Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky. BOOM CRUSHER (3) showed better form on the Sunshine Coast poly before racing favourite here beaten narrowly. Has the first-time tongue tie applied and has switched stables. He can go one better. Stablemate CHECK ONE TWO (8) has switched from a Victorian yard on a 24-day return. She rates well on her Mornington effort last time and can feature if presented on song. FINE AND RARE (9) peaks and went well here before returning and fading from the front. He can stick on better over the shorter sprint. SNOW SHOW (4) resumes, and Wiggins is a key jockey booking. The betting will be key. HE'S POPLAR (1) raced favourite at Grafton and found one better. He will be fitter again and benefits from a 2kg claim. The longer sprint suits now.
RACE 2 - Competitive. WELL HELD (1) resumed this grade at Mackay and needed the outing. He's proven second-up and sharp improvement is anticipated. He has plenty up his sleeve, and Stanley will give him every chance from an inside barrier. ASK ME MATE (2) resumed here with a 2L defeat and has trialled solidly at the track since. He also has more to give and is a second-up winner. Draws inside and fitter, he's a live chance. DUBIOUS LOVE (8) comes out of the same race, and she turned in a better effort. She went close here this grade as favourite before the spell, and that effort would see her right in the finish. ROYAL GLADIATOR (9) made good improvement winning his Maiden here. Maps well and is a chance to go on.
RACE 3 - Clinton-Taylor-trained SPELLMASTER (4) switched from a Victorian barn and was much too good for the Maidens here first up. Strips fitter and Stanley sticks aboard. Well-bred, and he should be winning again. ROARING SUCCESS (5) is a former Victorian who showed more like his best when narrowly beaten on the Sunshine Coast Poly. He's been freshened and gets in well with the 2kg claim. His best would have him in the finish. HVARDANCE (6) has won two of her last three for the new stable. This is tougher, but she is going well enough to make the finish. OUTWITTED (3) resumes with Butler engaged. Usually needs a run, but can get some minor cash in this lineup.
RACE 4 - OBLIGATED (4) wasn't disgraced at Listed level last preparation and was backed off the map first-up, winning an Open 3 at Mackay. Proven second-up, and he has plenty in the tank. Strips fitter and he can go on with the job. HENRY'S BLADE (3) was quickly back in the winner's stall delivering a 60 at Mackay. He keeps improving, and it's hard to risk the potent Stanley-Taylor linkage. CAPO STRADA (1) won a trial but looked a run short here first-up at this level. He'd switched from a Victorian yard, and his best would have him right in the finish. Keeps the handy 3kg claim, and he will get every chance from an inside barrier. ZHUANG SHI (2) resumes after a stable switch, and he's trialled well. He's won twice fresh, and no surprise if he runs well.
RACE 5 - PAPASITO (7) is fast and has won both starts this preparation at prohibitive odds. He draws inside again, and the longer sprint shouldn't be an issue. He's won 5/10, and it's hard to risk the Stanley-Taylor linkage. Wiggins replaces the 3kg apprentice on PARADE GROUND (5), and the gelding may have had excuses here 30 days ago at this level. He impressed delivering the CL2 first-up and won his only third-up start. Sharp improvement is likely. THE LAST SAGA (8) is a third-up winner who's laid down a solid foundation for this contest. Maps well and has 3kg weight relief in this grade. He will get every chance. LOGAN STREET LION (1) resumes in lesser class and performs fresh. He carries plenty of weight but has trialled well and is likely to race well.
RACE 6 - MAGIC GAME (9) is another strong winning chance for the potent Stanley-Taylor combination. Resumed here beaten 1L after a slow start, spiking her figures. Draws awkwardly, but she's sure to have come on, and she's a second-up winner. Stablemate EL OF A SENORITA (8) resumed with a near miss this grade at Mackay and has also improved. She can position forward, and Wiggins is a key jockey engagement. She appears capable of going one better. ITZA MOTZA (5) beat Magic Game home in the 58 and then raced favourite in a 68 following but got too far back. Cartwright takes over from Wiggins and he's worth another chance. PER CAPITA (7) was plainer at Warwick, but was beaten narrowly at Ballina and Grafton the two prior. The inside barrier isn't ideal, but with average luck, he can get some of the cash.
RACE 7 - HEY JEALOUSY (7) switched from a Victorian stable and belted the Mackay Maidens by 4L. She was on a 17-day turnaround and was backed off the map. Draws for a soft run and can go on with the job. GILBERT'S GOLD (1) won a trial by a space and then resumed with a solid effort here in a 60. He goes well second up and keeps the handy 3kg claim. He'll race forward and can improve into the finish. TAHKIAN BUBBLES (6) has been around the mark since her win in this grade at Thangool. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and will get every chance from an inside barrier. SNAZZY SNITZEL (4) resumes and is a candidate to lead. He is proven fresh and has the first-time blinkers applied. Lightly raced and well bred. Keep safe.
