Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BURNS TO EMBRACE (1) made a nice return after six months on the sidelines when he kept chasing for second, beaten a head last start over 1200m at Townsville. He'll be better for that outing so can go one better. ATOMIC THEORY (2) is close to a win after finishing runner up in both outings since a spell. Stuck on well last start to be beaten a neck over 950m at this track. Up in trip and could break through. ALONTRO (7) may enjoy the return to this track having placed the last two times he has raced here. KING CANUTE (4) could progress off the resuming fourth.
RACE 2 - TEDDY BEE BEAR (1) has started twice, finishing fourth on debut then doing a better job to finish second last time, beaten 1.2 lengths over 1000m at Townsville. Has upside so can take another step forward. Happy to have him on top. MR GRUMBLER (2) hasn't been too far away in any of his runs, last time beaten 2.6 lengths over 1000m at Townsville a week-and-a-half ago. Can be in the finish. ITHINKBETTA (3) has raced twice. Showed improvement last time when 1.5 lengths from the winner in third over 1000m at Townsville. Progressive type who is among the chances. MISHANI BURN (7) produced a better run last start when fourth over 1100m at Mackay. Has solid top-three prospects.
RACE 3 - POWER SHOW (6) is close to a win following back-to-back placings. Made good late inroads and was beaten 0.7L into third over today's trip at this track last start. Reaching peak fitness now so can break through. JET STREAM (3) finished sixth at her last appearance over 1050m at Gold Coast Poly but may enjoy the return to the turf having recorded a 0.7L third two back at Gatton. Contender. GROVERS PREDICTION (9) improved second-up last start but found a couple better over 1000m at Townsville, beaten 2.8 lengths. Can progress further. AXONE (10) is back after a break of nine months. Draws well and won the only time she raced here so looking for a good return.
RACE 4 - KING JESTER (1) completed a winning hat trick in this grade at this course and distance two back before a second in open company last time. Carries a big weight but is aided by the claim and has the form on the board. COUNTER COMMAND (6) was a dominant winner last time over 1250m at this track, getting home by 2 lengths. Is in good form this time in work, scoring two times and placing on three occasions from six starts. Right in this. TEN SCHILLING (7) finished third at this track and trip last start at his first run back from a spell. Proven second-up and is yet to miss the placings in three starts over this course and distance. BEAUTY BOOM (4) finished third last start over 1000m at Townsville and was a fresh winner three back at Gatton. Go well.
RACE 5 - ZI WIN (1) resumes after five months and did a good job when runner up in a C2 at this track and trip two back. Should get a soft run from the inside draw. Capable of playing a major role. SENSATIONABULL (9) was a fresh winner three back at Bowen and rated well at Mackay last start, beaten 1.7 lengths. Back to a distance where he is proven and draws well. Big chance. SONIC LIGHT (4) is close to a win having finished runner up in both starts since a spell. Boxed on to finish second over 900m at Mareeba last time. One of the contenders. EXTRA FREE (3) broke his maiden at Townsville last start and may be ready to work through his grades.
RACE 6 - INCHING CLOSER (4) made an encouraging return when he led on the turn and fought on to finish second at this track and trip at his latest appearance. Owns a good record at the course and distance and has further improvement in store. GO GETABOY (2) has yet to miss the top four this time in, finishing 2.4 lengths away last time out over 1000m at Townsville. The step up in distance should suit as he hasn't missed a place in five tries at the track and trip. Among the leading chances. LE VIZIR (3) has been in the market in both runs since a fresh placing, last time beaten 2L. Drawn for a soft run. NEBARAZ (7) has been solid in two runs since winning here. Go well.
RACE 7 - FODOR (2) was sent out favourite last time and scored easily by 3.7 lengths over 950m at this track. Scored in his lone attempt at this course and distance. Draws well and is building a good record at this venue. Can win again. REDAVNI (7) hasn't raced for eight months but produced some good results in open 3YO company last time in. Owns a good record at this journey and can be right in the finish. KING'S HALO (6) has put together a string of top-three finishes at this track. Scored over 1400m three back and was runner up at this trip last time. Go well. Fresh winner YELLOWSTONE BETH (10) races well second up so could go on with it.
RACE 8 - PUSS BOOTS (8) continued her good form with a third in open 3YO company last start over 1200m at Townsville, beaten 1.8 lengths. That followed a win in that same grade at this track and trip the start prior. Going well and looks nicely placed. BRAVE MISSILE (13) put together a string of placings before a win as public elect over 1050m at Mackay two weeks ago. Won his only attempt at this course and distance. Major player. OVER THE FALLS (4) was a determined winner two back then raced on the speed last time before finishing third over 1500m at this track. Back in trip but capable of featuring prominently.
