Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MOTAMAYIZ (1) battled on fairly fresh up and slides back in class for this. He is immediately up to a middle-distance which is a good sign second up and he does normally improve with racing. Hard to beat this time. CALDANTE (7) has been a touch below his best recently but the key here is the extra 300 metres on offer. Each way claims from the perfect inside gate. VANA STAR (5) likes it here and has won twice already over this journey. He was just over a length from the winner in fourth place here just over a fortnight ago and is overdue for another win. LEICA BITA FUN (4) has finished third in his couple of starts and has senior hoop Chris Whiteley taking over from an apprentice. He could make all the difference where it matters most. Can win.
RACE 2 - ONLY ONE LOOK (13) was out of her grade fresh up here and drops back into maiden company second up. She is nicely weighted and from a decent gate, she is expected to improve quickly. DIVINE SIENNA (4) is nearing her first win and put the writing on the wall with a hard-fought second at Rockhampton last start. She has not missed a cheque in 3 starts on this track and can go one better. SALEM (5) is making his local debut after making the move from Victoria. He won the most recent of 3 trials and will be primed for a big run fresh up. Can win.
RACE 3 - BOLD PEDRO (1) did not fire in town at Doomben last start but that was in much tougher company. He is better placed at this level and showed that he had taken no harm from his last run by finishing a close second in a recent trial. He is the one to beat in this. FRESH PRINCE (4) is very consistent and cannot be faulted this prep. He was only run down late at Townsville last start and drops in class for this. He has a good gate and could take them all the way this time. SHADOW PROJECT (8) is normally running on strongly in his races and was doing just that last time out when finishing third here just over 2 weeks ago. Each way claims again. DIASONIC (3) beat a similar field here 2 back, including the third pick, and then was too slick at the recent Charters Towers picnic meeting 9 days ago. Stick with him.
RACE 4 - HARCH ROAD (9) has been close up in all 5 starts this prep and was just over half a length from the winner when runner-up as favourite at Rockhampton last time out. He has plenty in his favour this time and should get the job done. Follow your money. ALONTRO (11) ran a better race last start when finishing fourth and he can settle a touch closer to the early pace this time from the pole position. He is a long-time maiden who should be thereabouts again in this. SEISME (7) is racing very consistently and was only a head from the winner in third place here last start. He is being stepped up in trip for the first time here and that could make all of the difference. Ryan Wiggins sticks with him and so do we. BATTLE SOUND (1) had his last start at Sale in Victoria and battled on fairly well for sixth. A change of scenery can help and any market support should be followed in.
RACE 5 - BOLD AND LUCY (5) has trialled since having a couple of runs in far tougher company at Eagle Farm recently. He has won 5 races over the trip and is ideally placed with 54 kilos on her back. Hard to beat in this. KOBE ROCKS (3) was an all-of-the-way winner at the recent Charters Towers picnic meeting 9 days ago and he has just as good of a record at the full tote meetings as well. He is likely to set them up in front again and will be hard to peg back. READY FOR MAGIC (7) was runner-up in a 4-horse field when resuming and will relish the extra furlong on offer here. He has won 3 times second up in the past and cannot be ruled out of winning this.
RACE 6 - HE'S THE ONE (8) fought on doggedly for fourth fresh up and does normally improve quickly with a run under his be;t. He is a lot stronger this prep so the extra 100 metres won't be an issue. He drops in class and should be very hard to beat. ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER (13) broke through for a tough maiden win at Townsville nearly 2 weeks ago in an effort that was not totally unexpected. She can continue to improve and take the next step immediately. EL OF A SENORITA (9) is heading the right way and was a solid runner-up at Thangool a fortnight ago. This is a slightly stronger field but she can still give a good account of herself. DIVINE HUNTER (14) was only beaten by a nose here last start and has a superior gate this time. Hard to beat.
RACE 7 - SENSATIONABULL (7) is better placed over a shorter trip and should be peaking third up for his new trainer. He benefits from a 2-kilo claim and is good enough to win a race like this. Stick with him. CHILL OUT MISS (6) has not had the best of runs in his last couple of starts and senior hoop Warwick Satherley takes over from an apprentice. More is expected this time. Each way value. AIRIT (1) built strongly to an overdue win at Thangool last time out and has placed in his only start on this circuit. he won't find this much harder and drops 3.5 kilos in weight. He can double the dose. DIAMOND MONEY (3) is resuming from a spell and has had 2 trials to help get him ready. Each way value in this even lineup
RACE 8 - BOOVEY (9) has changed stables since his last start in country NSW and has landed the perfect inside gate fresh up. He is nicely weighted and is poised to make a winning Queensland debut. Keep an eye on the markets for a true guide. BOOMALINA (2) is usually very competitive in this grade and is still nicely treated at the weights. She fought on bravely when finishing runner-up at Townsville last time out and can go one better here. VOLARCHI (1) needed his last run here just over a fortnight ago and will be a lot sharper for this, his second start for the year, and a form reversal is expected. TORQUE NOWOR NEVER (5) cleared her maiden status on a heavy track at Thangool a fortnight ago and will relish the extra furlong on offer here. Stick with her on an each way basis.
