AU - Gosford - Race 1

RITA'S PEARL (5) improving mare who finds her race fifth-up. Just over three weeks between runs when she sat on the muddling tempo with a game second over 1 5/16m at Wyong. Lobs into a forward position and should prove too strong for these. PHAROAH QUEEN (7) comes out of the same race as Rita's Pearl after she stalked the speed second-up with a tidy third over 1 5/16m at Wyong. Hard to beat in this suitable race. MORTLAKE (3) stretches out to this trip for the first time after he gripped on late to run second over 1 ?m at Port Macquarie in C1 class. Has a host of gear changes for this with the key jockey change. CONTALDO (1) two runs back for the new yard have been okay and expected to get the 1 5/16m. Tried hard with the 130lbs when fifth over 1 ?m at Port Macquarie after being in contention on the bend. Maps well and worth another chance.