Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CARACRISTI (5) won a trial prior to finishing fourth here on debut 3 weeks ago when she just peaked on her run late. She will be better for that experience and is drawn to receive the run of the race early on from the pole position. Hard to beat. TRAVELLING SWEET (9) has opened her career with a brace of third placings and less than half a length from the winner at her last start. Bubba Tilley steps into the irons and the pair merit healthy respect. WELL HELD (1) is a stablemate of the third pick who has been runner-up in both of his career starts to date. He has been gelded since his last start here 4 weeks ago and is poised to go one better this time. MISHANI I AM (2) is improving with each start and he ran a better race for fourth last start with the blinkers on for the first time. Stick with him on an each-way basis.
RACE 2 - DOUBTING EYE (2) has found his best form since moving to North Queensland and was too slick for his rivals here nearly 2 weeks ago when taking them all of the way, scoring by well over 4 lengths. This is not much harder and he can win again. GOLDSCHLAGER (1) is seldom far away at this level and she has not missed a cheque in 3 starts on this track. She won a recent trial very comfortably and even though she normally needs a run, she can make a winning return this time. Watch the markets closely. LANOVA (5) is racing her way back into full fitness and was a brave third on a heavy track at Thangool last start. She has yet to fire over the trip but gets her chance to amend that stat in this average lineup. GILBERT'S GOLD (4) is also in the mix.
RACE 3 - ROY'S ROAD (3) cannot be faulted this prep and was only beaten by a nose on a soft track here 3 weeks ago. She has 2-kilos less to carry this time and can go one better, especially if she strikes a more preferable firmer track. ALEACO (2) has hit his straps recently and made it 2 wins on the bounce when scoring here nearly a fortnight ago by just over half-a-length. He is being stretched out to a mile again and in his current space, he can get the job done again. DEVIL KICK (1) saves her best for this circuit and did not quite round off her run over 1800 metres at Cairns a fortnight ago. She won over that trip before that and won't lack fitness. She can bounce back immediately in this.
RACE 4 - DESERT MOON (4) hit the line strongly at Mackay last start over 1100 metres, finishing fifth. He has a query around 1400 metres but if his last run is any indication, he should cope with the trip this time. Having 4.5 kilos less to carry will help and he can get the job done. CANNY BE BETTER (3) was an all-the-way winner here over this trip at his penultimate start and then fought on bravely for second as favourite at Mackay a fortnight ago, when racing from just off the pace. He drops back to his pet trip and can make an immediate return to the winners' circle. SRINI (1) is a very consistent performer chasing down a hat-trick of wins after scoring comfortably in his last 2 starts here. He saves his best for his home track and Ryan Wiggins will give him every chance again. MAJESTICS REQUEST (2) is nearing his best again after 4 runs for new trainer John Wigginton. He slides back in class and will make the most of his perfect inside gate. Each way.
RACE 5 - JERIDAH (8) is heading the right way and hit the line strongly when finishing runner-up here 3 weeks ago in his first start with the blinkers on. He has always promised more than he has delivered and is now finding his best with more racing under his belt. A wide is no help but with the right run, he can have the last say. THE CRANOCH (3) finished third on debut and then failed to fire at his next start before being put aside to mature. He will be a lot stronger this prep and he did look sharp in a recent trial here late last month. Each-way claims. HANGIN' AROUND (2) finished runner-up in a recent trial and hails from the powerful Clint Taylor stable. He is sure to have plenty of admirers on debut. WHITSUNDAY SESSION (12) is a dual trial-winning stablemate of the fourth pick. Can win.
RACE 6 - BOLD ROUGE (6) stuck to his task bravely when finishing third last time out at the Sunshine Coast on a heavy track and should find things a touch easier further North this time. She will be peaking third up and has the blinkers on for the first time. Ryan Wiggins in the saddle is a good lead and she can take this out. TWO OF US (8) has been thereabouts in both of her starts this prep and was probably unsuited by a heavy track at Thangool last time out. She has a good draw here and more importantly, she has the services of top senior hoop Chris Whiteley. The blinkers are back on and she can win. TOUR DE FIELD (5) has placed in both runs since a spell and should be peaking. Looking for improvement from FULMEN (2).
RACE 7 - FAY FAYE (3) made all of the running at Mackay a fortnight ago when scoring easily by 3 lengths. She is just as good on this track and won't find this assignment any harder. With only half a kilo more to carry this time, thanks to a 2-kilo claim, she can win again. BEST SONG (10) is normally thereabouts and has the pace to make full use of her perfect inside draw here. She drops back to a more suitable trip for this and should be right in the finish. THISLAND IS MYLAND (1) was a beaten favourite here 3 weeks ago when finishing fourth. He will be at his peak fitness now and slides back in class for the first time this prep. Hard to beat from a handy gate. DRAGON'S SNIP (7) saves his best for this track and might have resented being in front at Mackay last time out. Ryan Wiggins steps back into the irons and the pair merit healthy respect. Can win.
