Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - OCTAVIO (1) is racing well and looks close to a win after placing in both runs since a spell, the latest effort a solid third at Ipswich over 1350m. Worked home solidly there so the longer trip should suit. Peaking third up so can strike. PRETTY LITTLE LIAR (10) improved at start number two when 1.5 lengths away in third over 1400m at Beaudesert. Progressive type who can take another step forward. ACES UP (4) drops in grade on the last attempt and has claims off a placing two back. ENCOMPASS (2) is a likely improver up in trip second up.
RACE 2 - CONQUISTADORES (2) has been racing in great heart with two placings on end, the latest a second over 1600m at Sunshine Coast when he missed by just a nose. Has placed in both attempts at this distance range and will be race fit now so can break through. RASHFORD (4) made some ground on debut then improved up to the mile last start, fighting on for third at Gatton when beaten 0.9 lengths. Capable of another strong performance. SHADOW CRUISER (5) missed by just a head two back at Eagle Farm then worked home for fourth over 1350m at Ipswich last time. Suspect he is looking for this journey. JUST A HERO (9) gave a sight when beaten 1.3L into fourth when third up at Sunshine Coast. That should have brought him to peak fitness.
RACE 3 - RADIANT REMI (5) has produced three nice efforts since a fresh win, last time doing her best work late to finish just one length from the winner in second at Ipswich. That was her first defeat in three attempts at this distance range. Can find the winner's circle. HEROIC MISS (6) is putting together some solid results. Kicked off the campaign with two placings then scored by 1.5 lengths as public elect last time out over 1100m at Gatton. Well drawn and could go on with it. CABRINELLA (3) looks close to a win after she raced on the speed last start and fought on for second to Heroic Miss. She is good enough to play a role again. LANDSBOROUGH LAD (2) was consistent last time in and was readied with a trial win so keep him safe fresh.
RACE 4 - DAYTONA (3) hasn't been far away in two runs since a spell and they should have brought him to his peak. Placed here fresh then was only beaten 1.5 lengths over 1200m at Eagle Farm last time out. Gets Maloney on and can break through. FLAG HALL (6) kicked off the campaign with back-to-back wins before a second in open 3YO company last time. Going well and this suits. I AM TAKINGTHELOT (8) continued a string of wins and placings when scoring last time at Ipswich. Yet to miss a place at this distance and is drawn to advantage. HANG FIVE (4) was racing consistently before the last outing and should find this easier.
RACE 5 - FIRST TO MARS (2) is a newcomer to the Eric Hayes yard from Victoria and he brings consistent form having only once missed the top-four in his last five starts. He can measure right up. OCEAN HONOUR (5) improved second up when he raced on the pace and lifted strongly to hold second, beaten a head over today's journey at Ipswich. Fitter again and doesn't need to lift a lot to strike. KITEMA (4) was beaten for pace on debut but worked home when beaten 2.3 lengths over 1200m at Ipswich. The longer trip will suit so can improve with that run under his belt. MISS SHU (15) was beaten just half a length into second when resuming. That was just her second outing so she is open to improvement in both fitness and experience.
RACE 6 - ALBERICH (1) will appreciate the longer journey after working home for a solid fourth when resuming last start over 1350m at Ipswich. Usually performs well with a run under his belt. He looks nicely placed with Orman going on. TOOLATEMATE (11) only missed narrowly two back at Ipswich and chased well last start on the poly. May appreciate returning to the turf and looks the main danger. MILIARENSE (10) could be close to a win after placing in her last three outings and gets the inside draw. SUBSTANCE (7) has been solid in two runs since a maiden win so respect.
RACE 7 - BULLION BOY (7) put the writing on the wall last start when he closed strongly to be beaten 1.3L over 1300m at Eagle Farm after he settled well back. Has further improvement to come third up and is worth following up. YES TO EXCESS (13) didn't do a bad job when sixth in a richer race last start over 1300m at Eagle Farm, beaten 1.5 lengths. That followed a win at Ipswich the start prior. Finds a suitable assignment and can rediscover winning form. TOJAKI (12) is progressive and could take the next step after winning her two runs at Sunshine Coast so far this campaign. MISS TAMBO (10) will be race fit now and could strike after chasing well to get close last time.
