Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HAYAI UMA (2) returns after a spell of three-and-a-half months and is looking to emulate her win at Toowoomba to kick off the last campaign. Has won two of three attempts at this distance and draws well. Top chance. CABRINELLA (3) is back after a break of four-and-a-half months having scored when last resuming at Gatton, giving her a 50 percent strike rate. Does her best work at this distance. Strong chance to kick the campaign off on the right note. KAT CHINNA (1) has won two of four second-up attempts and scored the only time he raced over this distance. Improver. SUNIKI (4) was only beaten 3L last start to follow a string of wins or placings. Go well.
RACE 2 - ENCRYPTED ELEGANCE (6) hasn't raced since her debut nine months ago when she battled on well for third over 1000m at Sunshine Coast. Likely to have developed further with maturity and two easy trial wins suggest she is back in good order. SWITCH AND SLIDE (4) was consistent last time having put together a string of placings before a last-start fourth at Yeppoon. Draws well so can make an impact. SAY WHEN SUTTY (10) is lightly raced and last appeared when leading and sticking on to place at Gold Coast poly in November. Go well from a low draw. QUINSTEP GIRL (9) led and fought on for second last start 800mat this track and trip to continue her consistent form. Can play a role. MALTALI (2) finished third last start at the first run back from a spell over 860m at Gatton, beaten 1.5 lengths. Respect.
RACE 3 - WILLNOTQUIT (6) is back in class after finishing 4.6 lengths away over 1825m at Eagle Farm last start on the back of a Sunshine Coast placing. Looks well placed and has winning claims. PAPAL MISS (1) ran a nice race last time out, finishing fourth and beaten only 1.7 lengths over 2076m at this track. Draws closer to the fence so anticipating a big run this time. THE WELLIAN (2) will be fitter for recent racing, the latest in a stronger contest at Doomben. His lone win came over this distance so this suits. VACATION LEAVE (3) must be respected after scoring at this track and trip last time out.
RACE 4 - TIRITIRI (5) turned in a strong run last time at the first run of the prep when he settled well back before running on to be beaten only a head into second over 1200m at this track. Fitter and the longer journey suits. Top chance. JOE MAMA (1) should find this easier than the last two attempts and before that led and kicked away for a 2.8L maiden win at Gatton. Draws well and can make an impact. KASEAR (7) hasn't been far from the placings in both runs since a spell. Proven third up so can peak. TAVISTOCK GROVE (9) improved plenty to win her maiden at just her second start at this course and distance last time. Could go on with it.
RACE 5 - PASSIONATE REBEL (1) made a winning return at this track and trip last start, scoring by 2 lengths. Generally runs well second-up and is aided by another low draw. Another win looks on the cards. ISLA'S DAY (5) was doing her best work late last start when second behind Passionate Rebel. Meets that rival 1.5kg better at the weights so could turn the tables. SOCK'EMSID (12) is close to a win off back-to-back placings. Yet to miss the top three at this course and distance including a win. Go well. ALERT AND READY (9) won the only time she attempted this track and trip so respect.
RACE 6 - TOROS (11) looks close to a win after placing at both runs, the latest when second over this distance at Sunshine Coast. Has upside and this could be her chance to put a win on the board. TORQUE ABOUT MAGIC (12) drifted well back when resuming last start then came with a powerful run to finish 1.1 lengths from the winner in third over 1000m at Sunshine Coast. Fitter and the longer trip should suit. FIELD OF MARS (1) made ground for fifth at Toowoomba in his first appearance for this yard. Can progress. The lightly-raced HI JULES (8) should be ready to go resuming off three trial placings. Keep safe.
RACE 7 - BEAUTY BOUND (9) brings good form from NSW having clocked in second two back at Kembla Grange before an easy win last time over 1100m at Murwillumbah, scoring by 3.2 lengths. Could be ready to work through her grades. DEEP FIRE (4) is a progressive galloper who is first-up since finishing seventh over 1200m at Doomben four months ago at the only run of that prep. Fitter for a recent trial. Her best figures measure right up. HOOKS (5) raced on the speed last start and battled on well but found one better over this trip at Sunshine Coast. Has a good record at this journey with two wins and two placings from six starts. Contender. BEAN ROCKING (7) is close to a win after placing in his last four runs, the latest over this journey at Ipswich. Respect.
RACE 8 - ROTHERO ESSGEE (7) is close to a win following back-to-back placings at this venue, last time leading and kicking on for third over this distance. Gets the same low draw and can play a role again. STRYKING PRINCESS (10) missed by just a head at Goondiwindi last start on the back of another second at Ipswich. Draws well and can be in the finish again. ZEELUCK (6) is working up to a win having placed in his last two outings, only missing by a head last start. Proven at this course and distance so could go one better. WHISTLIN' RULER (17) improved his rating when second-up last time and could take another step forward.
