Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KOBE ASCOT (3) fought on bravely fresh up at Chinchilla fresh up when finishing second by a head there just over 2 weeks ago. That was his first run as a gelding and he will strip fitter for this. He is nicely placed to go one better this time. SMASH 'N' GRAB (10) was never on the track last time out and understandably faded out over the final stages. Her run for third before that was good and she can bounce back into the money here. QUARTER RED (4) has steadily improved in 3 starts to date and tried hard when finishing second in a 5-horse field at Toowoomba last time out. A good draw will help and he is among the main dangers here. SARA PRONTA (5) battled away well enough on debut at Toowoomba over 870 metres and he extra furlong will help. She is a progressive type who can run into the money here.
RACE 2 - FIELD OF MARS (3) led for a long way last time out at Beaudesert and only folded up late before holding onto fourth place, less than 2 lengths from the winner. He might try similar tactics here and with 100 metres less to travel he could take them all of the way. NIC'S DREAM (10) showed some ability earlier in the season and would have matured since then. She won a recent trial very easily and is nicely weighted for her return. Hard to beat, especially if the money comes for her. SUPERONIC (9) has improved in each of her 2 starts to date and her last start fourth at Ipswich had merit. A wide draw is no help but she is capable of running into the money here. JOHNNY UTAH (11) made some progress last spring and looked sharp at a recent trial. Ryan Wiggins takes the ride and Chris Munce does not come here without taking home plenty of prize money. Market watch.
RACE 3 - PRIVATE BANKER (1) worked hard and fought on gamely for third at Gatton over a mile last time out. He is better placed over the shorter trips for now and should give another good account of himself. TAKARA STAR (3) has raced her way back into form and led all the way at Ipswich 12 days ago to score by over a length. She might have to work hard from her wide gate but if she can secure the right run early on, she can repeat the dose. DRAGON SONG (12) delivered the goods as favourite here 3 weeks ago when getting up in the last bound to post a hard-fought short-head win. She has 3.5 kilos less to carry this time and another win immediately cannot be ruled out. Stick with her. MILAGRO (5) worth including.
RACE 4 - KAIROS LOUIE (3) just battled on for a midfield finish at Eagle Farm last start but that was in far stronger company. He is back in his rightful class here and should be right in the finish. SUPER QUICK (4) is knocking on the door with back to back second place finishes, most recently at Chinchilla just over 2 weeks ago. He is ready to win at short notice. CONTRICK (8) is heading the right way and has a suitable inside gate to use. A win here would be no surprise. ULTIMATE (5) in the mix
RACE 5 - FLANK SPEED (7) was a beaten favourite at Toowoomba last time out after having a very hard run when trapped 3-wide most of the way. If she can get a softer run in transit here, she can bounce back into the money immediately. AIN'T SHE LOVELY (6) followed up some handy trial form with a brave second at Chinchilla fresh up. She normally improves with racing and is good enough to take this out. AL PAL'S GAL (2) bad on fairly for fifth in a slightly tougher field last time out and was in good form before that. A wide draw is no help but she is still worth including in all combinations. MISHANI WARFARE (10) can play a role in the finish while fresh.
RACE 6 - IDEEL HERO (1) has been racing consistently over a middle-distance and battled on strongly when finishing third at Grafton just over 2 weeks ago. He can secure the run of the race early on from a handy gate and will be in the right place when issuing his challenge. He is nicely placed to grind out an overdue win here. ROYAL GEORGE (5) did nothing last time out after posting a long-awaited maiden win at Toowoomba before that. He is worth another chance. Include in all combinations. TAVIESLASS (6) capped off some strong form with a well-deserved victory at Gatton last time out. She is bred to improve with time and can win again. POWER GLIDER (12) has been out of the money recently including last time out when fifth over 1660m at Doomben three weeks ago. This suits and can feature.
RACE 7 - NEW YORK GAL (9) will be peaking third-up after running a much-improved race last time out for third at Toowoomba just over a fortnight ago. She drops a kilo in weight and should go close to taking this out. FLOP TURN RIVER (4) did not fire in a tougher lineup at Ipswich last time out and a nearly 6-week freshen-up would have done him no harm. He was racing well before his last run and can bounce back into the money here. MISHANI KINGDOM (12) ran on late fresh up on this track 3 weeks ago after settling at the rear of the field. He will be hoping to race closer to the pace this time and is expected to improve quickly. Each way value. MONEY BEAR (6) has been in the market at his last couple of starts since resuming but hasn't made an impression, last start running seventh at Beaudesert. Rates as a place chance.
RACE 8 - MONDAY MONDAY (7) ran the race of an improver last time out at Ipswich when finishing third. He again finds himself in the pole position and with a slight drop in grade, he will be among the hardest to beat in an even lineup. SEA COMMITS (10) had no luck with a wide run at Toowoomba last time out and will be hoping for some cover early on here. His fresh-up effort for third was full of merit and with the aid of a 3 kilo claim, he can bounce back into the money. BOOMI'S BUDDY (1) is a tough veteran who is usually competitive in this grade. He won here fresh up by a nose 3 weeks ago and can double the dose. ROMAN HEIR (11) only missed the bob of the head fresh up on this track 3 weeks ago when running second by a nose. He will be improved by that hit-out and can go one better in this.
