Race-by-race tips and preview for Tamworth on Monday

Track good 4 and rail true so should play fairly even.

RACE 1 - 1.45PM: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN PLATE (1000m)

A competitive sprint for the maidens to start, and it’s very tricky with a few of the better hopes drawn wide. Progressive three-year-old gelding 11. Ranuncula from the Stephen Jones stable at Scone was strong late on debut at Muswellbrook in heavy ground when baulked for room early in the straight. Has been given plenty of time since and can break through.

Dangers: Resuming three-year-old and former Queenslander 3. Poet Lad has his first run for new local stable off two quiet trials, while watch the betting on three-year-old 9. Levi's Storm on debut for in-form local stable off some quiet trials with the blinkers on.
How to play it: Ranuncula to win.
Odds and Evens: Odds.

RACE 2 - 2.20PM: COOL BLUE ICE MAIDEN HANDICAP (1200m)

Newcastle four-year-old 1. Meyisti from the Paul Perry stable can break through third-up. Resumed in that same maiden at Muswellbrook as Ranuncula before just missing after trailing the speed here. Form out of both races is rock-solid for this.
Dangers: Local three-year-old 3. Hurn Court was good late behind a smart sprinter here second-up, and looks the main threat although will need to slot in from a wide gate, while Muswellbrook four-year-old 9. Ringo’s Charm stuck on bravely fourth-up at big odds in a handy maiden at home.
How to play it: Meyisti to win.
Odds and Evens: Odds.

RACE 3 - 2.55PM: COREYS CATERING MAIDEN PLATE (1600m)

Still with the maidens, but out to the mile. Improving home-track four-year-old gelding 1. Another Arli from the Melissa Dennett yard has seemingly been handed a breakthrough race fourth-up over more ground from a softer draw. Has beaten all bar the winner in his last two, and this is a weak affair.
Dangers: Newcastle four-year-old 6. Under The Pump was good late first-up at Muswellbrook over 1500m, and this looks a nice follow-up assignment, with a stronger rider aboard. Be shocked if the winner comes from outside those two, but include Muswellbrook mare 9. Ellas Joy in exotics after holding her ground OK in that same race as Under The Pump.
How to play it: Quinella 1 and 6.
Odds and Evens: Split.

RACE 4 - 3.35PM: THRIFTY CAR RENTAL BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (1600m)

A few chances in this one, and five-year-old mare 5. Smart Style from the Dale Wagstaff stable at Muswellbrook looms as the value on a quick back-up. Worked home OK late at huge odds in a much stronger Highway at Rosehill before again doing her best work late behind a smart one at Scone. Hard fit, can settle a little closer from a better draw, and was preferred here to Dubbo on Sunday.
Dangers: Tough Scone four-year-old 1. Shame Warned controlled the race and fought off the challengers here last start to further enhance a very good record at this track. Loves this trip, but goes up 3kg to a hefty 61.5kg. Was also scratched from Dubbo. Home track five-year-old 9. Capitulate was ridden much quieter last start, and hit the line late behind Shame Warned. Meets him 3kg better off this time. Cessnock mare 4. Maui Princess isn’t far off breaking a long run of outs finding the line well in her last two, although this is tougher.
How to play it: Smart Style each way and trifecta 1,5,9/1,5,9/1,4,5,9.
Odds and Evens: Odds a special.

RACE 5 - 4.10PM: JAMIESON CIVIL & EARTHMOVING CLASS 3 HANDICAP (1400m)

Good race. Progressive six-year-old Scone mare 8. Philadora from the Rod Northam stable is ready for extra trip now after charging late to nail a promising sprinter in a BM58 at home. Draws to get plenty of cover, and while this is a tougher test, drops a significant 3.5kg and senior rider goes on. Another one scratched from Dubbo to race here.
Dangers: Capable six-year-old 4. Schappose was terrific from well back in a class 3 Highway at Rosehill, and has also been given plenty of time since. Will be forced back from a wide barrier but watch for him storming home late. Scone mare 6. Entreat is super consistent having won two of her last three and not missing a place in the last five, but takes on her toughest test. Well travelled Warwick Farm six-year-old 7. Damit mixes his runs, but draws to get cover, and will appreciate firm footing.
How to play it: Philadora each-way and trifecta 4,8/4,6,7,8/4,6,7,8.
Odds and Evens: Split.

RACE 6 - 4.45PM: DUTTON ELECTRICAL CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1200m)

This looks an ideal race second-up for improving local four-year-old and former Victorian 3. Brave Enough from the Cody Morgan stable. Powered home late in a handy class 2 a fortnight back, and supremely weighted after rider’s 3kg claim.
Dangers: Watch the betting on resuming Mudgee seven-year-old 1. Epirus Bow who hasn't raced for more than two years, but has been given two trials.
How to play it: Brave Enough to win.
Odds and Evens: Odds.

RACE 7 - 5.20PM: PEEL VALLEY TYRES OPEN HANDICAP (1200m)

Strong sprint to finish. Keen on high-class local five-year-old and confirmed Kosciuszko runner 1. Ligulate who resumes off two forward trials, with the blinkers coming off and a 3kg claim. Will get right back, but watch for him flying late. Brilliant Tamworth Cup win in autumn.
Dangers: Big interest in Newcastle five-year-old 4. General Soho can go close third-up. Has been solid in two runs back against BM72 metro opposition, and won his only previous start at this track. Newcastle seven-year-old 6. All From Scrap hasn’t won for a long time, but hit the line late under a big weight at Scone in BM78 grade and loves dry ground.
How to play it: Ligulate to win.
Odds and Evens: Split.

BEST BETS:
R2 1. MEYISTI
R6 3. BRAVE ENOUGH

BEST VALUE:
R5 8. PHILADORA

Tips supplied by Racing NSW.
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au