Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - JUST CLIFFY (2) made a strong debut when he showed speed and fought on for second, beaten 0.6 lengths over 800m at Ipswich. Sure to take a lot from that hitout so he shouldn't be a maiden for long. VICTORY STATEMENT (8) is a daughter of Press Statement on debut for the Miller yard. Solid effort to place in a recent trial and is aided by the inside draw. Jim Byrne rides so expect a good showing. ITALIAN RIVIERA (1) is a gelded son of Shalaa on debut for Stuart Kendrick. Hasn't been seen at the trials but hails from a good yard so must be kept safe along with All Too Hard filly SCOTTVILLE SCOOTER (6) who showed enough at the trials to be competitive.
RACE 2 - A LOT OF BOOTY (6) wound up strongly when resuming last time out to finish a neck adrift in third over this trip at Sunshine Coast, continuing his consistent form from last campaign. Has a win and a placing in two second-up attempts so can progress enough to win. DIVINE OKAY (3) has placed in both runs since a spell, last start beaten 1.3L over this course and distance. Building in fitness and is proven third up so can peak. JAFUBOY (7) went to the paddock off a win at Gatton in November and has been readied with a solid trial so keep safe.
RACE 3 - TOP SPY (3) has been freshened and has trialled since she was pulled up last start at Eagle Farm and was in fine form before that with back-to-back Rockhampton wins. Her best figures measure right up so prepared to give her another chance. PALATIAL PRINCE (7) is progressing well this preparation. Opened with a fifth at Sunshine Coast two starts back then got the job done by a nose as favourite last time out at this track and trip. Can go on with it. WHISTLING SPIRIT (4) has been racing well at Doomben, beaten half a length into second two back and less than two lengths last start. Go well. MENARI MAGIC (5) recorded back-to-back placings then ran on to be beaten 2.2L last start at Doomben. Don't underestimate.
RACE 4 - PUSH TURBO (6) gave a bold display over this course and distance last start, racing on the speed and boxing on well to finish third. That made it back-to-back placings so a breakthrough looks imminent. DIVAKARA (1) debuted a month ago when he settled last but worked home for fifth over 1400m at Eagle Farm. Better for the experience and the step up to the mile should suit. SUPER FAIR (7) made progress last time out, working home and finishing 2.8 lengths from the winner in third over 1540m at Gold Coast Poly. That was her first attempt on all weather so another forward showing looks likely. BUTE MOVES (2) finished fourth last time out over 1200m at Sunshine Coast. Steps up in distance today and may be ready to show more.
RACE 5 - ALL'S FAIR (5) has raced against tougher opposition at Eagle Farm in all three starts this time in and there has been merit in those efforts, last time stepping up in trip to be beaten just over 3L. At peak fitness now and is better placed. SKATER (2) was in a different class last time, registering a dominant 4 length win at this track and trip to make it two victories on the bounce. Clearly enjoyed the poly last time. Big chance to land the hat trick. BIE'RES (3) is two from two on all weather surfaces, last time scoring by one length over 1540m at Gold Coast Poly. That gave her three wins and a close second from her last four starts so must rate highly.
RACE 6 - WASSA (12) has switched to the Kendrick yard since his last run at Ipswich when trained by Chris Waller. Eye-catching effort two back at Eagle Farm when he worked home to be beaten 2.8 lengths over this distance. This suits. I AM AMAZES (8) improved for second last time at Kilcoy and is drawn for a soft run. That makes her the threat ahead of THE MERCHANT (6) who ran a much better race last time. Has only teased to date but think he can get involved.
RACE 7 - TORQUE ABOUT MAGIC (13) finished strongly when resuming last start to finish third, beaten 1.1 lengths over 1000m at Sunshine Coast. Better for that outing and may take closer order from the inside draw. With improvement likely he has strong claims. CHERBOURG (5) is another that is first up having previously raced in Victoria and has shown enough to be competitive in this region. See him as the main danger ahead of CRYPTO KING (6) who gets blinkers on and can improve second up.
RACE 8 - LAWBREAKER (9) has been racing well in the city, recording back-to-back Eagle Farm placings before a three-length fourth over 2040m at Doomben last time out. Has won on all weather before so looks well placed. BOSTON OF TUFFY (1) is close to a win having clocked in second in his last two outings at Gold Coast Poly, the latest over today's journey. Expect he will be a major player again. SEERESS (12) has put together a string of top-four finishes so can figure in the finish again.
RACE 9 - CHASETON (2) produced an encouraging effort when he opened this campaign with a second, beaten 1.3 lengths over 1000m at this track. Will be fitter for that and his lone win came at this distance. With improvement likely he has winning claims. MY DOG DIESEL (1) missed by just a nose first up then atoned last time, showing speed and digging deep to score by a neck over 1050m at Gold Coast Poly. Yet to miss a place in six attempts at this distance, winning three. Draws for a soft run so can go on with it. ONE IN ALL (5) faded out last time but led throughout two back at Sunshine Coast. Draws well so is worth another chance. TORRE EGGER (8) registered his first win last start over 1050m at Gold Coast Poly, getting home by 1.3 lengths. Can be competitive again.
