Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - UMABETT (6) has switched from a top Brisbane barn on a 60-day return. She went close two back in an Ipswich Open 2 and that stacks right up. Maps well and has the first-time blinkers applied. Should appreciate getting to this level and she appears the one to beat. ALLEZ PARIS (7) gets the blinkers on first time following just a pass mark first-up. Should be better getting out to this course and distance now second-up with the fitness under her belt. Expecting her to put her best foot forward. FORGETABOUTIT (4) was only fair as a 20-1 pop at Mackay last start. though his form last campaign at this track and trip reads well. Drawn nicely and won't be far away. ITHINKBETTA (8) stuck on well at Yeppoon last start and she won't mind a bit of sting out of the ground. Worth inclduing.
RACE 2 - LAKE VARNA (8) races forward and was tracking well before the plain effort at Cairns. Better back to the shorter sprint and the speedy galloper is worth another chance. LOVES AFFECTION (10) is a former Victorian on a 50-day turnaround. He's been a bit disappointing but has pieces of form good enough for this and Taylor rides from the inside gate. The betting will be key. BOOMING FAST (2) resumed on the poly off a long break for a top Gold Coast yard but was never in the hunt. He's switched stables on a 22-day return and will be fitter. Huxtable's booking suggests he's pleasing and he deserves a market watch. THREEBROTHERS (3) resumes and maps well. Will be naturally improved and has shown enough to consider.
RACE 3 - JOHN JOSEPH (1) is a former Victorian resuming for the Holt yard after 136 days. Has strong form from better contests and he has a Moonee Valley placing in the CV. He's proven fresh and will have these covered if presented on song. HARTSHORN (2) missed a nose at Home Hill and then raced on pace again comfortably willing a Cairns 58. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and is the one if the above falters. ZI WIN (3) won a 65, three back and has been within range since. Map well and the in-form Morrison takes over. In the mix. EXTRA FREE (6) missed a whisker at Ewan running his best race. Tumbles in weight at this level and should be around the mark.
RACE 4 - ALL TIME LEGEND (2) deserved the CL6 win at Cairns and did it comfortably from the speed. The gun hoop stays aboard and will run him along from an inside barrier. He can repeat the dose. MISSILE THUNDER (3) won this grade at Cairns and has been close up the two starts since. He gets in well with the 3kg claim and is a chance on the 8-day return. CIRCULARITY (1) resumes and is right up to this at best. He was last seen in a rich quality here and the speedy galloper maps well. Huxtable's booking suggests he's pleasing. RED BOOMSHAKALAKA (7) tumbles in weight off a CL5 win at Ewan and uses the rail. In the mix.
RACE 5 - GOING NUCLEAR (3) is a former Victorian who missed a whisker first-up and then likely had an excuses following. He has more to give and Wiggins is a key jockey switch. Races forward and is back in grade. Hard to beat. TYCOON LAD (5) runs along and improved again winning a 50 comfortably at Ewan. Butler stays aboard and the hat trick isn't out of the question. VANCOUVER BAY (2) is capable and drops in grade and distance. The 3kg claim brings him into it but the outside barrier cruels. MISS SHALAA (12) is hard to catch but should be around the mark.
RACE 6 - Tricky. OVERLORD (6) switched from a NSW barn and won the CL3 first-up as expected. Brought strong provincial and metro form and has plenty up his sleeve. Draws well today and has weight relief. Fitter, he can go on with it. PRINCIPESSA (7) is ex-Sydney and was in the market this grade first-up but looked in need of it. The longer sprint suits better and he's proven second-up. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and she's certainly good enough. SPIRIT MEISTER (2) improved sharply beaten a whisker at Cairns and then came from the back and delivered a 70 there as expected. This is harder but he should give a sight. BRAVE AGENDA (8) resumes and has switched from Brisbane's best stable. May need one but would be a hope at best.
RACE 7 - Tricky to assess. SPECIALTIE (1) resumes off a near miss here in stronger. Carries more weight but Butler is a positive jockey booking suggesting he's pleasing. Goes fresh and will likely have come on. EUROMANTIC (8) resumed in a CL3 at Mackay beaten 2.2L She's been off the scene for a while and is sure to have come on. Has the inside gate and is proven second-up. The 3kg claim brings her right into it. HIT SNOOZE (9) missed a nose at Ewan first-up and wasn't beaten far at Bowen after a luckless run. The veteran has won 2/4 third-up and Huxtable takes over from Butler and he will likely push forward. TRIGGERIFIC (2) resumes and is a former Victorian who's good enough at best. May find this a touch short but he's suited and the betting will be key.
RACE 8 - BRAVE MASO (2) is better than the form line suggests. He's been racing in much stronger and looks well placed with the 3kg claim. Maps well and is worth plenty of consideration on an each-way basis. SIR MAXIMUS (4) has been busting to win. He draws awkwardly but should be right in the finish with average luck from the outside gate. VALENKI (6) has also been racing well without winning and has been heavily bet his last three. Draws awkwardly but Morrison replaced the 2kg apprentice should give him every chance. PRIVATE CHEETAH (5) was back to form winning the 60 at Mackay. Has the rail and keeps Huxtable. In the mix.
