Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BOLD SMUGGLER (5) will find this much easier than his last start at Eagle Farm 17 days ago and he was only beaten by a nose at Doomben fresh-up before that. A superior draw will help and he is the one to beat. OUR TURN NOW (2) capped off some strong form with an easy win at Townsville last time out. He faces a similar line-up and only has to cope with the 3kg weight rise to be hard to beat again. TOMYDONKA (7) had a rocky run when clearing his maiden status at Dalby in his penultimate start and then fought on fairly to finish fifth at Toowoomba last time out. He benefits from a 3kg claim and does have some upside. Stick with him on an each-way basis. BLUE RAY (4) next best in the small field.
RACE 2 - JANEAN (5) is unbeaten in 3 starts on this track and has had 4 starts back this season without a win. She was a beaten favourite at a recent Gayndah picnic meeting but can be forgiven for that run after being trapped wide throughout. Justin P Stanley in the saddle is the key to a form return on this circuit. MEDIA EMPIRE (1) is an honest gelding racing in good form. He has a good record on his home track and with the benefit of a 3kg claim, he won't be far away. DOUBTING EYE (3) did not really fire last time out and might be looking for some cut in the ground. He drops 5kg in weight after a 3kg claim and he is worth another chance. MASONRY MAN (6) next.
RACE 3 - BOLD BLAZE (2) finished third at the Sunshine Coast and while it was only in a 5-horse field, he finished a head back from the winner with a late burst. The extra 300m and the long run home here will suit him and he should be the hardest to beat this time. SCRUFFY (7) caught the eye with a solid debut effort for fourth at Toowoomba 10 days ago and the relatively short time between runs is normally a very good sign. Stick with her. Can win. WOODSTOCK ROCK (1) has been runner-up in both of his starts to date, including his last run at Mackay when beaten by a nose as favourite. He loses nothing with Justin P Stanley in the irons and his first win is not far away. BADLIFEDECISION (8) was third in the same field as the fourth pick and will appreciate the extra 100m on offer here. Include.
RACE 4 - LAST DITCH EFFORT (2) was chasing a hat-trick when finishing third as favourite at Townsville just over 2 weeks ago. He can make full use of the pole position here and is another with winning claims in an even line-up. JUNGLE BEAT (6) won a trial very easily before finishing fourth here fresh up over 1200m. He usually improves with racing and should now be close to full fitness. Hard to beat. SENNAPROST (7) has been kept busy this season and is holding his form at Mackay. He is having his first run this prep on his home track here and is nicely placed after a 3kg claim. A good draw should see him right in the finish again. SPIRIT OF GIVING (9) was a placegetter first-up last start over 1200m at this track. Back in good shape and can measure up in this line up.
RACE 5 - BIGCAT (1) worked a touch too hard early on when challenging for the front at Mackay last start and could withstand the late swoopers near the line, settling for a weakening third place. Top hoop Justin P Stanley takes over from an apprentice and will ensure he is more evenly rated this time. On top. Follow your money. FLY TRAP (7) won a trial before finishing runner-up when resuming from a spell in the same race as the top pick. She has a tougher draw but will improve naturally and can go one better this time. RUN FREDA RUN (6) is a stalemate of the second pick who showed talent as a juvenile. She is resuming from a handy draw and without the benefit of a public trial, the market will be your best guide. SHEKINAH (8) has been a late scratching since her last start here 25 days ago and she won't mind dropping back to 1100m. She has the pole position and is capable of figuring in the finish here. Include in all combinations.
RACE 6 - DEVIL DEVIL (8) has plenty of ability but is still learning as he proved in both of his starts this season, winning fresh up and then finishing runner-up last time out. On both occasions, he raced greenly and should be a lot more settled down third up. He carries 2kg less this time and is the one to beat. DEFROSTED (10) let down strongly from well back to score by over a length here last start. She carries only 51kg this time and is more than capable of having the last say again. THE HAIRDRESSER (9) showed ample promise last season before training off and having a spell. She will be a lot stronger this term and even without a public trial, she can figure in the finish fresh up. A market watch is advised. BOLD AND SMOOTH (5) next best.
RACE 7 - MADAME LEXIS (7) found the company a touch easier and stepped up in trip at Ballina last start when breaking through for a tough maiden win by a head. She won't find this much harder and has 2.5kg less to carry this time. Stick with her now that the penny has dropped. BO BO BEWARE (2) made a winning Queensland debut for his new connections fresh up at Mackay and his 3 starts since then have all had merit, including his last start for second at Mackay when runner-up from a wide gate. He has a big swing in his draw this time and can go one better. ALEACO (1) has been racing consistently at this level and benefits from a 3kg claim after finishing third here 10 days ago over 1400m. This trip is at the top of his range but from the pole position, he has solid place claims again. BORNEES LAD (3) has had his issues this year and resumed at Emerald 17 days ago with an all-the-way win by a nose. He will be even sharper second up and has to be respected again. Each way.
