Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DATA SCRAMBLE (5) didn't meet with much support on debut last start but created a great impression, coming from next to last on the bend at Eagle Farm to get up narrowly over 1200m. The extra trip is ideal although the tighter track works against. May settle a bit closer from the good draw and she looks the one to beat again. ENTERPRISE DEFENCE (1) continued his upward spiral last time out when successful against some of today's key rivals over this course and distance, his first win in six career runs. Open to further improvement. BELLA KHADIJAH (4) came from last to grab third behind Enterprise Defence here a fortnight ago. Draws a better gate and gets a 2kgs weight swing. Capable of taking this out at the third run of the prep. SAVOUR THE DREAM (2) split Enterprise Defence and Bella Khadijah here recently. Progressive colt with definite claims. FRATIANNO (6) ran a better race last start and needs this sort of trip now.
RACE 2 - MADAME ODETTE (8) is racing well and looks ready to win at the fourth run of the campaign. Made up plenty of ground to beat all but Cinque Torri in a BM85 here at this trip two weeks ago. Gets another rider change with Orman going on. The one they have to beat. CUNNAMULLA FELLA (4) is in rare form and lines up for the hat trick after getting up in the final bound last time out in a BM70 here. Progressive colt who carries weight well and is right in this. MORE TROUBLE (9) had an eight-week let-up before his decent effort in the Winx Guineas at the Sunshine Coast recently. Back to his right grade today and with that run under the belt he is sure to prove tough to run down. CHEVRON (7) caught the eye in the closing stages of the 1600m Grafton Guineas at his latest appearance 10 days ago. Serious chance with a repeat of that effort. NOTACLUEHOWORWHO (11) has been edged out at his two runs this prep. Unproven at the mile but he finds the line well and should run it out.
RACE 3 - KIND WISH (6) raced handy but lacked a kick and finished midfield when resuming in a Class 3 over this course and distance last start. Usually steps up in trip at the second run back but is being kept to the sprinting journey today. Wide gate a concern but with even luck she can figure at decent odds. Genuine mare SET TO SHINE (7) continued her fine form this prep when she won by a whisker over 1300m at Eagle Farm last time out. On-pacer who races well here so from a better gate today another win is on the cards. SUPER DUCK (8) returned to form here a fortnight ago when he flashed home to be beaten under a length over 1200m. Crying out for this trip - one to watch for late in proceedings. THE INFLICTOR (4) found one better last time out over 1000m at Sunshine Coast, beaten just second. Sound top-three prospects again.
RACE 4 - ARTFUL GIRL (11) came back in trip last start at the Sunshine Coast and only warmed up when the race was all over. Last raced over a comparable trip to this three runs back when she scored comfortably here in a BM65. Nicely in after the claim and is a great chance to return to form. SHY GUY (19) had a let-up after failing in the Queensland Derby and went to Eagle Farm last start when a tiring seventh over the mile in a Class 1. Ridden forward that day which is against pattern. Sneaky chance here over this more suitable trip if ridden a bit quieter. FLASH PRINCE (22) backs up six days after a poor effort over 2200m at the Sunshine Coast. Was racing well prior to that, albeit at the midweeks, so with no weight he is a knock-out chance at massive odds. YET HE MOVES (9) won a BM68 here at this trip two runs back. Not the most reliable conveyance but cannot be ruled out.
RACE 5 - THE VOWELS (4) found 1200m a bit sharp when resuming from a spell last start in a BM85 at Eagle Farm. Has raced second-up three times and won twice. Finished fourth to Zarastro in the Recognition over this course and distance last prep which is good form for a race like this. FLYING TRAPEZE (8) gave away a decent start before chiming in late and just missing out last start in a BM85 here over this trip. Three-time placegetter at Listed level who gets in with no weight. Serious threat. PERVADE (7) is an interesting runner fresh from a six-week let-up and now with Louise White after switching from Waller. Needs more ground but a recent trial at Deagon suggests he is in good order and might surprise. DEEPOUR (2) hasn't been beaten all that far in his three runs this prep, all from wide gates in stakes grade. Likely improver with conditions to suit. IRISH SONGS (1) is another who will appreciate the drop in grade this afternoon.
RACE 6 - COCOBREW EXPRESS (11) led all the way to score over 1666m at Ipswich on Cup Day three runs back but has struggled since. Steps out over this distance for the first time so there are question marks but on his best figures he is a proper chance. MISSISSIPPI PRINCE (4) appreciated the drop in class when he led and battled on well for third in a BM85 over the mile here a fortnight ago. Filled a minor placing at his only try over this distance. Cherry ripe and sure to prove hard to beat. SNEAK PREVIEW (1) made steady inroads but never looked a chance in a Quality Hcp over 1600m at Rockhampton recently. Looking for this trip and Maloney goes on so he is a likely improver. AVENUE OF STARS (5) has been a bit one-paced of late so his first go at ten furlongs has come at the right time. CABOCHE (6) is ready to find form third-up out to a more suitable journey.
RACE 7 - INVINCIBLE SHIELD (1) has been a revelation since transferring to Tony Gollan this prep. Made it three-for-three for the campaign when he led all the way and easily accounted for his rivals over 1110m at this track a fortnight ago. That followed a one-month freshen-up so he should tighten up a bit. Looks the winner again. ADDRIEL (2) returned from a 27-week spell with a tidy win in a Class 5 over this distance at Ipswich last start. Genuine gelding who will hold that form second-up. Looks the logical threat. Stablemate RIMBAUD (7) made it two wins from three runs this time in work when he got home easily over 1400m at Eagle Farm recently. No match for Invincible Shield two runs back and doubt he can turn the tables, but a must for quinella and trifecta punters. KING YOSHI (8) races beyond 1000m for the first time. Should position near the pace from gate one and can run a cheeky race. BOHEMIAN LAD (3) is honest and can fill a top-three spot with luck from a tricky gate.
RACE 8 - GREYZOUS (5) has been out of the placings in three runs since a first-up win, but she has bumped into some smart types. Battled on fairly in a better race than this last start over today's trip at Eagle Farm. Yet to win away from the Gold Coast poly track but this looks a nice race. ROSE NOIR (9) led and tried hard but found one better last time out over 1100m at Ipswich. Failed at her only try at this distance but it was at Listed level. Very fit and capable of another bold run. AVONE (3) has been safely held in her two runs this prep, both in stronger races than this. Freshened up and gets blinkers for the first time. No surprise to see her spring back into form. SPIRITUAL SONG (11) led from the outset and dug deep to win on debut recently over 1000m at Eagle Farm. Big step up this time but there is tremendous scope for improvement. REAL RUSH (15) resumes. Showed ability in her maiden prep. Must be respected from the low gate with the featherweight.
RACE 9 - The consistent I SEE YOU COMING (10) started favourite and enjoyed a cosy run but couldn't quite pick up the first couple in a BM68 over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Drops 5.5kgs today and will be spot on at the third run back. Ready to win. BEAUX RUMBLE (1) tracked the leader and tried hard but had to settle for third last time out over this distance at the Sunshine Coast. Stats at this trip are very good. Looms as a serious threat from gate one at the third run back from a break. BEAU WITNESS (16) is flying this prep, albeit in far easier races. Each-way chance with just 51kgs. HURTS SO GOOD (4) made it three in a row at Eagle Farm last time out. Steps up to Saturday company but it's hard to knock the form of late.
