Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KAISA (3) was beaten a whisker here and then gave away a big start at Mackay from a wide barrier and couldn't get into it. She's better set up today and can get back on track. FAIRYBOWER FLYER (8) was at long odds but lifted his figures at Mackay. Has the rail and Morrison is a key jockey switch. She's striking at 32% (last 50 rides). HUGHIE VUITTON (6) is third up with more to give. Has been freshened 39 days and retains a 3kg claim. SOSTHENES (1) trialled well but then had no luck here on debut. Draws awkwardly again but can get closer with average luck. SEA OF CORTEZ (5) is a better chance than the form line suggests. The blinkers are on again.
RACE 2 - UNDER THE SHADOW (7) is third-up and will find this easier than Eagle Farm. Has a low barrier and is in well with the 3kg claim. Has been kept on the fresh wide and quick improvement is likely. FORGETABOUTIT (1) disappointed behind Time To Prophet here 10 days ago but was building nicely into that. Maps for the run of the race and has the blinkers first-time applied. Has more to offer and should go close. HEZA ROMEO (2) led and just missed here on debut. Will have taken fitness and learning and from a handy gate will be hard to peg back. MR GRUMBLER (3) went close and then didn't get warm in the Forgetaboutit race behind a good one. Needs a Morrison special from the outside gate but a much better effort is anticipated.
RACE 3 - HURTLE (4) keeps winning heavily bet and only carries a half kilo more in the same grade. The in-form Morrison will skip him over to the speed and he rates to keep the ball rolling. CAPTAIN BOND (6) is good enough to be considered a threat. He led first-up beaten 1L behind the above and has more up his sleeve. Note however that he has failed to place in four tries second-up which is in stark contrast to his 2/3 third-up record. FULL RECOGNITION (1) is a well-performed veteran who went close at Cairns first-up. Goes second-up and he can secure a soft run from the inside barrier. In the mix. ACROBATIC (3) is ex-Brisbane and needed the first-up outing for the new yard. He's right up to this at best and quick improvement is likely.
RACE 4 - MOOLOOLABA (2) has won his last two here this grade/trip and spaced them the latest. He carries 3kg more but will settle forward again and the in-form Butler will give him every chance to repeat. JOE'S GIGGLE (6) won at Bowen as expected in easier grade. The mile shouldn't bother and he tumbles in weight. On a quick back-up and has to be considered. MONASTERY (4) has been busting to win and may have had excuses last time. Kept on the fresh side and a bounce is likely. COOLMEANS (3) won the 58 here two back and maps for a soft run. He's sure to be around the mark. SACRED LEGACY (7) was going well before the latest and from a handy gate is in the mix.
RACE 5 - ROWEINER'S DANCE (1) resumes and before the spell he delivered this grade heavily bet and won a recent trial here by almost 8L. Draws to advantage and has won 7/10 this course/distance. Has the handy 2kg claim and will be hard to beat. CRAICARO (3) just missed here this grade and it was a big effort from the back. Peaks for this and can sit handier today. WIN AND TONIC (7) runs along and go on the big Maiden win two-back. Morrison is a key jockey switch and he will give a sight. FLORAL CODE (6) peaks and has been around the mark. Gets in light and has minor claims.
RACE 6 - Wide open on paper. DIVINE SIENNA (12) races forward and deserved the Maiden win at Mackay heavily bet and then just a run at Rockhampton in stronger grade. This suits better and tipping she can bounce back at an each-way price. COLD POWER (1) won this grade here making good improvement. Also races forward and keeps the handy 3kg claim. Peaks and a repeat isn't out of the question. HIT SNOOZE (4) has been plain her last two but the form prior here would give her a chance. The in-form Butler goes aboard for the apprentice and a bounce can't be ruled out. DICKIN MEDAL (7) and WHEY MISCHIEF (8) both resume and are capable of making their presence felt.
RACE 7 - VANCOUVER BAY (7) found his best first-up winning this grade at Cairns as favourite. The longer sprint suits and he is well-placed with the 3kg claim. Fitter and rates to repeat the dose. TALONS (5) is an ex-NSW galloper and quickly found form for the new barn winning the 55. That reads well and he will be better for it. A chance. ROCK IN THE PARK (3) switched from a Victorian barn and was beaten a lip at Cairns first-up. He'd been off the scene for 565 days so it was a big effort. Is sure to have come on and Wiggins is a key jockey booking. BREAKWATER BOY (2) led and just missed in stronger grade. He is likely to control the race from an inside gate. Peaks and the 2kg claim brings him right into it.
