Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - WISE DRAGON (2) missed by just a nose in this class two starts back at Townsville before tackling a stronger field in open company last time out. Won the only time he raced here and goes well at this distance. He is suited dropping back to this level. SHADOW GODDESS (5) scored a Mackay win two back then settled well back when midfield as favourite last time. Proven here and can do better. CIAO BICKY (3) carries a big weight but has claims off a win two back while EXALTED CROWN (6) looks close to a win having placed in the last two outings.
RACE 2 - I'LLTELLYOUGO (4) wasn't far away on debut last start over 1050m at Rockhampton, finishing second and beaten 0.8 lengths. That was an encouraging effort and with improvement likely she looks sure to measure up. MARGOT BARBIE (6) clocked in fourth in open company last start and looks better suited in maiden grade having finished runner-up at this level on debut two back. Contender. SEWN UP (9) was in contention on the bend and finished third last time over 1050m at Rockhampton. Can be in the finish. KOBAYASTAR (5) gets a low draw for her debut so is worth keeping safe
RACE 3 - BONES (1) was a beaten favourite last time and while out of the money he was only 2.4 lengths from the winner at Townsville over 1200m. Had put together a string of top-two finishes before that and races well at this shorter distance so deserves another chance. KISS ME LATER (6) comes off a win over this trip at Townsville nine days ago, getting home by 1.5 lengths. Aided by the inside draw. PRIMAL SCREAM (2) races well at this journey and has claims off a win two back. MY BEST EFFORT (4) is also in the mix.
RACE 4 - OUT OF SIGHT (10) is improving with racing and progressed nicely last start to finish second over 1200m at Innisfail. Led there so can go forward from this low draw. Working up to a win and this could be her chance. DEEP SILENCE (9) is a daughter of Deep Field making her debut for the Kevin Miller stable. Showed ability in winning her latest trial by a space. That could have her ready to kick off with a win. RUBICKS CHOICE (4) has been solid in both runs since a spell and may be ready to peak with blinkers going on. SPEITH OF LIGHT (16) has upside so is worth keeping safe fresh.
RACE 5 - JAZZ WORTHY (6) was an eye-catcher last start when hitting the line strongly for second over 1300m at Townsville, beaten only a head. Should be nearing peak fitness third-up and is nicely placed to give this a mighty shake. EYES ARE LION (8) is a nine-start maiden who hasn't been far from the placings in two runs since a close second at Mackay. This offers him a great chance of breaking through. OUR BENEFIT (3) was beaten 1.2 lengths into third at Townsville two starts ago then finished 2 lengths from the winner in fourth last time at Mackay. Yet to miss the top four. Can feature again. MISHANI CRUISE (2) deserves respect off a string of placings.
RACE 6 - MAKE IT HAPPEN (9) is putting together some strong results. Recorded back-to-back seconds then got the job done by 1.3 lengths as public elect last time out over 1000m at Townsville. Best figures measure up so could go on with it. ALTAR BOY (5) returns after a spell of three-and-a-half months. Looking to emulate his win at Sunshine Coast to kick off the last campaign. Has never missed a place when fresh and has found a suitable race. AIDENABET (4) kicked off the campaign with back-to-back seconds before posting a win at this track and trip. Go well again. KEIGHLEY SUN (6) finished fourth two runs back then improved last start but found a couple better over 1830m at this track. Back to a journey where he races well so respect.
RACE 7 - RELIABLE WITNESS (3) has worked home and finished close to the placegetters in both runs since a spell, last start over 1200m at Townsville when beaten 2.4 lengths in open 3YO company. Well placed and is suited up in trip. Can peak third up. SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (4) switches to the Stephen Bush yard from NSW and brings some solid form including a placing two back at Corowa. Can measure up in this region. ACCTORIES (7) carries a big weight but was a winner two back at Atherton before tackling a higher-graded race here last time. Go well. REBEL LAKE (6) was runner up from this same draw here last time. Can play a role.
RACE 8 - BRINGYATICKET (6) will find this easier than the last attempt when he took on open 3YO company at Townsville, beaten less than 4 lengths. That followed a good first-up maiden win over this trip at Mackay. Better placed and has more upside than many of these. BOOMALINA (8) had been ticking along well before delivering last start by a head over this trip at Townsville. Draws the inside and could go on with the job. TIME TO STAR (2) has been good in both runs this time in and won his lone third-up attempt so can peak. Looking for a good fresh showing from FLAMING HOMER (5).