Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TYCOON LAD (2) won his penultimate start over a similar trip at a recent Home Hill picnic meeting before finishing third over a mile at Ingham 10 days ago. He is rock hard fit and should go close to taking this out. MURRAJONG ROAD (1) lifted strongly late to score by a short-head at Rockhampton 18 days ago and he has a good record here as well. He handles any sort of track condition and only has to cope with a 2.5kg weight rise to be hard to beat again. DEEL WITH ME (5) has been kept busy with racing lately and it seems to be agreeing with him as his form has taken a turn for the better. He would prefer some cut in the ground and is well worth each-way consideration here. RELEASE LE MISSILE (4) ran on late to finish third here last time out and this time has Ryan Wiggins in the saddle which is always an advantage. He steps back up to a middle distance and is capable of figuring in the finish again.
RACE 2 - BOLLA BOLLA BABE (6) tried hard on debut when finishing third after racing greenly throughout the run. She will be better for the experience and benefits from a 3kg claim. On top, especially from the pole position. BANG STICK (1) did a good job when finishing third on debut at Townsville 9 days ago and could have finished closer to the winner that day had he run straight. The blinkers will help keep his mind on the job, and his first win is not far away. NOSEY NEO (4) will be peaking third up and his effort to finish fourth last time out was not too bad as he hung around the final bend. The blinkers are on so stick with him. Each way. WHATTA MISSION (3) is a first starter from the Liam Birchley stable who has trekked a fair way to be here. Top hoop Justin P Stanley takes the ride. Watch closely.
RACE 3 - ONE PERCENT (1) was only bloused right on the line when finishing runner-up by a nose at Rockhampton when making his debut there nearly 3 weeks ago. He will naturally improve from that effort and is ready to go one better. ME TIME (8) has been freshened up since failing to run on as expected last time out over 1200m at Rockhampton. She is better placed over this trip and can improve on a firmer surface. Each way. LADY DE VEGA (12) let down strongly from midfield when finishing second here 12 days ago and has 4kg less to carry this time thanks to a claim. She should settle closer to the pace with an extra 100m to travel here and can go one better. BOYFRIEND MATERIAL (7) has shifted from a Victorian stable to join Jared Wehlow who has a fantastic record with similar types. A market watch is recommended. JOHN'S ROAD (11) finished fourth here as favourite in his first start for local trainer Tracy Simmons. He is a quick improver and can get the job done. Follow your money.
RACE 4 - LETMELETGO (5) blotted his copybook good form last time out at Yeppoon but did have to lump 62kg. He drops 8kg here and gets a boost with Justin P Stanley in the irons. He starts from pole position and can make immediate amends. BRAD (4) has needed both of his starts back from a spell and has a terrific record on his home track. He is ready to put his best hoof forward in this. Each way value. THE DRILLER (6) fought on strongly when finishing fourth in tight quarters at Townsville 9 days ago. He won't mind dropping back to 1300m from the mile and another honest effort is likely. Include in all multiples. STAMPE (2) is a handy veteran on his day and is in a good space right now. Watch closely.
RACE 5 - TRICKETEER (4) is a progressive gelding who built strongly to score by half-a-length here 12 days ago. He won't have any issue with the slight class rise and carries 2kg less this time. He has a good draw and can double up. THE PUNISHER (2) won his penultimate start on the Sunshine Coast before changing stables and finishing second on this track last time out. He has less time between runs leading into this and will be hard to hold out. EARLY FUSION (1) is proving to be a very handy performer and made it 4 wins this prep from 6 starts when scoring by over a length at Rockhampton nearly 3 weeks ago. He remains in pretty much the same grade and another victory will not be a surprise. NONDISCLOSURE (3) has changed stables since having his last start at Pakenham in May. He narrowly won a recent trial at Rockhampton and in a positive move he has the blinkers back on. He can win this but the markets will be your best guide.
RACE 6 - DANCE FOR ME RANDY (1) was too touch fresh up at Innisfail just over 3 weeks ago when leading all the way to grip on for a short-head victory. He is likely to be ridden with cover from his wide gate this time but is well above average and is good enough to progress right through the grades this season. OBLIGATED (6) was chasing a hat-trick of wins being just missing out by a nose behind the second pick last start. The extra 100m will suit him and he meets that runner better off at the weights this time. From a superior gate, he can turn the tables. MISSISSIPPI MORN (9) is chasing down a hat-trick after a pair of picnic wins to open his career. He has scope and should not be risked. MARGOT BARBIE (8) just battled on her big weight last time out and can bounce back into the money here with 6.5kg less to carry. Include in all multiples.
RACE 7 - SPEC OF SILVER (9) is a super consistent local mare who followed up her win here earlier in the month with a game effort for third 12 days ago as favourite over 1300m. She slides back in grade here and will be right at home over 1100m. Hard to beat again. MIL CIENTO (1) charged home from near last to get up and score by a short-head here 12 days ago. He needs the right tempo but with 1 kilo less to carry this time while remaining in the same class, he can repeat the dose. Watch for him late. DISCOVERED GOLD (13) has changed stables after he initial campaign that saw her win on debut before finishing second last time out at the start of the season. She bolted home in a recent trial for her new trainer and is quite capable of winning fresh up as well. BORNEO (2) did not have much luck at Townsville last time out and is worth another chance from the pole position. Don't drop him.
