an upward spiral and can go on with the job. 5. Magurtz won at Muswellbrook in January and then resumed with a down the track effort at Muswellbrook. Look for improvement. 11. Sugarfire has been placed in her latest three starts and can be thereabouts again. 2. Sirleaf is capable of lifting on his two runs since joining a new stable.

How to play it: Portofino WIN.

Race 6

6. Indi Springs won in good style at Bathurst when resuming and backed it up with a second at Quirindi. She looks to have the ability to bounce back to winning form in this company. 4. Arapawa failed at Muswellbrook before improving at Scone last time out and looms as the main danger. 1. Deebo is resuming after a trial and has a great first-up record. 2. Magic Flyer wasn’t far away at Tamworth at his last start and has place claims.

How to play it: Indi Springs WIN.

Race 7

1. Dub won a couple on end in December and January and resumed from a spell with a close-up fifth at Tamworth last month. He is fresh for this and looks hard to hold out. 6. Ellofadude has finished fourth in both runs back from a break and can be thereabouts. 8. Vendor won well at Quirindi when resuming and can go on with the job. 5. Iknowyou was placed at Quirindi when last produced and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

How to play it: Dub WIN.

Race 8

1. Tavros has been racing in great form and followed a solid fourth in the Tamworth Cup with a strong finishing last start victory at Scone. He has a big weight in this but has the class to shine through. 3. Indifference was down the track in the Tamworth Cup before improving at Scone and shouldn’t be underestimated. 9. Delrico is having his first start for a new stable and has solid enough form to be rated a hope. 7. Pensativa has been down on form since winning at Tamworth three starts ago and can lift here from the inside gate.

How to play it: Tavros WIN.

Race 9

10. Vierville is a winner of six of 17 starts and has looked good winning his latest two at Quirindi when racing close to the speed and finding the line well. He’s drawn the inside gate here and should get the run of the race. 9. Tough Guy has won at Tamworth and Moree either side of an eighth at Randwick in Highway grade. 6. Hellcibell has been racing well and shouldn’t be taken lightly. 4. Chandon Star is a speedy sprinter that can give cheek despite the wide barrier.

How to play it: Vierville EACH WAY.

Best Bets: Race 4 (6) What A Gent.

Race 6 (6) Indi Springs.

Best Value: Race 9 (10) Vierville.