Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - NOAH (11) was a beaten favourite here last start and meets a similar field here again. He like most others here is battling to win a race and it could be his day in the sun. Follow your money. VERMILION KIRIN (1) followed up some solid trial with a handy effort for fourth on debut at the Sunshine Coast and will only come on with the run. A 3-kilo claim will help as will the extra furlong. He has some upside and should go close to taking this out. DILIGENTE (6) has been getting back early in her races and will be hoping to hold a more handier position this time from the pole position. This field is not strong and she will be right in the finish this time. OCEAN HONOUR (4) only ran out of condition late when resuming at the Sunshine Coast just over a fortnight ago and with the natural improvement that is expected second up, he can get a slice of this. Each way value.
RACE 2 - WRITTLE (2) produced 2 big runs to win his first couple of starts of this campaign on this track and then went down by a nose at Ipswich 12 days ago over 800 metres. The extra 60 metres can make all the difference and even with a big weight, he is the one to beat again. PRINCESS MARIAN (9) resumed from a bleeding attack in her last run with a good effort for third fresh up at a recent Gladstone picnic meeting. She strips fitter and has plenty of early toe. Stick with her. MILEY'S MEMORY (10) progressed nicely earlier in the year, winning 2 of her 4 last starts. She has not missed a cheque in 3 starts fresh-up in the past and with a handy draw, she will be right in the finish. SENSATIONAL REWARD (5) needed his fresh-up run at Chinchilla and was reported to have not handled the firm surface that day. He normally improves quickly with racing and can make his presence felt in this. Each way value.
RACE 3 - UPSTART LEGEND (1) won on her home track when resuming and has been nearing that sort of form again in her last couple of runs there. She is having her first start away from Toowoomba this prep and drops sharply in grade. She is perfectly placed to take this out. BEEBEE DAZZLER (3) made a good start to his career last year, winning on debut, and he only missed once in a stronger field at Doomben. His recent spell would have done him the world of good and with a recent trial under his belt, he will be very hard to beat fresh up. SALT LAKE BETTY (4) showed some real ability last prep and was only caught late in her last run at Ipswich before a spell. She is handily drawn for her return and with the benefit of a 3-kilo claim, she will be hard to hold out in this.
RACE 4 - MONDAY MONDAY (8) has been much better in his last couple of starts and was third here last time out when he should have finished closer. A handy gate will help him and he has a good chance to break his win drought in this. STORMTROOPER (5) won at Warwick in this grade 3 starts back and then has not been too far away in fourth place in his 2 subsequent runs in slightly tougher company. Stick with him. JIMMY NEUTRON (7) does win every now and then but is better known for running in the money. All of his 3 rare wins have been over this trip and another honest effort is expected. Include in all combinations.
RACE 5 - ROMAN HEIR (5) made an overdue return to the winners' circle here last time out in the same grade and even though he can still do things wrong in his races, he is in a good space at the moment. He rises 1.5 kilos in weight but that should not be enough to stop him from doubling the dose. EL ASTEROID (3) has changed stables since last racing and even though he has been away from the races for nearly 11 months, he has had 3 lead-up trials and can figure in the finish here. The markets will be an important guide to his chances. BELLE'S BOY (1) will be peaking third-up after a couple of minor placings to open this prep. A 3-kilo claim will help and his next win is not far away.
RACE 6 - DWINDLING SPIRIT (7) won here in his penultimate run before doing things wrong and racing wide from the half last time out, also on this track, finishing a game fourth. With some luck from a wide gate, he can bounce straight back into the money. I STOLE IT (4) has thrived since leaving a Sydney stable and has won 2 of his last 3 starts. He is trying 1400 metres for the first time and another win is not beyond him, despite a wide gate. AZURE PRIDE (3) warrants thought off a last start win at Beaudesert as does VANTAN EXPRESS (2) who won at the same meeting.
RACE 7 - ROWDASH (11) is very consistent and is most competitive in this grade. She might need the run and a wide draw won't help but she should still run an honest race. Each way. ROSE BY DESIGN (9) is fresh up from a decent spell and usually improves with a run under her belt. A 3-kilo claim will help her and she is capable of getting a slice of the finish. SADDLE BOY (8) has not won for some time but did get to be with a short-head of winning his last run at Warwick 3 weeks ago. Justin P Stanley sticks with him and so do we. Include in all combinations. KRAKARIB (1) drops back in grade from his last run and also improves his starting position. The blinkers are back on and with a 3-kilo claim, he is ready now to put his best hoof forward in this. Watch closely.
RACE 8 - PARUES (18) closed off strongly when finishing fourth fresh up on this track nearly 3 weeks ago. His only win has come second up in the past and slides back in class for this assignment. He has a good draw and in an even lineup, he should go close to taking this out. FREAKSHAKE (7) won at Warwick 3 starts back when clearing his maiden status and has not been too bad since then. He is likely to push forward early on with the step up to 1100 metres and should be thereabouts. SMILING ZAC (4) built strongly to a well-deserved win here last time out. This is no harder and he only has to cope with a 4.5-kilo weight rise to be hard to beat again. HERMANITA (9) won here narrowly fresh up and won't mind the step up to 1100 metres. She strips fitter and can double the dose.
