Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - WONDERLAND STAR (10) returned from a spell two weeks ago and settled near the tail before working home to finish midfield over 1250m at Ballina. Fitter so anticipating a better run this time. WHO INVITED HER (9) surprised many last time when a close fourth over 1000m at Sunshine Coast. Has had two months off since but has been kept up to the mark with a trial. Can be in the finish. GLEEFILLY (2) gets blinkers on and finds a nice race so can play a significant role. SUPER ART (6) has trialled since finishing midfield last time and had placed in the previous two outings. Has top-three prospects.
RACE 2 - TIRITIRI (8) came home strongly when resuming last start to finish second, beaten a head over 1200m at Kilcoy. Will be fitter for that outing and the longer distance will suit. Leading contender. DWINDLING SPIRIT (3) comes here off a break of five-and-a-half months. Worth noting he has filled a minor placing in both previous fresh attempts. Has trialled and his lone win came at this distance. Makes plenty of appeal. APPLE CIDER (1) has not appeared since November and was a maiden win two starts earlier at Lismore. Readied with a trial win. Contender. NEOCLASSICISM (6) is a consistent performer with four minor placings from six starts this campaign. Drawn for a soft run. Respect.
RACE 3 - SERENADE THE CAT (6) worked home for third over 1690m at Ipswich last time. Had won two of her previous three runs, both over 1550m at Murwillumbah so she is racing well. Draws to advantage and can measure up. SOARHI (4) has finished out of the money in three starts since a spell but improved his rating when only beaten 3 lengths at Grafton three weeks ago. Draws well and blinkers are on. Draws for a soft run. Contender. NO MORE RED (2) will be improved by two runs since a spell and he won the only time he raced here so is better placed. JIMMY NEUTRON (7) improved last start but found a couple better over 1540m at Gold Coast Poly. Another forward showing is anticipated.
RACE 4 - TRUST A KITTY (5) was at the tail on the turn last time out before working home and finishing 2.5 lengths from the winner in fifth over 1640m at Doomben. Ticking along well and finds a winnable assignment. PARIAH ON FIRE (11) finished 2.6 lengths away in fourth at her last appearance over 1500m at Kilcoy. Worked home nicely there so the longer journey should suit her. BETTERSAIDTHANDONE (3) has raced just twice and showed improvement in the latest. Goes up in distance so can take another step forward. DROPS FROM THE SKY (7) is also capable of playing a role.
RACE 5 - QUEST OF QUESTS (2) is close to another win having registered seconds in his last three runs. Kept chasing and finished one length from the winner at the latest outing over 1690m at Ipswich. Nicely placed and is likely to take plenty of stopping. ESKIMO (4) was in control from the outset to score on debut over 1400m at Dalby a week-and-a-half ago. Looks to have talent and could work through his grades. CAPITEEL (7) will be fitter for two runs since a break, the latest when fifth over 1540m at Gold Coast Poly. Drawn for a soft run and can find peak form this time. THE SEEKER (6) last appeared when he won over 1900m at Gold Coast Poly in December. Keep safe fresh.
RACE 6 - TAMAHAGANE (3) is a five-year-old daughter of Street Boss from the Barry Lockwood yard on debut. Looks above average based on a recent barrier trial win. Could kick off with a win. FIELD OF MARS (2) wasn't far away last time out, finishing second over 870m at Toowoomba. The extra journey should play into his hands. Draws well and is among the leading chances. LASQUETI BOOM (5) lines up for the first time since November and has switched to the Helen Page yard. Yet to win first up but generally runs well with two minor placings from three tries. Contender. YOUNG PIP (7) showed some solid form last campaign and should be ready to go off three trials.
RACE 7 - REAL RUSH (6) produced an encouraging effort for third on debut two weeks ago, beaten 1.7 lengths over this distance at Doomben. Sure to take a lot from that hitout so she shouldn't be a maiden for long. FLEUR DE VIE (4) missed the frame on debut then progressed nicely at her second outing when prominent at the turn, finishing 2.7 lengths from the winner in second at the end of 800m at Ipswich. Draws the inside and can figure in the finish again. MAKERS (1) is a three-year-old gelding by Sidestep on debut for the Adam Campton stable. Placed in two recent trials at this track. Keep a close eye out for a positive market move. SHEZAJUKE (10) has trialled since the resuming effort at Doomben so should have come on.
RACE 8 - INVAHIR (1) finished a close second when resuming two runs back at Walcha then progressed nicely last time out to score by 0.7 lengths over 1200m at Quirindi. Draws wider but race fit and going well. Big chance again. BELLE TYCOON (10) led and faded when resuming over 1350m at Doomben but was beaten less than 3 lengths. Noriyuki Masuda is a key engagement. Fitter and well placed to make an impact. FIRE UP BRUCE (12) was a strong winner last time over 1300m at Ballina, leading throughout and putting 2.5 lengths on his rivals. Respect. YOU ARE KING (5) has some talent and should race well fresh.
RACE 9 - DASHING GEE GEE (3) is resuming from a spell of four-and-a-half months and having his first run for the Ryan Tyrell yard. Was in good form before the break, placing in his last two runs to follow a Gold Coast poly win. Has good turf from too. Major player. GEE BEE ESS (4) brings solid form into this contest including an Ipswich win three back. She is two from two at this course and distance so must rate highly. GREEK STAR (5) is now under the care of new trainer Jimmy Downes. Has performed well fresh in the past so can make his presence felt. EXPRESSO LOVE (2) has claims off a poly win two back.
