Esperance plays a supporting role on Saturday with seven races from the Great Southern Region.
All eyes will be on the last race of the day as the Gary Burger-trained True Chance looks to make it four wins in-a-row.
Don't miss a moment of the action from Esperance and Ascot on Saturday, with the broadcast live and free on 7Plus and Racing WA.
Race 1: WESTERN FUELS GROUP MAIDEN (1200m)
DEMETRIOUS (3) switched yards and impressed at Bunbury first-up. Followed with a narrow defeat at Geraldton and is well-placed to take this out. I HAD A DREAM (1) brings three placed efforts here to peak. The speedy galloper draws low and is sure to give a big sight. FLINDERS LANE (5) finished a whisker behind the above second-up and has more to give. She also has claims. GEM'S MAN (2) is racing well and is in the mix.
Race 2: JOAN HAZEL STEWART MEMORIAL MAIDEN (1400m)
EVERLASTING SPIRIT (7) spiked his figures when beaten a whisker here 22 days ago over a mile. Coming back 200m shouldn't bother and the in-form Faithfull is a key jockey engagement. NADELL (9) improved again beaten 2.4L in the same contest. She's capable of using the rail and can make the finish again. SUGARED UP (8) peaks and raced favourite last time beaten 1.7L. Didn't have the best of it and has some gear tweaks. Draws the outside gate but is worth another chance. QUEEN OF CHAOS (6) is hard to catch but will be around the mark putting her best foot forward.
Race 3: KLEENWEST DISTRIBUTORS HANDICAP (1100m)
SNIPER'S SON (2) has raced twice at Stakes level and led narrowly beaten first-up heavily bet. Uses the low barrier and fitter can return to the winner's list. ZEBEDEE SPRINGS (3) resumes and has switched from a strong Victorian barn. Flies fresh and can threaten if presented on song. UNIVERSAL PLAYBOY (1) is speedy and going well. Can make the finish with average luck pushing forward. MYTHICAL MISS (5) has had two starts this preparation for the new stable. Is still way short of her best and should be ready to show more.
Race 4: CONDINGUP MACHINERY WRECKERS HANDICAP (1200m)
LUCKY SUE (4) impressed winning first up and has been nudged out twice since at short odds. Peaks on a 7-day return and can go one better. FAMEUX (3) is much better than the formline suggests. He went close at Bunbury two back and has weight relief. Can run out the extra metres this time around. BLUE CAN TALK (5) found a place in the Lucky Sue race. Keeps the handy 2kg claim and will push forward. In the mix. DAWN AMNESTY (9) is also racing well enough to feature but will likely give away a start.
Race 5: ESPERANCE QUALITY GRAINS HANDICAP (1400m)
UNCOMPROMISED (2) resumed winning this grade and hasn't missed a beat. Proven second-up and has more to give. The in-form Faithfull is reunited and he can go on with it. I AM SPARTACUS (1) peaks off a nose defeat and maps well. Has a key gear switch and is a live chance. BIRD'S THE WORD (3) returned to his best beaten 1.9L behind Hilton. Peaks now and Galati is a positive jockey engagement. Maps well and may have turned the corner. WHEATSTACK THIEF (8) went close in the same contest and will settle back and come late.
Race 6: GREG HORAN CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD HANDICAP (1400m)
Competitive. LADY DUCATI (7) is racing well and got closer last time. Keeps the handy 2kg claim and is ready to win. BIG BAD BAGGINS (1) resumes and led and won a Northam Maiden on debut. Had the one run last preparation and was immediately spelled. Owns a trial win and will use the inside gate. Keep very safe. PRIZED JEWEL (3) deserved the Maiden win and just battled the one after. Drops back to a sprint on a 7-day return and is a chance to bounce. LACIE ACE (2) won this grade comfortably three weeks ago. Has an outside barrier today but Faithfull rides offsetting the disadvantage to an extent.
Race 7: ESPERANCE REAL ESTATE HANDICAP (1975m)
TRUE CHANCE (1) is looking to win four straight off a comfortable CL5 win over a mile. Not sure the rail is ideal, but the extra meters will suit, and he rates to go on with the job. THE ROOSTER (4) was plain last time but was good placing prior. She has a near miss at Ascot this distance range in the CV and can finish hard. FRIAR THE GUN (7) also disappointed following a tidy win at the mile. He maps well and has won this trip. MY BOY EDDY (2) and RED WITH TED (10) have been around the mark and are also worth a look.
