Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - LA DEMOISELLE (4) last appeared when runner-up over 1000m at Coffs Harbour in January. Changed stables towards the end of last prep and found her right grade. Trialled well recently and looks set for a big return. HACKING (7) was in the betting but failed to run home on debut over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast last start. Backs up just 11 days later in an easier maiden so she deserves another chance. SCRIPTED (8) is a half-sister to Queensland Oaks runner-up Reo on debut for the Matthew Dunn stable. Trialling like a good horse - betting watch recommended. Lightly raced four-year-old mare BONAVEE (1) is back from a five-month break. Best form gives her an each-way chance. GLAD RAG DOLL (2) has had a change of stable and is one to watch in betting first-up from a spell.
RACE 2 - MISS UCHITEL (1) returns from a six-month spell and transfers to Matt Dunn for Waterhouse/Bott. Has had a stop/start career but there have been glimpses of ability, highlighted by placings at Kembla and Bendigo when resuming. Capable of winning if anywhere near her best. HUDSON'S LENNY (6) worked home nicely into fourth when the race was all over last start over 1250m at Kempsey. Racing well and probably won't find this as tough as his last few. Beautifully drawn and a serious contender. I'M NUMBER ONE (7) raced on the pace then battled on well for third, just holding out Hudson's Lenny, at Kempsey recently. Just missed in a similar race to this here three back. Will give a great sight. HELL OF A LOVE (5) is yet to find the frame in eight starts but has run a couple of fair races against similar opposition recently. Each-way shout. NO RAGRETS (3) did a good job on debut at Murwillumbah recently and should benefit from that hit-out.
RACE 3 - CONTRERAS (4) worked home steadily without ever looking a chance last start in a Class 3 over 2200m at Doomben. Back-marker who is rock hard fit after four runs back from a spell and looks tough to beat returning to his right grade. CASTEL TROSINO (3) won a Class 1 over this course and distance two runs back then finished alongside Contreras at Doomben last time. Reliable stayer at this level and he should be competitive again. I'MTIMMYZOU (6) led and gave a great sight but was claimed late in the piece over 2020m at Murwillumbah recently. Mixes his form but if things go right he can definitely win. JIMMY THE TULIP (5) has been easily accounted for in his four runs this prep but is getting down in the weights now and should be cherry ripe today. INTENTIONAL LASS (7) last raced over staying trips in April/May and performed well. One to keep safe with the step up in distance.
RACE 4 - Three of the better chances come out which leaves us with a white-hot favourite in MAJORELLE (2). Won a Class 5 first-up over this distance at Ipswich then started favourite but found a couple better over 1200m at Murwillumbah last time. The key is the step back in distance - he has won 4/4 at 1100m. Should lead and dominate this race. HAURAKI GULF (7) appreciated the drop in grade when runner-up in a BM74 over 1000m at Coffs Harbour last time. Will stalk the favourite and give himself every chance. ANDY (5) resumes. Performed well last prep without winning in good quality sprints. Three visits to Lismore have yielded two wins. Good enough to trouble the top pair if forward enough. CACOFONIX (3) returns from a break and has switched from the Kris Lees stable to Daniel Bowen. Talented on his day but doubt he can beat the favourite - one for exotics players. EXCLUSIVE (4) is making up the numbers.
RACE 5 - SIGLO DE ORO (7) returns from a five-month break and has transferred from Ciaron Maher to Marcus Wilson. Struggled at the provincials last prep but finds a very thin maiden today. Recent trials suggest he is ready to run well. DISCOTHEQUE (3) is first-up after a four-month lay-off. Turned in the best run of his campaign when resuming last prep, beaten narrowly after leading over 1000m at Ballina. Sure to give a great sight. THE BIGBANG THEORY (8) worked home well but found one better when fresh from a 100-day break over 1050m at Toowoomba recently. Honest gelding is a threat with the help of an ideal draw. Betting watch on Rubick four-year-old ASHANKO (1) on debut for the Chris Anderson stable. Cannot recommend any of the others, with RIGHTEOUS BROTHER (5) the best of them.
RACE 6 - COLLAY'S SPIRIT (7) returned from a two-month let-up with a respectable fifth last start over 1200m at Murwillumbah. Better placed out to this trip and he likes racing at Lismore. Big chance down in the weights. NISHIKORI (3) started at big odds and raced accordingly in the Murwillumbah Cup last time out over a similar trip to this. Very fit after three runs back from a spell and will find this easier. Can return to winning form. TIME TO TESTIFY (10) worked home well but was no match for the winner at his latest run when second-up over 1300m at the Sunshine Coast. Generally hits form at this stage of the prep and the extra furlong is a plus. LADY SHOTGUN (5) failed in the Murwillumbah Cup last start off the back of a tough win over 1400m at Casino. Slight query at this distance but cannot be left out. GOBBLED (9) is going well in easier races. Each-way hope.
RACE 7 - Matthew Dunn has a strong hand in this race. MILTON ROAD (5) bolted in first-up over 1120m at Lismore then missed the kick and was never a factor last start over a similar distance at Ipswich. Scored convincingly over today's journey at the same stage last prep. Should bounce back. BANDASHA (2) returns from a 19-week spell. Was competitive at metro level last prep and a recent trial win at Beaudesert suggests he is forward enough to play a big role. MY MUM'S TOYBOY (3) was too good in an easier race at Grafton last start. Lightly raced and still on the ascendancy so stick with him. BRAVELY (7) disappointed first-up at Murwillumbah. Better placed over more ground today and the senior rider going on is a positive move. PIXIE HALLOW (8) is back from an eight-month spell. Won first-up last prep so keep him in mind.
