Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - The first starters hold the key. MISHANI EXPLORER (2) is a debutant by Top Echelon from the Les Ross yard. Showed some ability in taking out his most recent trial with today's rider Samantha Collett steering. Could kick off with a win. CHAYSE 'N' PENNY (1) is a two-year-old gelding by Nicconi out of Ahbelle set to debut for the Kelly stable. Ryan Maloney aboard is a pointer. Serious contender, particularly if solid in the market. MISHANI FEARLESS (3) is a two-year-old gelding on debut from the stable of Les Ross. Comes here off a Beaudesert trial placing. Worth watching for a betting push. MISHANI UNLAWFUL (6) is another Ross runner to keep safe.
RACE 2 - BOSSED UP (5) resumes after a break of five-and-a-half months. Hoping for a repeat of his debut win over 1100m at Gatton to kick off last prep. Fitter for a recent trial at Eagle Farm. Should go well. JOJO RABBIT (8) led all the way to score on debut at this track and trip two-and-a-half weeks ago. Promising type who is open to improvement so can go back-to-back. TORQUE I TEE (3) resumes under a big weight but has won fresh and is proven both here and at the distance. Has trialled so expecting a good return. BOLD COMIC (1) has trialled since the resuming second and had gone to the paddock off a string of wins so respect.
RACE 3 - OLD SONG (5) was an eye-catcher when she returned from a spell two-and-a-half weeks ago, settling last but running on to be beaten 2.3 lengths into fourth over 1400m at Eagle Farm. Fitter and the longer trip suits. Can get the job done in this suitable assignment. ANEMACORE (2) missed by a nose on debut then atoned with a win over 1600m at this track last time, scoring comfortably. Sparingly raced and has more to offer. Could go through his grades now. SHOWDRA (8) is close to a win after back-to-back placings. She was was strongly fancied last start and ran on for second over 1600m at Grafton. Going well and is a leading contender. OCTAVIO (1) got off the mark over a similar trip last start and could go on with it.
RACE 4 - A BIG CHANCE (6) has been finding the line strongly over a mile in recent outings, the latest when beaten 2.5 lengths at Doomben. The longer trip should suit and he could take closer order from the inside draw so has winning claims. DHAKURI (2) has had four weeks off but has been kept ticking over with a recent trial. Has decent form including a close second two back at Sunshine Coast and races well at this trip so can be competitive. CHAMPAGNE POP (9) does her best work at this course including a strong win last time out. Must be respected along with last-start maiden winner PROSPERINA (11) who is lightly-raced with some upside.
RACE 5 - HE'S ESSENTIAL (1) returns from a spell of four-and-a-half months and is having his first run for Natalie McCall having previously been prepared in Victoria by Peter Moody. His best results have come at this distance and he has been readied with two trials so can make immediate impact. SCREAMING DIVA (9) was handy on straightening and fought on to finish third when resuming last start over 1100m at Ipswich. Fitter and goes well at this journey so anticipating another big run. SUNDAY MAIL (6) hasn't raced since winning his maiden in January but has been readied with two nice trials and is lightly raced with upside. TYCOON MISTRESS (12) deserved her maiden over this trip at Eagle Farm to follow a string of placings. Could go on with it.
RACE 6 - NITROGEN (1) found the line nicely to miss by just a nose when resuming over 1200m at Ipswich. He'll be improved the outing and the extra 200m should play into his hands. Leading player. SALAMANCAS (7) drifted back early on debut but worked home strongly to finish 0.6 lengths away in third at Ipswich over 1200m. Improver who looks a major player up in trip. RICH AGAIN (2) has the hoof on the till after running on for second in his last two outings, missing by just a head at this track and trip last time. Right in this.
RACE 7 - ULTIMATE OUTCOME (9) has improved with each run this time in, culminating in a last-start win at this course and distance when he closed strongly to score narrowly. At peak fitness now so could go on with it. HARMONY REIGNS (11) went to the paddock off a string of seconds and has been readied with a trial so keep her safe. DEEP TEMPEST (4) steps up to a distance where he has won both attempts so expect improvement second-up.
