Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ACEDROD (1) was beaten 1L in an Open 2 on debut surprising the market. Sat behind the leaders and it was a nice effort. Fitter now and rates the one to beat. BETTER THAN WORDS (6) debuted on the same day narrowly beaten in a Maiden 2. Came from back in the field and impressed. Gets a gun hoop for the 3kg apprentice and is sure to have come on. Poses a threat. FRASER'S RIDGE (3) debuts and demands respect. Comes out of a low barrier and owns a sharp trial. The blinkers are applied. OUTBACK BANDIT (2) races forward and is a likely improver.
RACE 2 - PANNIER (4) is a former Victorian who will be improved by his first outing for the Currie yard. Has an awkward gate but would be too good at best and quick improvement is anticipated. WHATJEUDOIN' (6) has been giving away starts but hits the line and was narrowly beaten last time over 1400m. The better gate and smaller field advantage. He looks capable of making the quinella. MASONRY MAN (2) races forward and presents off a Mackay Maiden win. Sits forward and should be fit enough to run out the extra metres. YOUNG HENRY (7) stalked the speed and won the Maiden well over this distance. He settled last his race following in a 13-horse field and didn't get into it. He draws low today and can get back on track.
RACE 3 - SHAMEDY (2) found Eagle Farm too tough but won and placed here in this grade on each side of that. Drops back 200m but is good enough to manage and should go close. FASTCONI (4) is third-up and has been racing in city company. His figures read well and the gun hoop is booked providing a lead. Has the blinkers applied again and looks well-placed. DOCTOR TEEKAY (3) would be a hope at best but has been off his peaks. In the mix. THE GENERAL (1) next best going on the Roma effort two back.
RACE 4 - LOST MY NIGHTIE (4) resumes for the Currie yard and she wasn't beaten far at Doomben before spelling. Cartwright sticks and the filly should be further improved and ready to go. Finds the right race. CRYPTIC PRISM (1) debuts for the McCall yard and Stanley's booking suggests he's pleasing. Has a sticky barrier but no surprise if he races boldly. SHE'SGOTACCESS (5) resumes and is also up from the Sunshine Coast. Has shown enough to say she's a chance and she's been well trialled for the return. SUPERONIC (6) has been switched from the Bruce yard and prepared to forgive her latest. Has been kept on the fresh side and is a betting watch.
RACE 5 - CUMIN SPINNER (4) is a former Victorian who found better form second-up beaten 1L at a short quote. She has plenty up her sleeve and Stanley sticking aboard is a decent push for her chances. MAKIN' STATEMENTS (2) led and fought on to place distantly at Ipswich and will be fitter again. Has a small claim and is the one they have to get past. MASTER RICH (1) has been around the mark at Mackay and assess on the narrow defeat two-back over this distance. On a quick backup and is in the mix. PORTOLA (5) has been kept fresh, and Cartwright is on for the apprentice. Maps for a soft run and won't be far away at a price.
RACE 6 - Tricky. GILBERT'S GOLD (5) races forward and assess him on the narrow defeat here two back. Draws to advantage and the gun hoop is a key jockey switch. Worth another chance. I'M BLUEY (6) is in the top local barn and needed the first-up run from a wide barrier.in much stronger He has plenty up the sleeve and has won second up. DIAMOND MONEY (10) is third-up and going well enough to consider. FLY LIKE HELEN (11) delivered the Maiden here comfortably three-back and has been around the mark at Dalby and Gatton since. Keeps a small claim and maps for a soft run. No surprise if she appreciates the longer sprint. Worth an each-way wager.
