Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - INAZUMA BOY (1) resumes and will take plenty of beating on what we've seen. The speedy galloper found one better at Ipswich on debut and then was a comfortable Maiden winner at Toowoomba. Has the rail and keeps the handy 2kg claim. Expect him to come back even better. LI'L REX (2) resumed further improved winning an Ipswich Maiden. The colt also runs along and fitter is the likely danger. LEUCAENA (6) resumes and owns a Beaudesert trial win. She looks to have made good improvement. HEY PUMPKIN (5) debuts and is Inazuma Boy's stablemate. We have no trials to go on but she'll be well prepared.
RACE 2 - ROSEFINCH (4) was sharply better when beaten 1L at Gatton and then didn't finish it off at Warwick over shorter. Peaks and the 1500m will suit. This is winnable for her. LADY BOSSA NOVA (6) placed distantly at Toowoomba and this is a level back. She has been struggling to find her best but this isn't hard. WINDFLOWER (7) led and was beaten even further in the same contest. Has to run 125 less today and may stick on better. LADY LETHAN (9) was outgraded at Ipswich but the form prior would have her in the mix.
RACE 3 - PREVARICATE (3) was tracking well before a plainer effort at Warwick. The nose defeat at Armidale prior reads well and she maps for a soft run. She deserves another chance. GLAD RAG DOLL (9) stepped up to this distance beaten 1.4L here on a heavy track. She will be better for that and despite the awkward gate - and dry track - is a chance. MARLEE'S ZANDER (10) resumes and made good improvement at the back of his last preparation. The rail should advantage and keep safe. SEMPER PARATUS (7) was outgraded at the Gold Coast but his Gatton effort on debut prior suggested he will win races. Metro trained and improvement is likely.
RACE 4 - STAR CHANCE (8) has been knocking on the door at the provincials. He's on a 7-day return and maps for a soft run. The extra metres won't bother and he's well placed to be winning. Not sure what happened to GINASUE (10) at the Sunshine Coast 4 days ago but she had threatened there three times prior and they are a better measure of her chances today. Drops back 300m and no surprise to see her right in the finish. JENNY'S ROSE (3) led and won a Maiden at Toowoomba by 3.5L over this distance. Didn't have the best of it at Ipswich following in harder than this. Is likely to sit closer today and a bounce isn't out of the question. CHANCE WITH WOLVES (1) will give away a start but will be around the mark if things go his way.
RACE 5 - Tough. VORTEXIA (7) is a former Victorian who resumed for the new stable with a comfortable Maiden win at Lismore. She can use the inside barrier and winning form is good form in this contest. Has more to give and can take the next step. THE BOI (4) runs along and the lightly-raced galloper placed at Gatton this grade starting favourite. Peaks today and Stanley sticking aboard is a decent push for his chances. SOCIAL STAR (3) was quickly back on track beaten less than 2L at Gatton in a 62. Needs a good ride but rates well and presents on the fresh side. Should be in the finish with average luck. TAKARA STAR (6) is hard to catch but has pieces of form that would see her competitive. Collett is a positive jockey switch replacing the 3kg apprentice.
RACE 6 - BONJOUR RUPERT (7) resumed at the Sunshine Coast beaten 1.8L after a switch of yards. Maps well and Stanley is a key jockey booking. Has won 2/3 second up and this suits. COMMAND APPROVED (5) lifted his figures beaten 1.6L at Toowoomba from the front. That's good form and he has the early speed to skip over from the awkward barrier. A senior hoop replaces the apprentice. JIMMY'S DREAM (2) resumed at 70 level with a solid effort and quick improvement is likely. He is proven second up and is advantaged in easier company by the inside gate a 2kg claim. In a form barn with a strong record here. HUSS ON FIRST (9) improved again beaten 1L at Dalby in a 65 and then didn't have the best of it at Toowoomba in a CL2. She has an awkward gate but will hit the line over the longer sprint. BOOMI'S BUDDY (11) was back in the winner's stall winning a 55 this track/distance on a heavy track. The veteran always puts around here and can't be ruled out.
RACE 7 - EYE WANTED (7) peaks off a lip defeat here this grade and distance on a heavy track. She rode the speed and can do the same today from an inside barrier. Cartwright is a positive jockey switch replacing the 3kg apprentice. JUST FOR PLEASURE (5) will be much sharper second-up and has pieces of form that would see her competitive. She may control the race and will be hard to peg back. IMPERIONESS (4) has genuine claims but draws the outside gate and needs a good ride from the 2kg apprentice. HE'S A DEVIL (13) was going well before the flop at Stanthorpe. Better back in trip and is in the mix.
