Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - OUTBACK BANDIT (2) won the Maiden well here before disappointing this grade at Townsville from a wide barrier. Draws inside today and a top hoop rides for the first time. He's hard-fit and can bounce back. ACEDROD (1) deserved the Rockhampton Maiden win but was plain there following at this level heavily bet. Peaks now and Huxtable is a positive jockey switch. Doubt there's much between him and the above. A gap then to MISHANI OPAL (6) who peaks today but she's been struggling to find her best following the yard switch.
RACE 2 - Competitive. The former Victorian IRRESISTIBLE FORCE (3) was heavily bet first-up over a short sprint and likely had excuses. His form is good for this and he draws the rail this time. The Stanley-Taylor linkage is lethal and hard to risk. EFFEMINATE (6) is another former Victorian and she went close at Townsville first-up bet into even-money. She has plenty up the sleeve and a top hoop sticks aboard. Draws awkwardly but rates a threat. EARLY FUSION (1) resumes and has switched from a Sydney barn. He has a handy 2kg claim and metro form that stacks right up. Keep very safe. GOLD ACADEMY (2) is third-up and has switched from a Brisbane yard on a 32-day return. Maps well and will find this a lot easier than Doomben. The late betting will be key.
RACE 3 - FIGHTING COMMANDO (2) keeps holding his form and went back-to-back here this grade/trip. Keeps the handy 2kg claim and draws for a soft run on-pace. He gets the nod. AWOL (5) belted a CL6 field at Rockhampton by 5L over 1400m and was heavily backed again there following but was plainer (s vet-cleared). He's advantaged by an inside gate and has a decent chance to bounce. ACROPHOBIC (6) improved again winning the 50 here as expected and peaks. Keeps a top hoop and tumbles in weight. That brings him right into it. CLASS OF ROYALTY (8) has been racing well without winning and will be around the mark.
RACE 4 - PAPASITO (1) led and deserved the easy Open 3 win at Rockhampton. Has to run out the extra metres under top weight but he's suited at this level. It's hard to risk the potent Stanley-Taylor linkage. SIR GRACE (2) was nudged out this grade at Rockhampton looking to extend the picket fence. Maps for a soft run and is sure to be fancied again. ROC DE RUSSIAN (8) races at peak and has been narrowly beaten twice here as favourite. He's capable of making the finish. 3x winning rider Wiggins is reunited on LUVIN' OUR GRACE (5) and she can fill a minor slot.
RACE 5 - BOOMING LAD (3) has switched from an Eagle Farm trainer and has been freshened. He was narrowly beaten at the Sunshine Coast last time and that's good enough. Has to push forward from an awkward gate but Wiggins is booked and that's a decent push for his chances. VIENNAWAITSFORYOU (7) brought strong form to resumption in better company but didn't finish it off. The longer sprint suits as does an inside gate. Another decent winning chance for the Stanley-Taylor linkage. Stablemate I'M BLUEY (5) was quickly back on track narrowly beaten here in a CL3 over 1560m. Sprints today and has been kept on the fresh side. He can't be ruled out. NOBLE HEART (2) is second up and has more to give. He's also in the mix.
RACE 6 - KICK ON COMMAND (10) resumed in a 65 at Rockhampton seeking the hat trick but found one better heavily bet. He flies second-up and Stanley takes over from Butler. He's promising and fitter can get back on track. JUST SUPER (5) has been busting to win and comes back in grade. Maps for the run of the race and the 2kg claim brings him right into it. BRINGYATICKET (2) was quickly back in the winner's stall winning a Townsville Open 3. Butler stays with him and stripping fitter is a chance. OUTBACK ACTION (1) won the Open at Clermont back on track. Wiggins is reunited and he can't be ruled out.
RACE 7 - SAILOR'S RUM (10) brought strong form from Victoria and delivered the Maiden win here first-up at prohibitive odds. The speedy galloper has more up the sleeve and can take the next step. OBLIQUITY (4) was quickly back in the winner's stall in a 55 at Townsville. He keeps improving and Taylor has put Huxtable on today replacing Stanley. Has an awkward barrier but is an each-way hope. SENNAPROST (7) was plain in stronger at Rockhampton but delivered a 55 here prior by a space and that's a better measure of his chances. Has an outside gate to manage but keeps the handy 2kg claim. MIL CIENTO (9) won a 55 here first up as expected and hasn't missed a beat. He'd switched from a NSW yard and can keep improving.
RACE 8 - QUEEN ASSASSIN (2) led and improved again delivering an Open by 5.6L and then pulled up with an issue at the Sunshine Coast in the rich Bat Out Of Hell. She's been freshened since and trialled solidly. Wiggins is reunited on the speedy galloper and this is winnable. BOLD HUNTER (8) spiked his figures missing a whisker here in a 70 and that stacks up. Has to cross over from an awkward barrier but tumbles in weight. A solid each-way chance. CAPTAIN FOX (5) has been busting to win. Rates well on the Rockhampton effort two back and can make the finish again. MONTENEGRO MAN (1) resumes and is proven fresh. 4x winning rider Stanley is booked and that demands attention.
RACE 9 - TERMINUS (11) led here on resumption and was run over late over 1300m. The former Victorian has been kept on the fresh side and is proven second-up. He wins this at best and a top hoop is booked. Each way. GROWL (4) is a former Sydney galloper who was much better second-up. He's also got plenty up his sleeve and maps for a soft run. Quick improvement is likely. SET THE SAILS (8) resumes and brings strong form from Victoria. Goes fresh and draws the rail. Has been away for a long time but has trialled well and has to be kept very safe. PRIVATE CHEETAH (2) is third-up and can show more. Butler is a positive jockey switch.
