Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GRANNY'S REWARD (5) started at $4.50 last time and ran below expectations, finishing fifth and beaten 2.5 lengths at Sunshine Coast over 1600m. Damien Thornton gets the best out of this five-year-old mare and she has the ability to put the recent run behind her. MASTERPLAN (4) handy gelding who finished fourth last start but was beaten only 1.75 lengths over 1460m at Esk. Has ability and shouldn't be far away. DAZZLING FLASH (2) ran a solid third at Toowoomba over 1300m on November 4. In the mix. WHO'S IN WINNY (6) mixes form but could bounce into a place here.
RACE 2 - A BIT BAZARRE (1) was in the money at Kilcoy when resuming two runs back then could only manage fifth at Toowoomba over 1300m two-and-a-half weeks ago. Blinkers added this time. Overdue and shapes as a leading chance this line-up. JUST A HERO (12) improved last start to finish third over 1650m at Toowoomba after being in the firing line on the corner. Nicely placed to feature in the finish. CAPE CRUSADER (5) is a five-start maiden who finished second over 1650m at Toowoomba last time out after being in contention on the turn. Rates well and has to be included. OXFORDSHIRE (2) resumes after a 12-month break and could fire fresh.
RACE 3 - BEEN A SECRET (4) could only manage fourth on debut then improved last start but found a couple better over 1200m at Ipswich, beaten 1.2 lengths. Finds a suitable race and can take the next step and salute. MIDNIGHT IN AUSTIN (10) was prominent into the straight last time but faltered late to finish fifth over 1200m at Gold Coast Poly. Among the top chances in what looks a most suitable race. ZOU ZOU ZOEIA (12) is yet to break through after nine starts. Placed two back then last time out was fifth, beaten 4 lengths, over 1200m at Dalby. Suited here and can feature with even luck. THE BOI (1) was well in the market on debut last time out and ran well, an improver worth including.
RACE 4 - BEITSOO (9) resumes in a similar race to her last run five months ago when ninth, beaten 5 lengths. Clearly better than that and rates highly. Sure to be prominent and shapes as one of the main chances. STEEL MY THUNDER (6) did little and finished 4.5 lengths from the winner in seventh over 800m at Ipswich last start after being in contention on the turn, a less impressive effort than her sixth at Sunshine Coast the run before. Ideally placed and is sure to play a major role. HAYAI UMA (5) showed good early speed from the inside draw last time but faded right out of it to finish ninth over 1000m at Eagle Farm. Has the ability to make her mark. BAG OF WHITT (3) is struggling with consistency this preparation, but could add value to betting.
RACE 5 - FLYING ANNIE (3) opened this prep last start with a third, beaten 1.75 lengths, over 1100m at Gatton. Well placed and should be tough to beat. SUBSTITUTION (1) showed good early speed then led into the straight when fresh from a spell last start before fighting on to finish third, beaten 0.9 lengths, over 1100m at Toowoomba. Sure to give a sight. GROOVIN' THE MOO (2) finished eighth two runs back at Gatton then improved last time out to score by half a length over 1100m at Gatton when he gave away a big start on the bend. Suitably placed so anticipating another big run. TEMPTRESS KATIE (9) resumed in impressive fashion last start, scoring by 1.75 lengths at Murwillumbah over 1200m. Big chance to repeat the dose.
RACE 6 - TEQUILA DANCER (13) lines up for the first time since July 8. Started the last campaign in good style when in the placings over 1000m at Eagle Farm. Has ability and should be right in the finish. BIRAGUE (18) last appeared seven-and-a-half weeks ago over 1400m at Gatton when he finished eighth. This is his first run for the Garry Osborne stable. Worth serious consideration on best form. THIEF BY NIGHT (6) finished out of the money two starts back then he was always well out of his ground and was beaten 1.75 lengths when fifth over 1100m at Toowoomba two-and-a-half weeks ago. Will enjoy a drop in class so he is likely to play a big role.
RACE 7 - BOULT (7) was below his best last time, finishing seventh and beaten 5.5 lengths over 1650m at Toowoomba after being prominent at the bend. Looks well placed so expect a big run this time. ELIZANO (1) was out of the money two runs back then again missed the frame last start over 1400m at Mt Perry, beaten 2.5 lengths into fifth. Meeting a deeper field this time but he cannot be taken lightly as he is capable. SPIRIT'S CHARM (2) was out of the money two runs back then again missed the frame last start when she was always well out of her ground over 1660m at Doomben, beaten 4.5 lengths into fifth. Much easier here and can play a pivotal role. SMASHING LUCAS (11) the best of the rest.