Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky. TEN PINS (6) debuts for a top barn and owns a 4.2L Rockhampton trial win. 31% stable-striker Stanley sticks from that and will likely push forward. Has the blinkers applied. SPIETH IMPEDIMENT (10) debuts and Wiggins is a key jockey engagement. Has a low barrier and the blinkers applied. She also profiles well. CASCIA (8) peaks and has been threatening a win at the track. The in-form Butler replaces the 3kg apprentice and the filly is ready to salute. GYMNOSOMATA (9) resumed here in an Open 2 and didn't finish it off. She'd won a trial prior and will have taken fitness. She raced well enough at Mackay two back and the 2kg claimer will use the inside barrier. SECRET CYPHER (3) improved sharply here second-up beaten 1.8L. He's been kept on the fresh side and will be around the mark.
RACE 2 - KOBAYASTAR (3) spiked her figures when beaten 1L here and then delivered an easy win in an Open 3. She still has more to give and is suited over the longer sprint. Carries 2kg less and can go on with the job. The dual acceptor RUN AWAY RENEE (8) led and was swamped at Rockhampton in a CL1, but missed a whisker in a 55 prior. She was heavily backed in both and has some weight relief. Uses the rail and Stanley is reunited. SWEET KISSES (1) was straight back into the winner's stall when winning at this track/trip in Open grade. Has to carry a big weight at this level, but she'll race forward and 2x winning rider Butler is reunited, replacing Stanley. She's a chance as well. TIME TO PROPHET (4) would be very competitive at best and can show more second up.
RACE 3 - Tough. MARCH MADNESS (6) missed a whisker here over 1200m finishing hard from back in the field. He's hard-fit and in this company deserves another chance over a mile. SECRET ENCRYPTION (9) missed a half-length at Mackay and deserves consideration tacking a mile for the first time. IMPERIAL BLOSSOM (3) finished in the middle of the pack last start at this track resuming. Is up in journey also rates a strong a chance. NAPA VALLEY (2) has been racing in better company. he gets his chance to break back.
RACE 4 - RUN AWAY RENEE (5) has accepted in an earlier race but stands out in this line-up. Measure her chances in the narrow defeat at Rockhampton two back when backed off the map. Sits down in the weights and maps well. Stanley is back on. ACCLIMATISE (1) peaks off a narrow defeat here in stronger. He's won over the trip and the in-form Butler is reunited. KINGS CASTLE (2) was back in the winners' stall at Mackay over 1560m. This is a bit tougher but he maps well and Wiggins is a more than able replacement for Butler. CONVERTOR (4) has been going well and can't be ruled out. BRAND NEW (7) was much better stepping up to this trip and will be fitter. Worth consideration.
RACE 5 - RELEASE LE MISSILE (7) was slow off at Mackay when looking to win four on the trot. Carries 3.5kg less in this grade and keeps the in-form Butler. He can bounce back. STRATHCONA (3) lost his rider at the start here and then was back to his winning ways at the track/trip in a 72. Maps well and a 2x winning rider is reunited. CASTILE (2) was beaten 2L in the same contest, digging deep. Also switched to a 2x winning rider and he's in the mix.
RACE 6 - NOLAN (5) peaks and is busting to win. Maps well and the blinkers go on again. He is still shy of his Victorian best and maps for the run of the race. CORBUSIER (9) won at Cairns and then went close here 5 days ago in a 58. Gets weight relief and is a chance racing forward. CATALINA DREAMING (10) missed a nose here and then delivered a 55 at Cairns. She also carries less weight in this grade and she can use the rails barrier to advantage. MISHANI MAVERICK (2) deserved the 58 win here and he's also in the mix.
RACE 7 - Competitive. READ 'EM AND WEEP (9) won the 60 here three back and has been threatening since. Didn't have the best of it heavily bet here last time and Stanley sticks aboard. Maps well and should go close. AIDENABET (7) had been busting to win before disappointing at Mackay with excuses. He has good numbers for this and can make the finish. LOVE ON SUNDAY (4) spiked his figures at Innisfail and he'd be some hope holding that form. UNDER THE LIMIT (2) mostly puts in and will improve over the longer sprint. Butler is a positive jockey booking and he may control the race.
RACE 8 - CHARTWELL (2) missed a nose here in a 65 and then delivered a CL1 backed off the map, with a bit in hand. Draws awkwardly but keeps Stanley and with average luck he can go on with the job. LADY DAMUS (7) resumed here further improved winning a 65. She is proven second-up and fitter she can make the finish. FLYING ARTIST (4) deserved the win at Cairns and he was better again narrowly beaten there this grade/trip. Maps well and is a chance to bounce with a top hoop staying aboard. WICKLOW LASS (6) can use the inside gate and gets in well with the 3kg claim. Her effort two back stacks right up but she needs to run out a strong 1200m.
RACE 9 - DIDDLEY SQUAT (4) is a leader who went well at Doomben before a short head defeat at Rockhampton. He keeps the handy 3kg claim and is well placed to break back. I'LLTELLYOUSO (12) rates similarly and tumbles in weight at this level. She also races forward, but unlike the above jumps from a wide barrier. COOL ENCOUNTER (11) resumes and is a Clinton Taylor-trained stablemate of the top selection. He's up to this at best, and has trialled well at Rockhampton with race rider Stanley aboard. MR METRICS (7) led and won a CL6 easily here two back and went close the latest in Open grade. Draws inside and he's likely to control the race.
