Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ROCK LOBSTER (7) has not appeared since she finished fifth at Doomben in March and produced some decent efforts in that campaign including a second over 1200m at Eagle Farm. Has trialled and may have developed since last seen so could take some beating. INSPIRED DREAM (8) led and held on well to finish a half length away in second when first-up from a break last time out over 1000m at Toowoomba. Fitter so can give a bold sight again. ZORAYDAH (6) is a lightly-raced mare resuming off a trial win. Aided by the inside draw so expect a good showing. DAZZLING ILLUSION (1) hasn't raced since he debuted with a second at this track and trip eight months ago. Keep safe.
RACE 2 - WARRIORESS (5) chased well when beaten a long neck into fourth over 1000m at Eagle Farm three weeks ago. She'll relish the return to this venue where her record is strong and Ryan Maloney gets the best out of this mare. Can take this out. VICTORY WIN (8) looks to launch this prep the way he ended the last five months ago when he scored at this track and trip. Lightly raced with upside and is well drawn. Expect a bold showing. ZOUMETEOR (2) got home by half a length when resuming last time out at this course and distance. Has good early toe so he should enjoy a lower draw. One of the main contenders. SMASHINGPLATES (7) is working up to a win and will be at peak fitness now.
RACE 3 - THE DROVER (1) returns after a spell of five months. Started the last campaign well when in the placings over 1200m at Doomben so can perform when fresh. Hasn't missed the top-three and here and has been readied with a trial. Looks a strong prospect. ALLEZ ZOU (5) has been consistent and added to a string of top-four finishes when he wound up strongly last time out to finish 0.9 lengths adrift in third over 1000m at this track. The longer trip should suit. Among the leading chances. HOOT 'N' HOLLER (7) did well to score at Toowoomba two runs ago and was only beaten 2.6L over 1000m at this track last time. Contender. VENDIDIT (2) is a two-time fresh winner worth keeping safe off a couple of trials.
RACE 4 - BIG TICKET BOY (3) was a big improver second up when he raced on the speed and lifted to score by 1.3 lengths at today's track and trip last start. Fitter again so could be ready to go through his grades. BIAS (2) put the writing on the wall last start when he led and kicked on to go under by a neck when runner up at this venue. Won his only attempt at the mile and can peak fourth up. SOOBPURB DANCER (5) kept chasing when beaten just over 2 lengths into fourth at this venue last time. Back in trip but can play a role. FAT FINGERS (4) was solid in fourth here two weeks ago and is drawn to be competitive.
RACE 5 - KENSHIN MARU (2) showed ability in a two-start maiden campaign. He was beaten just a neck on debut at Doomben and headed to the paddock after placing at the same track in August. Readied for the return with a trial and is well drawn so can go close. SUITE SECRET (5) settled back but closed well on debut last time out, finishing 1.5 lengths from the winner in fourth over 1200m at this track. Likely improver who is suited by the longer trip. THE LAST FLASH (8) was in the market on debut and while she didn't feature she could do better with blinkers going on. CERARED (9) lifted her rating when second up and could progress again.
RACE 6 - BETTERLETMEDANCE (8) is back after a break of five months. Has raced just twice including a second here on debut. Likely to have developed further with maturity and looks ready to go following a minor placing in trial. Can break through. HEAVENLY CHOICES (9) has started twice, running a good second on debut then getting back but working home last time. Among the main chances. BEEN A SECRET (7) was at long odds on debut but ran on and finished fourth, beaten 2.5 lengths at this track and distance. Open to improvement. Robert Heathcote's debutant GRAPE EXPECTATIONS (2) must be kept safe off a win in a city trial.
RACE 7 - DHAKURI (1) worked home when beaten just a neck into second in a higher-graded race at this track last time. That added to a good record here that includes four wins. He can go one better. BIAS (3) put the writing on the wall last start when he led and kicked on to go under by a neck when runner up at this venue. Goes up in trip but is aided by the ace draw and can peak fourth up. SOOBPURB DANCER (6) wound up strongly to finish fourth last time, beaten 2 lengths over 2200m at this track. Has placed in two of three tries at the journey. Among the chances. THE LOVE ROCKET (8) is close to a win after placing in her last two tries here at the mile and is proven at this longer distance.
