Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Former Hong Kong galloper LUCKY STRONG (1) has just run into one better in both starts since joining the new stable but strikes a very winnable contest here. Butler sticks in the irons following that last-start runner-up finish and should be going close to shedding the maiden tag against this lot. SMOKIN' DOLLARS (3) is facing the starter for the first time but has shown ability at the trials and any market support must be respected. PLAY IT AS IT LAYS (11) can do better than last start at Mackay and can contest today while OUR BERLINETTA (6) is a hope fresh.
RACE 2 - LILY ALLEZ (2) couldn't have been more impressive winning the Country Stampede at Doomben last time out and will find this assignment even easier. Racing with a lot of confidence now and it's hard to knock mares in form. Rates the testing material. CAPTAIN FOX (4) has placed two of three around this circuit and gets in well at the weights with the claim. Looms as the main danger. MR TANGLES (8) loves this track and trip with a win and two seconds from just three attempts. Has to be included in calculations. MAGICAL SLIPPER (6) is a last-start winner who can feature with any luck from the outside draw. STAMPE (1) is usually thereabouts and may earn some minor money.
RACE 3 - VICTORY BEANS (4) has placed three of five over this mile journey and will strip fitter with that first-up effort out of the way. Drawn to get a soft run in transit from gate three and should be right there when the whips are cracking. GIGI FILLE (8) has hit the top five in six of her past seven outings and is usually thereabouts. Gets some weight relief with the claim and can make her presence felt. The well-related DIASONIC (2) (half to 2xG3 winner Jamaican Rain) has been in the mix at the past couple and will be rock-hard fit for this. Top-three credentials on best form. ORCA (5) also hails from a handy family (half to G3 winner and G2 placed Art Series) and gets the services of Butler in the saddle. Can feature in the outcome. ALL THE SHOPS (1) rounds out the selections.
RACE 4 - TRICKETEER (6) has hit a purple patch of form of late with two wins and two seconds from his past five starts and this is not an overly strong affair. Gets Stanley back on board from the favourable draw and looks the one they all have to run down. LADY MASQUERADE (8) is a consistent conveyance who has hit the top five in nine of her past ten starts and rarely puts in a poor one. Right in this contest. SINGLE HONOR (3) has won three from four around this circuit and gets plenty of weight off with the 3kg claim. Top three apsirations. GROWL (5) has placed one from one over this course and distance and may trouble the judge with luck in running. GET WHAT YOU GIVE (2) next in line.
RACE 5 - GOLD ACADEMY (1) is racing in a rich vein of form with four wins and a second from his past five starts including a victory over this course and distance two back. Gets 3kg off with the claim and should be right in the finish again. MAKE IT SO (8) is first-up here but the form she showed before the spell was more than good enough to feature in a race like this. Can run a race while fresh. COBBO (5) has placed over this track and trip and will be rock-hard fit for this. Cannot be left out of calculations. KINJINA (4) is a last-start winner who draws the inside alley and gets 1.5kg weight relief. Ticks a few boxes. READY TO TORQUE (2) best of the rest while fresh.
RACE 6 - Competitive race to close out the card. SHOW AND GO (4) has grown a leg since joining the new stable hitting the top-four in all four starts and is drawn to get a cosy run in transit from gate two. Rates a genuine contender against this line-up. CHALKLEY (3) is knocking on the door of another victory finishing runner-up at the past couple and gets 1.5kg off with the claim. Has winning claims on best figures. ARROGANT HEART (5) resumes here but the form he showed before the spell was good enough to play a role in the outcome. Can run a race while fresh. THUNDER KNOB (7) has placed three from six when first-up and may earn some minor money. VALENTINA EXPRESS (8) is a last-start winner who gets 3kg off from the inside marble. One for the exotics players.
