Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FEMME FATALE (1) is a leader who has won 3/4 including first-up in much stronger at Eagle Farm. They've elected not to claim and Orman is reunited. Has to come back 200m but will be fitter and should prove hard to beat. AVONE (6) also has his first run at 800m. Won a maiden here and then was outgraded at Stakes level. Brings a trial win over 650m and can come back improved. Should go close. CHAKRA BOY (5) led and spaced the Maidens here by 3.3L over this distance and then came back missed by 1.5L in a 60 over the same trip. Peaks and is in the mix at a price. SZABO (8) placed just ahead of the above her latest and will also be around the mark.
RACE 2 - UNITED FRONT (1) is busting to win and there was little in it his latest at Eagle Farm bet a $2.50F. A top hoop goes on and expect him to race handier. Is back to provincial level and can go one better. MANNERHEIM (2) jumped quickly to this trip at Doomben and was nudged out as favourite. Orman sticks with the above but Maloney is a more than handy sub. Is ready to win but the wide barrier is the niggle. GLEN MASSEY (4) finally draws a low barrier and needs this trip and longer. Fitter and has to be considered. THE GARF (7) improved sharply just missing here over this distance and is a hope at longer odds.
RACE 3 - WHAT A WEEKEND (8) just missed at Doomben and raced favourite at the Sunshine Coast first-up first-up and didn't get into it from a wide barrier. He can sit closer today and fitter rates to take beating. SMART RECOGNITION (7) resumed in the same race and ran out of puff late. Rodd goes on today and can position him forward. Has more to give and should go close. OH WHAT A GEM (17) came from the back beaten 1L here on debut. There was plenty of merit in that and she can't be ruled out. PRADO (2) switched from a leading Victorian yard and missed a nose at Beaudesert first-up. Has the rail and fitter is in the mix.
RACE 4 - MEDIA SCANDAL (5) had switched yards and won the CL2 here first-up when heavily bet. She had been away a while and has plenty up her sleeve. Goes second-up and the rails barrier advantages. Tipping she can take the next step. STAR GAMBLE (1) resumes and was disappointing his only run last preparation. The speed-bred gelding showed enough previously to say this is winnable. Has won 2/4 fresh and Orman's booking is a decent push for his chances. JUST SUPER (4) has three outings at Eagle Farm under the belt and should be ready to show his best. He can race handier today and is certainly good enough at best. ALMIGHTY RISING (9) brings strong form from the poly surface and spaced the 68 graders the latest. A player if he can replicate on the turf.
RACE 5 - PACIFIC ATLANTIC (1) switched from a Victorian barn and missed a whisker here first up. It was an impressive effort after settling back from a wide barrier. He's capable of using the rail today and has a key jockey switch to Orman for the apprentice. Fitter and rates to be winning. REEANON (3) resumes in easier for the Baldwin barn and has won fresh and at here only run here when she led. Rstes to go close. FLOP TURN RIVER (5) also resumes and is sharp on the fresh side. Has switched from a Rockhampton barn and keep safe. TRAITORS' GATE (8) was tracking well before being outgraded in a strong form race at the Sunshine Coast. Has a handy gate and is worth a look at a decant price.
RACE 6 - PIANIST (8) won the 65 here comfortably over this distance and has been close up the two since. Has an awkward barrier but is in well at the weights and finds a winnable assignment. HOT OR NOT (9) tracked the speed when easily winning at Gatton over the short sprint heavily bet. Gets in light this level with a 2kg claim atop. Keeps improving and the hat trick isn't out of the question. POLYLITHIC (4) resumes for the Currie yard with Orman a key jockey booking. He's fast and benefits from a handy barrier. Goes fresh and likes the trip. A chance as well. SENSATIONAL REWARD (5) is a leader who was beaten 2L here in a 68 over 1200m. Comes back 490m to the short course but can skip across from the wide gate and give a sight.
RACE 7 - ENCOMPASS (1) resumed here but needed the run. Improved quickly when comfortably winning a Doomben Maiden over this trip. It was a tough effort and fitter he is capable of taking the next step. TOOLATEMATE (9) didn't finish it off at Doomben this grade but was tracking well prior. Missed a whisker her three back at this distance and Thompson is a key jockey switch. Deserves another chance. RUSSIAN MYSTIC (3) is a former Victorian who resumed with an easy Maiden win at Doomben. Gives every indication the 1690m will suit and he has the rail today which he's capable of using. WEST CORK (8) resumed at Eagle Farm in stronger and will be better for the run. Has more to give but needs luck pushing forward from an outside barrier.
RACE 8 - DEELOSH (10) resumed with a near-miss at Gatton and then belted the 60 graders at Kilcoy by 3.8L. He will use the inside barrier and Melbourne Cup-winning hoop Michael Rodd is booked. Fitter and looks capable of delivering again. SPICY LEGEND (14) is a leader who won and placed on the poly surface before improving his figures at Eagle Farm in stronger grade. Is sure to give a sight. JAC THE GREAT (7) just missed here over this distance and keeps threatening. She's worth another chance. PARIS AVENUE (13) hits this at peak fitness. Has been racing in stronger at Eagle Farm and is good enough to feature.
RACE 9 - MICKEY'S PRIDE (9) resumes for the Neasham barn and has delivered fresh and placed this distance. Wins this at best and has trialled well. Has a sticky gate but Maloney is a key jockey booking and can manage. Looks the one to beat. THE GOLDEN SOUL (3) placed here first-up and has more to give. Has a handy 2kg claim and is a chance with the extra fitness. CHAYSE 'N' ADAM (13) was spelled off the Maiden win here. Has the rail and is sure to have come on. In the mix. CRAZY EYED FRED (8) won the CL1 comfortably at Beaudesert and can build on that.
