Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - READY TO IGNITE (2) debuts owning two trial wins. Has an awkward barrier but Rodd is a key jockey engagement and will manage. CROATIAN QUEEN (5) resumes owning a trial win and has shown enough to suggest she's a hope. FANCI FLEUR (7) debuts and has shown enough at the trials to keep onside. AYE EYE BOOM (4) ran fourth last time out at Sunshine Coast. Sure to make her presence felt.
RACE 2 - ENUFF PILLS (6) runs along and brings a 3.5L Maiden win from Coffs Harbour over 100m. Has placed 3/3 this course/distance and looks capable of going back-to-back. SUNDAY MAIL (4) resumes. Certainly has the ability but has been off the scene for 427 days. He's had three trials and jumps from an inside gate with the first-time blinkers applied. The betting will be key. RAFALE JOLIE (8) mixes the form but is capable at best and should be ready to show more. MIKKI SHIMA (7) likely to add some value, if she can improve on her Ballina performance.
RACE 3 - The betting will be instructive. KAYLEEN'S PROFIT (6) resumes and is also in good hands. She has switched from the NSW barn and will be naturally improved. She also draws wide but may be good enough to cope. NATIONAL GOAL (2) debuts owning a Ballina trial win. Maps for a soft run and has the blinkers on signalling intent. BRUTAL SUE (10) has been well-supported in both race starts but has disappointed. She is a work in progress but will have taken fitness and learning and Jones goes aboard. ALL ABOUT ARTIE (1) resumes today after winning a recent trial, looks a place chance.
RACE 4 - Competitive. SOBUTE (10) won his Maiden here and then came back and missed a whisker in a CL2. Has a handy 2kg claim is likely to push forward. A decent chance to bounce. The top hoop sticks with FLY FIFER (11) who can build on the poly win. Maps well and can keep improving. CASROCK (5) is fourth up and still off her peaks. A senior hoop goes on and she gets another chance. LIETUVA (3) couldn't back up at the second run of the campaign last start over 1300m at Sunshine Coast after winning two back at Gold Coast Poly. Worth consideration.
RACE 5 - Competitive. HARD TO DISMISS (5) deserved the win here this grade and followed with a near miss at Toowoomba. Hits this at peak fitness and Mallyon replaces the apprentice. She can bounce. FIREBOLT (3) resumes for the Freedman yard and is back on turf. She has won fresh and Huxtable is engaged and he's flying. Has had a soft trial and the betting will be key. INSPIRED DREAM (13) resumed here in good order and will be around the mark over the longer sprint. CHEMIOSMOSIS (8) comes here with definite place claims.
RACE 6 - THE KHAN (7) peaks off a near miss here in stronger. Maps well and Orman is a key jockey booking. Has more to give and can go one better. CLASSIQUE GAL (9) was plainer here last time but missed a nose prior. Has to come back in trip but will race forward from the low barrier and has to be considered. TENNESSEE WHISKEY (2) is a lightly raced improver drawn well and won't be far away. AUTUNNO (1) closed off nicely when beaten half a length last time at Beaudesert. In the mix.
RACE 7 - HELL AND BACK (5) is in the premier barn and is ready to win. Went close at the Sunshine Coast and then missed a nose in a CL1 at Gatton. He's been freshened and Maloney's booking is a strong push for his chances. SINGULAR (3) resumes for the Freedman yard and has the speed to clear with awkward gate. He is proven fresh and should give a sight. BOOM IN THE DARK (2) is a stablemate for the top selection with Orman aboard. Peaks now and is likely to show more. REIGN OF POWER (10) placed at Ballina and has more to give. Will give away a start but has won this course/distance.
