Race-by-race preview and tips for Monday meeting at Muswellbrook

Track Soft 5 and rail True

Race 1

3. Sir Herridah made a solid debut chasing the speed all the way at Scone, and back 100m here, he can break through at his second start. 9. Mic Drop is a big market watch first-up for more than 17 months despite drawing wide. Was beaten just over two lengths on debut in group 2 company as a two-year-old before disappointing against midweek opposition. Won the second of two lead-up trials, suggesting she’s well over the setbacks and has ability in this company. 7. Flying Molly is over the odds third-up after two runs back at Scone. 14. Shenandoah River draws off the track, but can run into the minor money resuming for only her second start behind a forward trial; while 11. Varazze is the best of the rest fourth-up.
How to play it: Sir Herridah to win

Racing returns to Muswellbrook on Monday.Credit: Phil Carrick

Race 2

4. Xerxes is ready to win deep into the prep over a touch further in a race with many chances. Missed by a whisker in heavy ground at Tamworth before coming off a freshen and wilting when ridden too close at Scone. Back to near his best, hitting the line hard behind a smart winner at Tamworth 18 days ago, and he will relish being ridden a little quieter and getting back on a bigger track with a much longer run home. 12. Pinot Nero is a home track improver and the immediate threat third-up over more ground. 14. Big Mix is another lightly raced improver after a fair debut effort at Tamworth. 9. Luna Cruiser at big odds deep into the campaign, and 11. Encampment improving into his second start; can both figure in the minor money.
How to play it: Xerxes to win

Race 3

5. Sweet Bubbles is a progressive provincial mare well-placed to grab a third career win at only her 10th start. Hit the line impressively two runs back before again doing her best work late in a stronger BM 66 at Scone when backed from $8 into $6.50. Drops in class with a far superior jockey taking over, and on a circuit that suits over a bit further, she only needs clear air from the 400m to destroy this lot. 4. Just On Fire dug in hard to lead all the way in a handy CL2 at Wellington, and hard fit at this stage can give another big sight on speed from a low draw. 3. Green Run has not missed a place in and around this grade in his last four, and draws the fence. 2. Swexan is an improver coming back in trip; while 6. Down The Kooka is over the odds with weight relief.
How to play it: Sweet Bubbles to win

Race 4

7. Chamber Of Secrets is a talented filly by Written By in the Lyle Chandler stable at Scone on debut behind two winning trials at home. Fitted to make a big statement, and unlike one of her main market rivals who went the other way, was scratched from Bathurst on Sunday to be saved for this. 13. Varuna has to overcome a wide draw, but was good late when hitting the line on debut at Scone. 2. Speed Of Gold is well over the mark third-up from a handy training draw. 4. Anarchist resumes off a six-week break and steady trial with blinkers going on. Gap to the rest.
How to play it: Chamber Of Secrets to win

Race 5

1. Third Base is a lightly raced and locally trained five-year-old primed to go back-to-back at the track five weeks between runs. Careered away to win in heavy ground five weeks since an honest debut, and top country jockey sticks like glue. Looks a reliable weight carrier with tactical speed, and this is a moderate affair. 4. Bullion Hunter is very lightly raced and reloads with blinkers coming off, 18 days after finishing best to claim his maiden, beating the on top selection from the previous race. The stable is having a great run. 5. Lady Memphis off a freshen-up can run into the minor money, so too 8. Brea Ex, who swept clear for a dominant first-up maiden win at Moree; while 3. Sweet patriot is some value third-up from the inside draw.
How to play it: Third Base to win

Race 6

13. Salvato is a promising Scone three-year-old who only needs a half-decent run to take care of this lot fourth-up in his first prep. Swept home for a comfortable maiden win heavy ground here two starts back before charging home to beat all bar a smart winner who then hit the line impressively in Saturday’s Highway at Rosehill. That form line is almost irresistible back in this company, especially with the leading jockey taking over. Can settle off the speed with cover and be given his head from the 350m. Destined to win much better races. 10. Ode So Much is a value chance resuming for only his second start from the inside draw, while 9. Smart Jazz hard fit and back in grade, and 14. Lighthouse Lass third-up; head the rest.
How to play it: Salvato to win

Race 7

2. Manage The Cycle is a tough closing sprinter, and terrific value primed to peak fourth-up off a shorter break despite drawing wide. Did his best work late in similar company two starts ago before hitting the line from well back into a place in a feature sprint at Wyong only 10 days ago. Will relish the long run home here, and two of his seven career wins have come at this track. 6. Singing Star is consistent and comes off a tough on-speed win at CL3 level. 4. Saratoga Power dropping back from deeper CL3 Highway company third-up, 10. Kantishna who gets a cosy run inside, and 14. Sammiballerina who is trained on the course; can all figure in the money and exotic plays.
How to play it: Manage The Cycle to win

BEST BETS
R3 5. SWEET BUBBLES
R6 13. SALVATO
BEST VALUE
R5 1. THIRD BASE

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

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