Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CARE TAKER (1) just missed here before the break and was beaten a half-length at Mackay first-up. Maps for the run of the race and Butler replaces the 2kg apprentice. Fitter and the one to beat. LOVE 'N' VISION (11) peaks and should be ready to show more on the 6-day return. Finally draws an inside gate and Morrison rides. She's flying. CHOCMINT (3) went close at Mackay and is on the improve. He deserves consideration. THE GENERAL TALKS (8) rates similarly on the first up placing here in a non-TAB. He's come back to racing much better.
RACE 2 - PRINCE AKEEM (1) missed a nose here in a 65 spiking his figures. The mile should suit and he's a strong chance. STRATHCONA (3) is racing well and maps to advantage. A decent chance to bounce. BARMERA (4) was disappointing at Ingham but had been going well prior. Butler is back on and he will run along and give a sight. DICKIN MEDAL (7) hasn't won for a long while but is racing well and deserves consideration.
RACE 3 - CINQUE TERRE (2) was quickly back into the winner's circle winning an Open here over this distance. Gets more weight but she can go on with the job. TAVISTEEL (6) led and folded up in the same contest. Rates well off the near miss prior and has a 2kg claim today. She may take a sit today and go better. MEDAL (1) went well enough here behind Cinque Terre to suggest he's a hope. HIGHER LOVE (3) might be the one to fill out the first-four.
RACE 4 - TAMBO'S JUSTICE (4) led and demolished the Maidens here by 5L on debut over 1300m. A gun jockey sticks aboard and he'll make short work on the awkward gate. He's promising and can take the next step. ULTIMATE (5) has been around the mark both starts this preparation and it was a strong effort last time after settling last. He has more to give and can get into the finish. KEEP ON RUNNING (3) raced forward and deserved the Maiden win here. He was plain at Home Hill following but comes back home and can get back on track. EUROMANTIC (6) was plain at Cairns but missed 1L at Mackay prior. She hasn't won for a long while but is going well enough to get some of the cash. DEER HUNTER (1) is third up and Butler rides for the first time. Has been kept on the fresh side and won't be far away.
RACE 5 - HEAD HONCHO (3) missed a nose first up in a strong form race before delivering an Open 3 at this course/trip. He maps for the run of the race and fitter rates to go on with the job. NORTHERNONTAP (5) found more like his best narrowly beaten here this grade. He will push forward and form the quinella. YAMABUSHI (2) continues to race well at the non-TABS. He runs along and has a handy 3kg claim today. In the mix. THE WALLET (6) draws awkwardly and will also skip across to the speed. A minor hope.
RACE 6 - REEMYYA (6) has switched from a Brisbane barn on a 35-day return. She has been racing in stronger maidens and she's capable of using the inside gate. Finds a winnable race and the betting will be key. SUPERSTITIONS (2) brings two near misses from the non-TABS and was heavily bet at Atherton last time. He's a leader who gets in well with the 3kg claim and has a handy gate. LITTLE IFFY (12) has been within range and has weight relief. She will position forward and will carry a feather with the claim. KEEPTHEWOLVESAWAY (1) debuts. Has a wide gate but the in-form Morrison's engagement interests. The betting will be key.
RACE 7 - JOHN JOSEPH (4) races forward and deserved the 65 win here 11 days ago heavily bet. That stacks right up and Butler sticks aboard. Peaks today and can go on with the job. MISS TAMBO (6) switched from the top Brisbane stable and was backed off the map winning a CL3 here over 1000m. She has more to give and draws to advantage. A gun hoop is engaged and she's feared. VIBURNUM (8) can use the inside barrier and is busting to win. Has a handy 2kg claim and will give a sight. CASTILE (1) resumes and has won 2/5 first-up and never missed a place. He goes well here and over this distance and can get some of the money with average luck from the awkward barrier.
RACE 8 - SILVER GLITTER (9) resumed with a 1L defeat in an Open 2 at Mackay and can bounce off that. Maps well and benefits from a 2kg claim. The danger is likely to be PLATINUM FIELD (1) who is first up following a switch from the top Victorian stable. He is right up to this at best and has won fresh. Draws an inside barrier and the blinkers are applied again. MISHANI MAVERICK (4) is third-up and improved. Butler is a key jockey switch replacing the 3kg apprentice. In the mix. MY ARTIE (3) hasn't been far away and finally draws a low barrier. Morrison sticking aboard is a positive.
