Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ROCKRATA (2) is building towards a win having stuck on last time for second over 1000m at Sunshine Coast. The extra trip may suit and he gets his chance to break through. MISHANI SUNSET (7) settled well back over 1200m at this track last start but did make some late headway. Beaten less than a length at Sunshine Coast the run before. Finds the right race. MISHANI VOLTAGE (8) gets blinkers on and that could give her the lift she need to get into the finish. Microphone filly PULPIT (9) debuts for Barry Lockwood and wasn't too far away in her Eagle Farm trial so keep her safe.
RACE 2 - BEZIQUE (7) took on stronger opposition last time in, last seen when fifth at Listed level in June. Her lone win came when she was fresh and she tuned up with a solid trial so looks nicely placed to strike first up. BETTER BE NORDY (1) drifted back from a good draw but wound up strongly to win his maiden when resuming over 1200m at Eagle Farm. Has upside and is well drawn so could take the next step. CHASETON (2) was beaten only 2.2 lengths when resuming and is likely to progress off that. Fresh winner WHISKY DREAM (5) can make an impact again.
RACE 3 - LOVEWILLCOMELATER (1) has only raced once and it was a nice effort when 0.7 lengths away in second over 1200m at Eagle Farm in May. Likely to have developed with maturity and filled a minor placing in a recent Eagle Farm trial so should be ready to go. Inside draw will assist so he may take some stopping. KITEMA (6) worked home on debut and again found the line when beaten 2.8 lengths into fourth at this track and trip three weeks ago. Has upside and could take closer order from the lower draw. SEVENTIES HIT (5) has been runner up in his two starts at Gold Coast Poly since a spell. Has performed well on turf before so is among the major players. Fresh placegetter MISTER HEMSWORTH (2) can progress.
RACE 4 - LADY SHOTGUN (14) boxed on and was beaten less than 2L into fourth last start over this trip at Ipswich. Drawn to get the favours so could be tough to rein in. HELLUVA SOIREE (12) worked home when resuming last start and was beaten 1.3 lengths into fourth over 1200m at Ipswich. Will derive great benefit from that outing and deserves consideration. LEITZEL (10) worked to the line okay on debut and should be better for the experience. Orman goes aboard so can make progress. FRIEND IN NEED (7) has placed in both starts so far. Can measure up switching to the turf.
RACE 5 - CLASSIC DEEL (8) has been in the money at her last couple of runs, the latest when a 1.5L third over 2418m at Eagle Farm. Very consistent mare who has only once missed the top four in her last seven starts. Well placed to make a big impression. AROUND THE BUOY (7) has been thereabouts since getting off the mark four runs back, the latest effort a third over 1640m at this track. First try at this journey but is ticking along nicely. SKYLON (6) is racing well having followed a win at Ipswich with a second at Eagle Farm last time out. Orman goes back aboard. Contender. ONLY LOVE (12) has been finding the line nicely so can run on into the finish again.
RACE 6 - FLEUR DU MONDE (9) is building nicely and put the writing on the wall when second last start over 1600m at Eagle Farm, beaten a long neck. That should have brought her to peak fitness and with blinkers going on she can strike. TALK TIME (6) completed a winning hat trick when she saluted at Toowoomba two runs ago then boxed last time out when fifth over 1600m at this track. Gets Maloney on board. Contender. BINDING (7) improved second up when missing by a neck at Eagle Farm. Yet to miss a place when second up so further improvement is likely. FINSCEAL (2) could bounce back.
RACE 7 - LATAKIA (10) did not kick on as expected last start in weekend grade here 11 days ago but that was her first run in six weeks. She will be better for it and is expected to bounce back into the money in an easier line-up in this. ISLAND MAGIC (9) is never far from the action and is always well supported in the markets. She usually comes to hand quickly and will be right in the finish from her good draw. MAID TO FIT (7) is chasing down four wins on the bounce. She has grown a leg this campaign and with a trial to keep her in good condition since her last run, she has to be among the hardest to beat again. Last-start winner RADIANT REMI (12) could go on with it.
