Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Hard to knock KUREDER (4) who made it three wins from the last four starts when he scored by 1.6 lengths at Doomben last time. That was his first try at this journey and a lower draw should ensure a cushy run. Can do it again. I AM THE EMPIRE (3) has ground to make up on Kureder through the last-start fourth but that extended a string of top-four finishes. Draws lower so is expected to be in this for a long way. CLASSIC DEEL (11) ran on for a deserved Doomben win last start to follow back-to-back placings. Respect. BEDFORD SQUARE (9) was a winner two back and worked home last start so may be looking for this longer trip.
RACE 2 - WILLINGA FREEFALL (4) has been knocking on the door in NSW with a couple of recent placings, the latest when leading and sticking on for third at Canterbury. Back in trip and gets some weight relief today. Race fit fourth-up so can strike. BOOM COURT (7) was always forward when resuming and fought on to be beaten a head into second over 1200m at Ipswich. Fitter and is drawn to get the favours so is right in this. MISS TAMBO (14) finished third over 1350m at Doomben last time out following a determined win two back. Has never been out of the placings in five starts at this journey and has to be respected. YOUR TOO GOOD (6) steps up in grade but is racing well so is worth including.
RACE 3 - MISHANI EXPLORER (2) led and kicked on well score by 1.3L on debut over 1000m at Sunshine Coast two weeks ago. Has upside and can go forward again from a lower draw. BEAU DAZZLER (5) ran on to be beaten just a nose on debut at Toowoomba. This is stronger but he could take closer order from the inside draw. MISHANI HERCULES (4) produced a moderate performance at his last start when fifth over 1000m at Sunshine Coast three weeks ago. Fitter and a chance. BUTWEDID (7) is on debut. Watch for any major market moves.
RACE 4 - BARBIE'S SISTER (5) was beaten as a hot favourite on debut at Sunshine Coast but only missed by a neck. Led from a wide barrier there so will relish the inside draw. Should improve sharply and this looks a nice race for her. KAHLISEE (1) settled back before coming home strongly to score on debut at this track and trip nine weeks ago. Has not raced since but was kept ticking over with a trial win. Promising type who can measure up again. ACCELAR (4) gave a great sight when leading and fighting on for a nose second on debut here last start. Can be in this for a long way. PULPIT (2) must be respected off an easy 2.3 length win at Doomben on debut.
RACE 5 - WEIGALL TIGER (3) made it three from three this time in when cruising home last start by 4.6 lengths at this track and trip. Drawn to enjoy a good run on the speed. Sneaking up in the weights but is progressing strongly so can continue on his winning way. BEAUTANTES (1) led and dug deep to break his maiden by a head over 1200m at Doomben last start. Sparingly raced and has more to offer. Can give a sight again. VICTORY WIN (5) was midfield on a slow track last time after scoring fresh as a hot favourite. Promising and can bounce back on a drier surface. TRIFLING (2) Group 3 placegetter. Better run last start when 0.7 lengths adrift in second over 1350m at Doomben. Well drawn and looks a genuine hope.
RACE 6 - SHOOTING FOR GOLD (2) looks close to a win having placed at both runs over this trip so far this campaign. Ran on to be beaten a neck first up then again found the line last time for second at Sunshine Coast. Draws much closer to the rail and can peak third up. PRINCE OF BOOM (1) pulled up with cardiac arrhythmia after fading badly as favourite first up. Has won a trial since and goes well at the track and trip so prepared to give him another chance. ALL THAT PIZZAZZ (6) won the Weetwood two back before working home last time in the Listed Keith Noud Quality. Suited back to a distance where he strikes at 50 percent. MABEL (5) was too good when resuming over this trip at Kembla Grange last start, scoring by 3.5 lengths. Has never missed the frame second-up so must rate as a player.
RACE 7 - BETTER GET SET (3) ran above expectations with a resuming second, beaten only one length over 1200m in the Listed Tattersall's Classic at Doomben. Ben Thompson who has four wins when partnering stays on. Goes well at this longer trip and with improvement likely she should play a big role. EXTREMIST (2) wasn't far behind the top tip when placed in the Tattersall's Classic and she beat the boys to win the Listed Keith Noud two back. Hasn't missed a place this time in. Among the leading chances. ESSONNE (4) has two duck eggs next to her name but they have come in Group races in Melbourne. Listed winner the last time she came to Queensland so can measure up with her A-game. CHATTY LADY (12) comes here after a fifth in the Tattersall's Classic two weeks ago over 1200m at Doomben. Better than that and worth following up.
RACE 8 - EKATERINA (13) was below her best last time but that was on a slow track. Had kicked off her campaign with back-to-back wins on good surfaces and has strong statistics at the course and distance so can bounce back with drier conditions. FREEDOM RALLY (5) chased well for second when resuming over 1200m at Sunshine Coast. He has won two of three attempts at this longer trip and is unbeaten both here and when second up so ticks plenty of boxes. Last-start winner STANDING ORDER (3) steps up in grade but has been going well this campaign so rates and an each-way player. MIDNIGHT IN TOKYO (15) has yet to miss a place this time in so can be in the finish again.
RACE 9 - HELLUVA BARTY (17) is racing well. Ran on to score fresh then again closed off strongly last start when second, beaten one length over this trip at Sunshine Coast. Building a good record at this journey and should get a cushy run from the inside draw. There was plenty to like about the resuming effort of GO WANDJI (1) when closing strongly to be beaten a head. Has two wins when second-up and will strip fitter for this. Goes well at the track and trip and doesn't have to lift a lot to strike. SELF INDULGENT (10) will find this easier than the resuming attempt at Stakes level and is proven second up. STROLL (16) made ground when resuming and strikes at 50 percent second up
RACE 10 - EVOCATOR (5) has been close-up in all three runs since winning at this course and has been kept up to the mark with a trial since a last-start third over 1350m at Doomben. Drawn to get the favours. Big chance. ARTS OBJECT (16) was edged out by a nose last start and will be reaching peak fitness fourth-up so makes each-way appeal. COLLEAGUES (21) was there on the turn then battled on fairly to finish fourth over 1800m at Sunshine Coast last time out. Should be in the mix. CLYDE (2) returned from a layoff last start and was beaten 2.75 lengths into fifth over 1350m at Doomben. Rates highly and can do much better this time.
