Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DASHING GYPSY (6) surprised missing 1L at at Mackay. Fitter again and Butler is a key jockey engagement. She's the one to beat. GOLDEN OCTAVIAN (3) was good here but didn't run out the longer sprint at Cairns. This suits better and has the tongue tie first time. Peaks and is a decent chance with Wiggins sticking aboard. SECRET BOOM (5) raced against the top selection at Mackay beaten 1.5L. His effort there prior was even better and he deserves consideration. WEBS (11) will get all the favours but needs to find more to threaten the trio above. SPIRIT GHOST (10) has upside but is only a marginal hope as well. Elevate MEANS TEST (4) is the money comes for her on debut.
RACE 2 - Hard to see ARIK LAD (1) being beaten, building on the two lip defeats at the track. Has an inside gate and 2kg claim and is on a quick backup. HOLD MY HALO (11) was much better at Cairns and has more to give. Draws low and is the likely danger. KELLISA (8) needed the first up run after a stable switch and had come off stronger provincial races. His effort at Ipswich three back was good and she can't be ruled out. KAMMERZELL HOUSE (5) didn't handle the heavy track first up. Showed enough last time in to consider. SNEAKY TAY (12) is running out of chances but tries hard and won't be too far away.
RACE 3 - Doubt there's much between the better ones. BRAVE AGENDA (5) rides the speed and brings threatening form. Matched his best number in Open grade last time and missed a whisker this level first-up. On the quick backup and is proven third-up. KEEP ON RUNNING (11) was plainer last time but his form prior reads well. Has an inside gate today on a 7-day return and Stanley stays aboard. TYMON (9) peaks and was better again narrowly beaten here over 1200m. He settles off the pace and the extra 200m is sure to advantage. Keeps the 2kg claim and will go close. BABY GUINNESS (4) was back on track winning this grade at Bowen. She has been kept on the fresh side and can't be ruled out. SET THE SAILS (6) won well enough at Cairns to consider.
RACE 4 - LIVEWIRE LASS (6) switched from a top Sydney stable and was too good for the Maidens from the speed. She'd won a trial and has plenty up her sleeve. She should be taking the next step with average luck from the awkward gate. WAR COUNCIL (4) went close here and then raced keen at Cairns and flopped. Jockey Wiggins recommended some gear changes and that's transpired. Maps for the run of the race and can bounce into the finish. Stablemate PRIMO (2) resumes and has switched from a sharp Sydney stable. He will race over further but certainly has the ability and he's trialled well over 850m. Has Stanley and the betting will be key. JUST FOR PLEASURE (11) resumed at Home Hill for a new barn and just missed. She may go on with it now and Butler sticks. HIT SNOOZE (5) won that race and the veteran mare will be around the mark.
RACE 5 - Competitive. LE MELODY (1) resumes and has switched from a NSW barn. She's been racing in much stronger metropolitan races and has won 4/7 fresh. Has a handy 2kg claim and can win if the betting suggests stable confidence. HEAD HONCHO (8) was immediately back on track just missing here over 1000m. He'd been tried in a rich Quality prior and the longer sprint suits. Go close with average luck from the inside barrier. CHARTWELL (9) has threatened here all campaign and the 1.4L defeat last time produced his best number. Tumbles in weight and that brings him right into it. RUSSIAN MINT (5) and NORTHERNONTAP (7) both present second up for the Hatch yard and no surprise to see one or both make quick improvement.
RACE 6 - ALMIGHTY JAB (1) won easily here and then delivered the hat trick at Cairns both in this grade. Keeps the top hoop and has been freshened. Still looks well placed and can go on with the job. Wary of BESMARA (6) who is a promising filly in the Hatch yard. Led and won with a bit in reserve at Gatton on debut and owns two trial wins. She will be naturally improved and has the speed to clear the awkward gate. LITTLE IFFY (12) draws wider but brings strong form and gets in light with the 2kg claim. MIMMY'S SECRET (5) resumes and showed plenty her previous campaign. Uses an inside gate and the betting will be key. HAND GRENADE (4) wasn't beaten far seeking the hat-trick and maps well. She's in the mix.
RACE 7 - ROWEINER'S DANCE (2) is fast and has won 2/3 this preparation and just missed the other. Draws to advantage and gets in well again with the 2kg claim. Will get all the favours and can go on with the job. NORTHERN EXPRESS (3) brought decent metro form to the Listed Weetwood and was outgraded. Resumed here as favourite and looked a run short. Flies second up and with Butler up should go close. TURBEAU (6) found more like his best winning at Cairns. Draws low today and Wiggins sticks aboard. Come back to a shorter sprint freshened and can't be ruled out. LOUD NOISE (12) rates well enough on the Cairns win and tumbles in weight. LADY RAIN (10) resumes and would be in the frame at best. Goes on the fresh side but the outside gate makes it tough.
RACE 8 - A good contest. BEAU RAIN (4) missed a nose and then delivered the win this grade over 1400m. He's back after 7 days and maps for the run of the race. Keeps Stanley and the step up to the mile won't bother. SMART LEGEND (5) has switched from the Robl yard on a 50-day return. His form more than stacks up and he finally has a low barrier. Has the blinker on again and this is winnable if he's presented on song. TAMBO'S JUSTICE (9) runs along and missed a nose behind Beau Rain last time. Peaks and is sure to go close. SOLAR APEX (3) resumes for Hatch and can perform on the fresh side. He's been racing in stronger metro races and is a betting watch. MR MAESTRO (1) will be fitter but needs to find more to be winning.
