Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MOMENT OF TRUTH (2) switched from a Victorian yard and placed second behind Boyfriend Material first up. She has plenty to give and the inside gate and keeps the handy 3kg claim. The extra metres suit and she's ready to win. AIN'T NOBODY (1) found a place in the same contest and was even better over a mile prior. Peaks and is capable of testing. PAUL EDWARD (6) went close at Townsville and is in the mix again. LATIN LOVE (4) is still a work in progress but has upside. Stanley rides and that's a help.
RACE 2 - OFFANGO (1) just found one better first-up and is still well shy of his best. Keeps the in-form Butler and maps for the run of the race. Fitter and appeals. ANGE (3) impressed on debut when beaten 1.9L against the above. Will keep improving and can form the quinella. DARLING CLEMENTINE (4) peaks and keeps the 2kg claim. She can make the finish. SPITZBERG (2) resumes. May need one but he's shown enough to keep onside.
RACE 3 - NONDISCLOSURE (2) peaks off three narrow defeats and the in-form Butler takes over on the former Victorian. He will be well-backed again and is the one they have to beat. ROY'S ROAD (4) improved again beaten a nose at Mackay over 1800m. Returning to the mile shouldn't bother and she's going well enough to threaten. GENERAL WOLFFE (3) deserved the 68 win here and peaks. He carries more weight but the 2kg claim helps to an extent. In the mix. WHATJEUDOIN' (5) has a key jockey switch with Stanley replacing the 3kg apprentice. The mile suits and his best would have him in the finish.
RACE 4 - FORTRESS AUSTRALIA (1) switched from Godolphin's Sydney stable and the speedy galloper was beaten a whisker at Mackay first-up. He was heavily supported and he has plenty up his sleeve. Keeps the in-form Butler and fitter can go one better. IRISH ROCKET (6) won a trial here and then impressed on debut winning a Mackay maiden. She comes in light with the 3kg claimer booked and she is sure to have come on. Capable of taking the next step. CELEBRITY'S BEAU (4) ran a strong relative number at Ballina over a mile. He also benefits from a 3kg claim and drops back to a sprint briefly freshened. Consider. OUTBACK BANDIT (5) has had two nondescript starts for the new barn but is capable of better.
RACE 5 - ASTRA STAR (2) resumed in good order when beaten 1L at Mackay. He travelled down to the Sunshine Coast following and was outgraded at monster odds. He's going to be a lot sharper at home in lesser company and is advantaged by the inside barrier. DECIDUOUS (3) peaks and improved his figures narrowly beaten this track/trip. He can make the finish again. CONNEWARRE (1) raced favourite first-up but looked a run short. He has plenty up the sleeve and the 2kg claimer can use the low barrier. Respect. HOLY CROWN (6) deserved the CL1 win at Mackay and impressed from a wide barrier. Maps better and won't be far away.
RACE 6 - FLYING MAPLE (6) was quickly back in the winner's circle at Mackay and then was better again beaten 1L there in stronger than this from a wide barrier. Has a 3kg claimer aboard today and draws inside. Capable of bouncing. DESERT KOBY (2) is right up to this at best and has laid a solid foundation at the Sunshine Coast. Won his only third-up outing and will use an inside barrier. PREPOTENT (1) resumes and the in-form Butler is booked. Has the rail and should be around the mark at a price. ROWDASH (5) may be the best of the Kropp pair. Coming back to the shorter sprint suits on a quick back up and the 2kg claim is handy.
RACE 7 - Competitive. AMBERINGER (6) needed the first-up outing in stronger and will be sharper today. The inside barrier is there to use and she will be tough to beat. MORE STYLISH (7) peaks and reckon her chances on the lip defeat at Mackay two back. Has a handy 2kg claim and they've played with her gear. Can get back on track. BIG SHOOTER (1) has switched from a NSW yard on a 39-day return. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and his best would see him a decent chance. SWEET FANTASY (4) peaks and wasn't beaten far here in stronger last time. Has an inside gate and is going well enough to consider.
RACE 8 - A good contest. GRAYSONG (7) seeks the hat-trick off a 60 win here and tumbles in weight at this level with a 2kg claim atop. Draws inside and the form stacks up. Tipping he can go on with it. ELLA TE AMA (3) impressed winning an Inverell Open and will be better for it. The 3kg claim brings her right into it. The speedy LETMELETGO (1) is looking to deliver three wins on the trot and won an Open easily at Mackay last time. Has a 3kg claim and is sure to give a sight. IN EVIDENCE (4) was outgraded at the Sunshine Coast last time but impressed winning a Mackay CL6 first-up prior. His best is good enough and the in-form Butler will give him every chance.
