Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - WHITE CHRISTMAS (9) is an improver from a top metro barn. Has two solid runs under the belt and had excuses at Ipswich last time. Maps for the run of the race and is looking for the mile. CAESAR CAKE (11) just missed at Doomben this distance and has gone close the runs two since over middle distances heavily bet. Is back in trip but can manage and she gets another chance. ALIGN THE PLANETS (1) peaks and would be a contender at best. Has a wide gate but the 2kg claim is handy. IL TORO D'ORO (3) resumes and can make a bright return.
RACE 2 - ELLIBABY (4) resumes for the sharp Vandyke barn with 32% stable-striker Maloney booked. Missed a whisker at Doomben on debut and has had a trial warmer. Will be naturally improved and take beating. TORQUE ABOUT MAGIC (8) has been threatening on the poly and is just as good on the grass. Dolan rides today and will push forward. FINAL SELECTION (5) resumes and Orman's booking suggests she pleasing. Has shown enough to consider. The resuming LOOSE UNIT (1) looks best of the rest.
RACE 3 - IT'S RAINING AGAIN (2) won on the Gold Coast poly and then improved again finishing within range at Eagle Farm. Finds easier and has a handy 2kg claim. He's a winning hope. SO IT BEGINS (6) blitzed a CLB field in the bush last time. This is harder but he's going well enough to get in the money. CURRY LEGEND (7) has more to give and is also in the mix. DAINTREE DREAMING (1) failed to make an impact first-up but is capable of sharp improvement. Don't take lightly.
RACE 4 - MR ENCORE (3) peaks and has been winning by spaces in the country. Has the early speed to manage the wide gate and Orman is a key jockey switch. No surprise if he makes the finish. I AM A MARVEL (5) is in a strong Brisbane yard and seeks the hat-trick. Runs along and the 1.5kg claim is handy. He can't be ruled out. ROMAN REIGN (12) improved again winning a Gatton CL4 first-up. Uses the rail and fitter again has to be considered. SECRET STATEMENT (7) next best.
RACE 5 - FOURANDAHALF (3) debuts for a sharp local barn with a top hoop booked. Has trialled nicely and the blinkers are on. Needs some luck from the wide gate but expect her to have plenty of ability. MOONFLEET (13) debuts for a leading Brisbane yard and has trialled well. Should secure a soft run and keep very safe. TORNADO TORQUE (16) resumes and showed enough at Rockhampton last time to suggest she's a hope. Has a handy 2kg claim and will have come on. CATALAN COMET (2) is a Jungle Cat gelding stepping out on debut for the Gough camp. Strips fitter for two solid trials in readiness and deserves to be included.
RACE 6 - BASSAC LANE (1) brought strong form to resumption and missed a whisker at Ipswich in a bit stronger. It was a good effort and he's improved. Has an awkward barrier but Orman's booking helps offset it. In good hands and fitter and will be hard to beat. IOANE (12) switched from a leading Sydney barn on a 29-day turnaround and won a Maiden comfortably on the poly. He's even better on the turf and keeps the 2kg claim. Peaks and a repeat can't be ruled out. ADONISEA (3) has been finding the line nicely of late, without threatening. Strikes a suitable assignment and can give this a big shake. PROUD WITH PRIDE (11) next best.
RACE 7 - BRAVE MASO (7) has had two starts back both in stronger at Eagle Farm. He performs third-up and is going to be much sharper over the mile and at this level. Maps for a soft run and the 2kg claim brings him right into it. QUADRI (10) has been within range at Doomben his two starts this preparation. He's a third-up winner with more up the sleeve ready to fire. Maps for a soft run and has been kept on the fresh side. HOUSTON ROCKET (2) has been sprinting well and performs over this distance. Needs luck from the wide gate but is in the mix. SIAN STAR (6) went back-to-back at Ipswich and has been around the mark there the two since. Running out a strong mile is the query with him.
