Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Gollan-trained BUNDELLA (15) was backed into even money at Eagle Farm first-up, beaten narrowly. Raced new but will have taken fitness and learning. Will likely push forward and is well-placed. ENTITLE (12) trialled well and then missed a nose here on debut. She won't have to be much improved to threaten. LAKE NAGAMBIE (3) debuts owning a trial win. Draws inside and the in-form Stanley rides. Shows some promise, and the betting will key. WEATHER (7) usually needs a run, but he has some ability and is in the mix.
RACE 2 - Waller-trained ALL EYES ON HER (4) got a lot closer at Beaudesert over 1400m and is ready to win. She's been scratched at the barriers since, so presents today on the fresh side. The step-up to the mile suits. SAMURAI WARRIOR (1) is in the premier metro barn, and that demands respect. The former West Australian found one much too good here first-up, but covered the others. Maps well with a 3kg claimer aboard, and quick improvement is likely. As expected, stablemate SOME GIRLS (3) didn't do a lot at Eagle Farm on debut. She will show more with that run under the saddle, and has to be kept safe. FONZIE ROCKS (2) was plain last time but showed enough on debut to consider.
RACE 3 - CAPE CRUSADER (8) didn't handle the heavy track here 20 days ago, but won a 62 prior on a good surface, and that reads well. He should get conditions to suit today, and can bounce back. WHO ORDERED DAFISH (5) relished the heavy in the Cape Crusader race, winning by 8.3L. Cut out of the ground suits better, but on that effort, he has to be considered. CALM SEEKER (2) won comfortably at Eagle Farm over 1800m and then led there again in stronger company over 2200m and faded. Draws to advantage with a 3kg claimer aboard, and can't be ruled out coming back to a more suitable trip. SLY CORNER (6) gives away starts but ran a good figure, narrowly beaten at the Gold Coast. Strips fitter and will be hitting the line.
RACE 4 - LA RAZA (2) goes wet and dry and seeks the hat trick off a 5.3L win here first-up in an Open 3. Carries more weight, offset some by a 3kg claim, but the promising galloper should be winning again regardless. REIGNING ALPHA (4) was well supported last start but didn't get into it. His near miss on a good track at Warwick three back reads well, and he can get back to that form. BROOKLYN DAISY (7) went much better, finding a place here. May sit closer today, and will be around the mark. ZHENG YOU (5) was outgraded at the Gold Coast, but his big heavily-backed Gatton prior hinted at better things to come.
RACE 5 - MEDICAL AUTOCRAT (5) was quickly back on track, beaten 2L at Eagle Farm over 1800m. The 3kg claim is handy, but he has an awkward barrier to manage. PENDING (9) missed a whisker at the Sunshine Coast and didn't handle the Gold Coast poly surface following. Good enough at best, and can't be ruled out. FARWEST (7) didn't do a lot on a heavy track at Doomben, but his effort here before that over a mile stacks up. Gets in well with the 3kg claim. FAST LADY (4) is working up to a win and is a player off the last-start second.
RACE 6 - STAROSHKA (2) is a promising galloper, presenting off a 65 win at the track. Strips fitter and maps well. He's been kept on the fresh side and can go on with the job. GREAT BARRIER REEF (1) resumed further improved winning in this grade at the Sunshine Coast by 2.8L. That stacks right up, and he's won 2/3 second-up. Maps awkwardly, but rates a threat. THAT'S AN EXTRA (6) resumes and is a first-up winner who's delivered 2/2 this course/distance. Owns a trial win and maps for a soft run. Huxtable's booking suggests she's pleasing. KING OF THE JUNGLE (5) resumes and has placed 2/3 fresh. He has a handy 3kg claim and will cross and position forward. In the mix.
RACE 7 - Gollan-trained DANCE WIZZARD (6) peaks off a 1.7L defeat at Eagle Farm in a CL1. Jones rides first time and she strikes at 25% at this track (234 rides). Suited and can post his second win. CELESTIAL HARBOUR (1) found a 78 at Eagle Farm a bit rich, but bounced back here in a 70, placing second behind the dominant Never Give Up. Draws the inside gate, and the 3kg claim brings him into it. WINDOW TAPPER (13) has won her last two at Ipswich and keeps improving. This is her stiffest test to date, but she keeps improving and has the early speed to clear the awkward barrier and has been kept on the fresh side. DOWNEY (2) settled last and couldn't have been more impressive, winning a 58 at this track. Has a handy 3kg claim and can settle closer today.
