Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Heathcote-trained ESTRONDO (1) was second up and spiked his figures beaten a nose in an Open 3 at the Sunshine Coast. Carries more weight at this level but rates the one to beat. Gollan-trained MARAGICAL (6) led and won her Maiden here second-up over this distance and is sure to build on that. Again, the 3kg claim brings her right into it. Looks the threat. THE TORQUE FACTOR (4) led from a cruel barrier when breaking Maidens at the Sunshine Coast on debut. He will keep improving. RAMP IT UP (3) was outgraded at Eagle Farm but the Maiden win prior would have him around the mark.
RACE 2 - OUT OF ACES (3) switched from the Neasham barn in Sydney and first-up was beaten 1.3L at the Sunshine Coast over 1400m. He missed by less than 2L prior at Rosehill over 1500m and that effort reads well. Maps for a soft run and keeps the handy 3kg claim. Fitter he appeals. YOU KAY SQUEEZE (6) improved again when beaten a nose at Ipswich over this journey. She's on a 6-day return and can form the quinella. EFFIE'S JOY (5) peaks and is likely to sit closer today. Callow replaces the apprentice, and she is doing well enough to be included in the trifectas. DULVERTON CHARM (2) will run along with a handy 3kg claim he will be around the mark.
RACE 3 - The Gollan-trained pair look to hold the key. IVY DEXSTRESS (4) was a big trial winner here before coming back beaten 1.2L on debut. She keeps the handy 3kg claim and with the extra fitness/learning is sure to go close. BIG DEMEANOR (1) has been the medium of strong betting support in this preparation but hasn't cracked a win. He has a key jockey switch today with Maloney replacing Lang, who sticks with the above. Knocking on the door and deserves another chance. TOP ACT (6) resumed with a 1.2L defeat at Grafton backed into prohibitive odds. She had a slow recovery post-race. Has a strong SP profile so they have an opinion. She's back after 16 days and will be fitter. MISS PERSONALITY (5) debuts and her recent Deagon trial was sharp. Maps well and the gun jockey is booked. A bold run is anticipated.
RACE 4 - Waller-trained SHY GUY (3) is well into his campaign but continues to threaten and he finds the right race. The near-miss three back this track/trip reads extra well. Maps for the run of the race and Orman sticking aboard is a decent push for his chances. PORT MOURANT (8) improved again narrowly beaten over 1800m at the Gold Coast. He sits down in the weights and the blinkers go on again. Up to this at best. HILLCREST AVENUE (2) peaks and will enjoy the step-up to the middle distance. He narrowly missed this track trip in May in a 78. That stacks right up and he will push forward and Callow will get the most out of him. PEROVIC (1) is capable and is in the mix.
RACE 5 - TOROVISTA (7) has a peak ratings edge and will be better for the first-up outing at Eagle Farm in stronger. He races handy and the step up to the mile is ideal. BITOFTHEBLARNEY (4) won here this grade/trip 14 days ago. Gets more weight but has more to give. The gun hoop stays aboard the Waller-trained galloper. Third up now and is a live chance. PENTITO (1) will be fitter and is a handy galloper who's won this track/trip. Maps to advantage and the 3kg claim brings him into it. MOOTESSA (10) went close here this grade/trip when quickly back on track. Sits at the bottom of the weights and also has claims.
RACE 6 - A good contest. NAVAL TRADER (10) is third-up off two narrow defeats at the track. He is back in grade and this is winnable with average luck. RAINBOW CONNECTION (11) resumed further improved placing here and then settled rearward (again) from another wide barrier beaten 3L. He finally has an inside gate and Orman's booking is a decent push for his chances. KADALL (9) has been busting to win and Maloney is a key jockey switch. Has the first-time blinkers applied, and he deserves another chance. SUBSTANTIAL (5) creates plenty of interest. He resumes and has been transferred to the premier metro barn. He's proven fresh and has performed at Stakes level in Sydney. Brings a solid trial and has a handy 3kg claim. The late betting will be key.
RACE 7 - ELLIBABY (9) won twice fresh and resumed again three weeks ago this grade/trip at the Sunshine Coast beaten 2.5L after an awkward start. She will run along from the handy barrier and 32% stable striker Maloney is reunited (439 rides). Fitter, the promising mare can break back. HERMANITA (10) led and won here and seeks the hat-trick. The 2kg claim helps offset some of the extra weight and expect the speedy galloper to make short work of the awkward barrier. With average luck an each way chance. I SEE YOU COMING (1) went close three times here but was plainer the latest in stronger grade. He has Lang's handy 3kg claim today which brings him into it. Needs a good ride but it's hard to risk the premier metro barn. TORQUE I TEE (6) has won 2/3 third up and this is within his reach. Has been kept up to the mark with a trial win and Callow rides and will give him every chance from an inside barrier. MISS EMMA (19) gets a start and also deserves consideration.
