Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TEMPER THE STORM (5) is making his Queensland debut from one of the top local stables and should have no problem with the poly track. A 2 kilo claim will help and any market support should be followed closely. FORBIDDEN APPLE (11) made up some late ground when resuming at Doomben and will find this a lot easier. She has a kilo less to carry this time and is expected to figure in the finish. THE MERCHANT (6) had a tough run last start and it is an effort that is best forgotten. He has a superior gate this time and can finish a lot closer. Include in all combinations. LICENCE TO THRILL (1) puts in the odd good effort and meets a fairly weak field here. Place value.
RACE 2 - CHANGE THE DEEL (3) flashed home late to only miss by a nose here when resuming a fortnight ago over 1100 metres. The extra 300 metres on offer second up is ideal and with the benefit of the pole position, he should go one better this time. CONSTANT CAFE (6) came from well off the pace when scoring at Kilcoy a month ago and has the blinkers on for the first time here. The extra furlong should not be an issue and with 2.5 kilos less to carry she can repeat the dose. HE'S ESSENTIAL (2) kept up his good record on this track with a tough nose win here 9 days ago. He is in a good space and will take some pegging back again.
RACE 3 - DENIED (1) made a strong Queensland debut on the Gold Coast poly track just over 3 weeks ago by a short-head. That form should stack up nicely on this circuit and with an extra furlong to travel here, she can go one better. NIGHTSTICK (2) ran on late in his first Queensland start for top local trainer Stuart Kendrick and the step up to 1400 metres is ideal. Michael Rodd sticks with him and so do we. Each way value. WASSA (6) is a stablemate of the second pick who delivered as expected here a fortnight ago, scoring by half-a-length. She is a progressive filly who obviously copes with a poly track and she can win again. PAULI (3) franked his improved effort for second here 2 starts back with an easy win last time out by over 2-lengths. He suits this surface and should be right in the finish again.
RACE 4 - SEERESS (3) loves the poly tack here and made it back-to-back wins over a middle distance here 9 days ago. The drop back to a mile is of some concern but she is still well off at the weights after a 2-kilo claim and can complete the hat-trick. TORQUE ESPAGNA (8) did not kick on as expected here last start after a big run for second on the Gold Coast poly track before that. She benefits from a 2-kilo claim and is worth another chance. ASTERN VILLA (4) is working his way nearer to an overdue win and was only a head back in third place here 9 days ago. The mile should suit him now even is his record over the trip says otherwise. Include in all multiples.
RACE 5 - RUSTIC BOOM (2) gives his trainer a strong hand in the race as 1 of 4 runners in the race from that stable. He made his poly track debut with an easy win by over 2-lengths here 9 days ago and won't find this any harder. He is up 3.5 kilos in weight but that may not be enough to stop him from winning again. DIVINE OKAY (1) built his form strongly to score here by 5 lengths and confirmed his liking for the poly surface here. He has the draw advantage over his stablemate and can repeat the dose. EUPHRATES DREAM (3) was a beaten favourite fresh up at Doomben after winning a trial before that. She will strip fitter and can break her win drought here. Follow your money.
RACE 6 - TOW THE LINE (6) has a preference for the poly track here and ran on late to finish second on this surface here 9 days ago. She will be peaking her fitness third up and slides down in class. That is normally a winning combination and she is the one to beat this time. TORQUE ABOUT MAGIC (9) has returned a lot stronger this prep and cleared her maiden status by demolishing her maiden rivals by over 5 lengths here last time out. Michael Rodd steps into the irons and she can win again. ISLAND TIDE (4) resumes. Expect her to be prominent throughout.
RACE 7 - BECAMO (6) only battled at Doomben last time out after some solid efforts at this level to open this prep. He is better off for now over the shorter trip of 1000 metres and can set that record straight in this. On top. CASABLANCA (8) is resuming as a gelding after showing some promise during his last campaign. Having Michael Rodd in the irons is a good lead and he is capable of taking this out. BROONZY (7) is making his debut from the leading local stable of Stuart Kendrick and has had a couple of trials to help get ready. A 2-kilo claim will help and any market support should be followed in.
