Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - The maidens kick us off. WANT TO BE PROUD (4) has placed two of four overall and strikes a very winnable contest here. Hoop Savva has been in the irons for all four outings to date and stays on board. Strips fitter second-up from the spell and can play a major role in the outcome. Former NSW galloper TOMMY FLYER (3) was in the betting at his debut down south and where there's smoke there's fire. Respect from the Vandyke barn. VOLCANIC PARK (9) is facing the starter for the first time but has shown ability at the trials and this is not an overly strong affair. Keep safe on debut. FREEMAN FURY (15) just missed the placings last time out and again gets the benefit of Metcalfe's 2kg claim. In the mix for some minor money. MACEDONIAN (2) best of the rest from the inside marble.
RACE 2 - JUST CLIFFY (1) is unlucky to still be a maiden finishing runner-up in five of eight starts to date and looks to be nearing that elusive victory. Has placed around this circuit, draws low and strips fitter second-up from the break. Ticks a few boxes. SAN JOSE BOY (2) returned in good order with a solid placing at the Sunny Coast and is sure to have come on with that run now under the belt. Respect from the Bruce camp. HEADLINE LEGEND (7) knuckled down strongly when finished 2 lengths from the winner here. Should be winding up late again. MASERATI LADY (12) has finished midfield at her only two starts to date, the latest when sixth over 1400m at Gatton on January 19. Fitter and can figure.
RACE 3 - Looks a race in two. The well-related MEDALS (1) (full to G3 winner Tailleur) is building up an impressive record hitting the top-four in six of seven starts to date and draws favourbly with the 1.5kg claim. Should strip fitter second-up from the spell and rates the one they all have to run down. STATE IN TEXAS (6) returned in fine fashion with a win over this sprint trip and looks to have plenty of upside. Looms as the main danger. GIGGY (7) is one from one over this track and trip and winning rider Wishart sticks in the saddle. Top-three conveyance. PALAWA KANI (4) is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley and is a must for the multiples.
RACE 4 - FLANK SPEED (1) has just run into one better in both outings this campaign and gets some weight relief from the low draw. Rates a serious contender. DUNTROON LASS (5) goes well for Allen who has a win and four placings from just six steers and is one from one over this course and distance. Has to be included. CORDOZAR (7) has been well in the betting at the past couple and any market support must be noted. KEYBOARD (4) strips fitter second-up from the spell and may earn a cheque.
RACE 5 - BUTT HEADS (1) may have found his right race here. Has hit the top four in nine of 11 career outings and has placed two of three over this distance range. Gets 1.5kg weight off with the claim and should be going very close against this lot. VOULAIT (4) goes well for Hamblin who has two wins and two placings from seven rides and is more than capable on his day. Is a two-time winner around this circuit and is sure to prove tough to hold out. BOOGA RAY (5) was a touch disappointing in the run before the spell but the close-up runner-up finish prior was good enough to warrant serious consideration in a race like this. Can feature while fresh. QICKWIT (7) strips fitter second-up from the spell and looks one for the exotics players. FIRST PEOPLES (3) best of the rest.
RACE 6 - OUTSMARTED (3) hasn't done much wrong with two wins and a placing from three outings to commence the career and will strip fitter second-up from the spell. Tilley stays on board following the last-start third here and will be right there when the whips are cracking. MASTER GEE (6) is a consistent commodity who has hit the top four in eight of his past nine starts and is usually thereabouts. Gets 1.5kg off and has strong top-three prospects. The well-related FIERY RING (5) (half to Listed winner and G2 placed Scorched Earth) got a confidence-building victory last time out and can go back-to-back with any luck in running. I PROMISE YOU (1) next in line.
RACE 7 - UNION SPIRIT (2) is an honest campaigner who has hit the top five at his past 11 starts and saves his best form for this distance range. Gets Dempsey on top to navigate from the sticky draw and should be running his usual honest race. CHAMPAGNES ON ME (9) resumes here but has revved up for this with a recent Gold Coast trial win and gets some weight relief with the claim. A strong showing while fresh would not shock. BELLE'S BOY (1) got a well-deserved Kilcoy victory at the latest effort and will have derived a stack of confidence from that win. Top-three credentials. FOREBEARS (16) has been thereabouts in recent efforts and looks one for the exotics. LONERGY (3) has won two of his past three and cannot be ignored.
