Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - VIKING BLOOD (2) is a 16-start maiden who finds his right race today. Back in trip after running on late when a plugging third over 1710m at Grafton on September 23. Maps well and no excuses in this easier contest. MAX 'O' MAX (6) close to his top for this fourth up after sticking on well when fourth over 1710m at Grafton on September 23. Trained on the track and looks one of the genuine winning hopes. MADAME LEXIS (5) lightly raced filly desperate for a bit of ground. Drifted back and failed to get into the contest when ninth over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast three weeks ago. Winkers go on and improvement is anticipated. ARTELUCE (3) outclassed and poorly drawn at latest when a plugging 12th over 1300m at Eagle Farm on September 20. Stretches out to this trip for the first time and can run into the minor money.
RACE 2 - ICON OF STYLE (2) brings the best form into the race and will relish the 3kg claim again. Kept fresh when back in trip for a slick on pace 6 len victory over 1370m at Bowraville on September 21. Has won two of her last three starts and can continue on her winning ways. SPIELE (4) failed to fire in her three runs back and saves her best for this track and trip. Snagged back from the outside draw when a poor 11th over 1420m at Grafton on September 9. Well drawn and no shock to see her take this out. REVONTULET (3) fitter after two runs back and gives the impression this extra distance will suit. Shuffled back from the inside draw when a plugging eighth over 1350m at Ipswich on September 19. Can run into the minor money. IN THE BLINK (5) in leading yard and no surprise to see her turn it around in this easier contest. Drifted back and failed to make an impression when tenth at Eagle Farm over 1400m in C3 company on September 26. Anywhere near her best should see her play a leading role.
RACE 3 - SINGLE TOUCH (3) back in trip and ready to win. Anchored with the 60kg when running on late to secure third over 1106m at Grafton on September 23. Has a decent record and maps to get the right run. Go close. LADY TULESSA (1) won two-in-a-row before failing to finish off when a tiring fourth over 1000m at Bowraville in the Lightning Bend on September 21. Reunited with Claire Ramsbotham who won on her two and three back. Well placed and should be in the finish. KING'S GOLD (6) sound return on the fast tempo when a gritty third over 1015m at Grafton on September 9. Has come back in good order and can take a hand in the finish. LONDON POINT (5) resumes today and will be fitter for a recent trial coming into this. Has won fresh in the past and is not to be discounted with the 2kg claim.
RACE 4 - TORQUE TOTHE STARS (12) motored late on debut when a solid fifth over 1100m at Ipswich two-and-a-half weeks ago. Further improved now and will relish the extra trip. Will prove hard to hold out. NO RAGRETS (2) third up today and expecting more after catching the eye late when fifth over 1320m at Lismore on September 12. Maps to get the right run and near his top now. SELFLESS VALOUR (1) is a three-start maiden with mixed form. Up in class when a battling fourth over 1200m at Coffs Harbour in a Super maiden on September 15. Claim helps again and can figure prominently. I'M NUMBER ONE (6) back in trip and was out-sprinted late when sixth over 1181m at Grafton on September 23. Can bounce back over this trip from the good gate.
RACE 5 - DARE TO LOVE (7) is an eight-start maiden who finds a weak race and ready to improve after disappointing when sixth over 1000m at Dalby on September 21. Go on earlier efforts when assessing her chances. DISCOTHEQUE (4) finished in the minor money at two of his last three outings and has his hoof on the till. No luck from the wide gate when third first up over 1100m at Ipswich on September 19. Well drawn here and can get off the mark at start seven. TOTALLY UNDERRATED (15) even effort on debut from the wide gate when running on late to finish seventh over 1100m at Ipswich on September 19. Further improved and looks a leading player with the claim. GOT GUMPTION (11) first starter by Tassort out of Tia from the Daiki Chujo stable. Finished second in a trial at the Gold Coast over 850m on September 10. Inside barrier will assist chances.
RACE 6 - ZELGARIA (1) resumed in stronger company when a plugging eighth over 1200m at Eagle Farm on September 20. Lone win came second up and can bounce back with the 3kg claim. Hard to hold out. WENDT (5) wasted no time getting off the mark as favourite on debut when a tough on pace winner over 1006m at Grafton two weeks ago. Finds an average C1and can win again. PRESSALONG (7) sharp win on debut two back, then six weeks between runs when a tiring sixth over 1006m at Grafton on September 23. Fitter now and drawn to get a much better run. Improver. CHOCKABLOCK (6) handy mare who was snagged back from the awkward gate when a disappointing seventh over 1200m at the Gold Coast on September 7. Kept fresh and can bounce back with the claim.
RACE 7 - ORPHAN'S TRUST (5) returned in good style from the low gate when a fighting neck winner over 1200m at Dalby on September 21. Gets the similar set up again and the 2kg claim will help her cause. Hard to hold out. PRANCING WITH FIRE (8) is back after a break of eight months and now in the Fleur Blanch yard. Has a decent fresh record and looks primed for this with Luke Rolls taking the ride. NICKELBACK (4) holding his form well and was anchored with the 60kg when third to Frappes over 1420m at Grafton on September 9. Has the speed to get across and take a hand in the finish. BILLY'S BRO (1) first-up after five months cruised across from the wide draw when a tenacious second over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast on September 15. Goes just as well second up and expected to be in the mix.
