Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GIGI FILLE (4) resumes and has switched from a Sydney barn on a 74-day return. She's placed 2/3 fresh and has raced in stronger company. The betting will be key. MOON OVER MATILDA (8) resumes and has switched from a Rockhampton yard. Had just the one run last campaign but the form prior stacks up for this. Maps well and she's a winning chance if presented on song. MARCH MADNESS (9) improved again narrowly beaten here as the favourite. Has a wide gate but keeps improving and has winning claims. MISHANI OPAL (10) is running out of chances but finds easier and finally draws inside. In the mix at best.
RACE 2 - MEDIA EMPIRE (3) deserved the win here this grade finishing hard over 1200m. Carries more weight but back-to-back wins beckon. SENNAPROST (9) sits on the minimum and has been busting to win. He can go one better without surprise. SAVVY SOVEREIGN (4) brings a comfortable win here in a 65. Maps well and keeps the handy 2kg claim. Has been kept on the fresh side and he also has winning claims. PREPOTENT (6) got too far back last time but the placing at Rockhampton prior stacks up. That effort would give him a chance.
RACE 3 - MR GREY (6) missed a whisker at Rockhampton and then he didn't have the best of luck there beaten 1L stepping up to this distance. Maps for a soft run and he's the one to beat. SIRENE (4) placed a whisker ahead of the above in the same contest. He's close to a win and should get every chance. RUN FREDDIE RUN (1) is lightly raced and on the improve. Maps well and Wiggins sticks aboard and that's a lead. YA LOVE HER (2) switched from a Victorian barn and will be better for the fist-up run at Gladstone. The longer trip suits and he has pieces of form that would give him a chance.
RACE 4 - Clinton Taylor-Trained EL OF A SENORITA (7) has been racing in stronger grade and best to forgive the plainer effort here last time. A gun hoop is booked and she rates to bounce back. SIR MAXIMUS (5) brings a string of near misses from Townsville. Keeps improving and can go one better. ANDALUS (6) was outgraded at Townsville and will be better coming back to the mile. His best is good enough and the former Sydneysider can show more. DECIDUOUS (9) is a former Victorian who has the ability. The Rockhampton run two back reads well and he finally draws an inside barrier.
RACE 5 - Tricky. WHOSHOTTHEMAGICIAN (4) led first-up and was caught late in proceedings. He's won 2/4 second-up and hasn't missed a place. The inside gate suits and Wiggins is a key jockey booking. SEISME (10) resumed at Rockhampton beaten 1.3L and was expected to feature there following but pulled up with an issue. He finds easier and has been kept on the fresh side. Proven third-up and can make the finish. DESERT MOON (2) resumes and is proven fresh. He's trialled well at Rockhampton and rates to go close with average luck from the awkward barrier. SUPER FAST (9) peaks and has been racing solidly. Draws inside and should be around the mark.
RACE 6 - SILVERADO MISS (6) was on speed winning her Maiden at Rockhampton spiking her figures. Doubt this is much harder and she's capable of taking the next step. HOLY CROWN (5) was cruelled by a wide barrier at Townsville and better to assess her chances on the easy Maiden win there prior. Draws awkwardly again but she can bounce with average luck. LADY MASQUERADE (8) has been within range both her starts this preparation and she has more to give. She's on the 7-day back-up and Whiteley stays aboard. DIAMOND SKY (12) has a key jockey switch to Wiggins and no surprise to see the lightly-raced galloper improve.
RACE 7 - BLUE KENTUCKY MOON (1) resumed with a near miss at Gladstone and then was well supported at Townsville but raced flat. He is proven third-up and has more to give. Races forward and will go close. Stablemate COCHRANE (7) has been narrowly beaten his last three including at Quality level. He will carry a feather with a 4kg claim and maps for the run of the race. CAPTAIN FOX (8) keeps racing well and also deserves consideration. SIR ROCKET (2) needed the first-up outing but expect him to be much sharper today. Wiggins is a key jockey switch and his best would see him around the mark at a price.
RACE 8 - MURRAJONG ROAD (2) has been racing well in stronger class at Rockhampton. He positions forward and is well served by the 2kg claim and inside gate. Goes well at Mackay and is on a 7-day return. HARBELLE (1) will be more competitive than the form line suggests. She settled too far back last time but three back wasn't beaten far this track/trip in Open grade. The rails barrier is there to use and she's a value hope. VANCOUVER BAY (6) turned the form around placing here over 2000m. He races handy and also has claims. MOTAMAYIZ (4) switched yards and improved at Rockhampton and then went close this trip at Tambo. Maps for a soft run and will likely improve again. BRAIN FOG (9) is a lightly raced improver from the Birchley yard who is also in the mix.
