Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tough. FROM THIS MOMENT (5) runs along and may have had excuses at her latest. Won here prior and will likely control the race. Just need to run out the extra 300m. LETS TORQUE A DEEL (2) was too good here three back over this distance but has been plainer since at the non-TABS. Has the handy 2kg claim and it'd be no surprise to see him get back on track. SHADOW GODDESS (1) won here over 1560m beating the above home. Butler sticking is a plus and he's a chance to go on. LEICA BITA FUN (6) is knocking on the door but it's been a long time between drinks.
RACE 2 - DONMORE GIRL (5) trialled sharply and was narrowly beaten here as favourite on debut. Strips fitter and it's hard to risk the lethal Stanley-Taylor linkage. OUR BENEFIT (2) was narrowly beaten at Townsville and can keep improving. Has the blinkers applied the first time and Wiggins is a key jockey switch. A live chance. HE'S THE ONE (1) resumes and went close his only fresh run. Can come back improved and has to be considered. EYES ARE LION (6) tries hard and is on a quick backup. A minor hope with a wide gate to manage.
RACE 3 - THE HAIRDRESSER (4) debuts for a high-striking barn and the in-form Stanley sticks from two sharp trials. Has the blinkers on and the stable has a whopping 37% strike rate with first starts. Finds a winnable assignment. MISS DE BOOM (3) just missed as favourite at Home Hill and has more to offer. Finally draws a low barrier and can get into the finish. CHUCKA TANTY (1) debuted here in a non-TAB and found a place. Had good support and will get her chance with the extra fitness and learning. JUST LIKE ROSIE (6) will be better third-up and may be the best of the rest.
RACE 4 - Competitive. TOTO (5) was a big 70 winner here and then jumped awkwardly at Innisfail over shorter and got into a place. Going on his NSW form the 1200m shouldn't prove an issue. Draws low and has the key jockey switch to the in-form Stanley. REAL KEY (3) made the hat-trick here with a comfortable win and then flopped in the bush heavily bet. Butler is reunited and that's a positive. He can bounce back without surprising. DEVIL KICK (9) resumes and has won fresh. Races forward and she's right up to this at best. Has a low barrier and has to be kept safe. TYCOON BABY (7) is capable and quick improvement is anticipated.
RACE 5 - JANEAN (2) brings a string of wins with the latest this grade at Rockhampton. Has more weight but will use the rail and it's hard to risk the potent Stanley-Taylor linkage. The one to beat again. SCHATZI (8) won here this grade three-back and has been around the mark since. Has a small claim and finally draws a handy barrier. Will race forward and is a chance. VAIN FOX (3) is a leader who won a Sunshine Coast 55 first-up and then folded up over a longer sprint at Rockhampton. Will be better third-up and draws to advantage. Wiggins is a key jockey booking. WINTILLY (7) resumes and is a former Victorian who is right up to this at best. Brings a solid trial but has a wide gate. May need one but she has to be kept onside.
RACE 6 - Tricky. ROCK 'N' SOL (10) spiked his figures here a month ago and it was a good effort. Tumbles in weight this grade and has a key jockey switch with the in-form Stanley taking over from the 2kg apprentice. Finally has a soft barrier and gets the nod on the merit of the last run. ECHO POINT (1) was an easy winner second-up in a bush Quality. He has more to give and has a handy 2kg claim. Go well. SAVVY LEGEND (2) drops back to the mile and a top rider is aboard for the first time. Has been racing off his peaks but this isn't hard. Stablemate VALLEY OF DREAMS (5) is also hard to catch but has the ability. Has a wide barrier but has plenty of weight relief. In the mix. THE DRILLER (3) from the same stable is also worth a look.
RACE 7 - Competitive. SEISME (2) is a leader who resumes off an easy Maiden win at Rockhampton and owns a 5L trial win there over 900m. Lightly raced and is sure to have come on. Wiggins is a key jockey booking and he should go close. ENCROACHMENT (3) is a former Sydney galloper who won his Maiden first-up and then missed a whisker in a 55 both heavily bet at Barcaldine. Has more to give and draws for a soft run. Keeps the small claim and can bounce back. APRIL LOVE (8) was beaten 1L at Rockhampton and can springboard off that. Her best would have her fighting out the finish. ORCA (6) has a wide gate but may be best of the rest.
