Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - IDEEL HERO (1) Dundeel gelding at his peak now and will find this more to his liking after finishing third over 2200m at Grafton on March 17. Trip won't be a problem and no excuses here. THE KHAN (4) unsuited on the Gold Coast Poly at his last two runs and placed once from two attempts at this trip. Michael Cahill back on and gets map favours. Has top-three claims. RHODES (6) will find this easier after finishing sixth over 2020m at Doomben on April 13. Strips fitter now after six weeks between runs at latest. ROTHESAY'S RUBY (8) due for a change of luck after finishing in the minor money at three of her last four outings. Trip won't pose a problem and Ben Looker keeps the ride.
RACE 2 - MAJESTIC TEAKO (3) lightly raced gelding who finds the right race to break his maiden status. Sat on the speed and indicated a win was imminent when a close third over 1230m at Grafton on April 9. Maps well again and will take holding out. MORE ELEMENTS (1) resumes today at start six after showing potential in his first prep. Disappointed in one back last time in and since fitted with two 1050m trials. Senior rider on and can sprint well fresh. SON OF HEROIC (9) returns after three months in the paddock. Had mixed luck last time in and since fitted with a recent trial placing over 1000m. Placed this track and has the figures to play a leading role. BELLE OF THE BAYOU (4) gives the impression this trip will suit after powering late when seventh over 1106m at Grafton on April 14. Senior rider engaged and can add value to the exotics.
RACE 3 - WHYTEEPEE (3) brings the best form here in what is a very weak maiden. Up sharply in trip when a fighting nose second over 1920m at Toowoomba on April 6. A repeat here will see him prove too strong for this bunch. HIMEJI (6) lightly raced Adelaide gelding resuming from a six-and-a-half-month break. This looks easier and not asked to do much in two recent trials. Blinkers come off and can take a hand in the finish. QUEENBEEL (10) only the one placing from 11 starts and fitter after two runs back. Looking for this distance now and gets map favours. KEY LEGEND (7) six-start maiden who faces his easiest assignment to date. Taken back from the gate and failed to make an impression when eighth over 1850m at Newcastle on April 3. Blinkers off and can add value to the exotics.
RACE 4 - BOBBY IS KING (3) had mixed luck in 12 starts and looks to be closing in on a win. Nice run from the wide draw when second over 1200m at Casino on April 13. Backs up quickly and will go close in this field. BARRON (2) trained on the track and hit the line with plenty of gusto when third over 1030m at Grafton on April 9. This easier and no excuses here. DISCOTHEQUE (4) fitter after two runs back and disappointed slightly at second run when sixth at Grafton over 1030m. Go on first-up second when assessing his chances. WATERMELON (7) traversed the country in four runs and much better effort when a solid third over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast on April 14. Expected to take a hand in the finish.
RACE 5 - BRING ME TO LIFE (10) holding his form well and due for a change of luck. Came out hard from the wide gate to sit on the speed before being nailed late when third over 1230m at Grafton on April 9. This looks slightly easier and gets all the map favours from the inside gate. HYDROELECTRIC (2) has returned a much stronger gelding this time in and broke his maiden status at second run back over 1200m at the Gold Coast Poly on April 6. Blinkers go on and can win again. NEWMARKET MISS (7) three weeks between runs when failed to handle the heavy (9) going finishing fourth over 1300m at Toowoomba in stronger grade at latest. Not to be underestimated. SHAGGY ROGERS (3) returns from a 36-day let-up after catching the eye late when fourth over 1175m at Grafton on March 17. In leading yard and desperate for this distance now.
RACE 6 - CHOICE WITNESS (10) consistent filly who won her maiden three starts back and has been kept fresh. Strong through the line late when third over 1100m at Bathurst on February 29. Blinkers come off and looks well placed for this. ALF'S MAGIC (2) underrated gelding who will relish the sharp drop in grade today. Finished right on the placegetter's heels when fourth over 1200m at Grafton in BM66 company on April 1. Claim helps again with the good tempo. DUSAN (4) lightly raced gelding who was run off his feet over the 800m when resuming to finish fourth at Ipswich on April 1. Strips fitter and can play a leading role. SUPIDOMAN (6) has struggled of late but happy to give him one more chance after showing good form last January. Will drift back from the draw and charge late.
RACE 7 - OUR PEBBLES (16) lightly raced mare who steps out to this trip for the first time. Indicated she's looking for this distance after charging late from last on the turn when third over 1030m at Grafton on April 9. Tongue-tie comes off and Anthony Allen keeps the ride. Go close. BADGERS NUTS (2) consistent gelding resuming. Back in grade today after showing plenty of fight from a wide gate when second over 1400m at Ballina in BM66 grade on January 25. Not asked to do much in a recent 1050m trial. Will give them something to catch. INDENTED HEAD (14) resumes today with the blinkers added. Has placed first-up and gets map favours from the good draw. Given an easy time when last of eight in a recent 1050m trial at the Gold Coast on March 28. Sure to be strong late. DAEDALUS (12) handy type who resumed with a swamping finish over 1350m at Ipswich in tougher grade on March 21. Has good figures this track and trip and can win again.
