Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KATHY'S BEAU (3) had won 3 in a row this season after making the move from Victoria before finishing third at Yeppoon 17 days ago when his regular jockey Justin P Stanley thought he was feeling the firm track that day. He has a good draw and can remain unbeaten on this track. BENCOOLEN (5) only battled in a tougher field at Doomben 10 days ago and was a winner at Mackay before that. He is better placed in this and with a terrific track record, he can bounce straight back into the money. MOENAVE (4) is holding his form and is normally very consistent at this level. His recent freshen-up would have done him no harm and from a good draw, he can figure in the finish again. SPIRIT OF GIVING (6) has found his best form again after joining the Gary Clem stable and has finished runner-up in both of his starts this season. He draws the ace and can go one better. CALM SEEKER (1) peaked on his run late when resuming here 11 days ago. He is down in class and fitter for this assignment. Each way.
RACE 2 - MAGIC GAME (5) has been very good this season since making the move from Victoria and was runner-up here 11 days ago when chasing a hat-trick of wins on this track. She is now ready for a mile and with Justin P Stanley keeping the faith, she will be hard to hold out again. STREET GLORY (4) led all the way for a rare win at Mackay in her penultimate start and then fought on to finish third here 11 days ago. She can make the most of a good draw and will probably lead early on so stick with her. ROY'S ROAD (6) did not kick on as expected last time out on this track after some solid efforts before that. She is normally very consistent and has a senior hoop replacing an apprentice this time. Stick with him. LUCKY EXCHANGE (1) has not missed a cheque in 2 starts on this track in the past and was a fair fourth at a recent Kumbia picnic meeting. A 3kg claim will help so include in all multiples. BOLD HUSSAR (3) has won twice on this track in the past. Each way value from the ace draw.
RACE 3 - JANEAN (3) is a very good sprinting mare who took a few runs to get up to full fitness this season but has hit her straps since returning to this track and has remained unbeaten in all 5 starts here by winning her last 2 outings on the bounce. She is still extremely well-placed with only 56.5kg to carry and should complete the hat-trick. MILO MAN (8) has changed stables since last racing and normally needs a run. He has had a couple of tune-up trials and has won 4 of his 6 starts on this track. A 3kg claim means that he carries 51kg and he could well have the final say fresh up. MEDIA EMPIRE (4) is usually thereabouts when he is fully fit. He is in a good space and another honest effort can be expected. COCHRANE (1) is as honest as they came and his form since moving to North Queensland has continued to be strong. This is his pet trip and he will be given every chance by top hoop Ash Butler in the saddle for the first time.
RACE 4 - SOUTHAVEN (8) did a lot wrong on debut here 3 weeks ago and was still only just over a length from the winner when finishing second. He would have learned a lot from that experience and even from a wide gate, he will be hard to hold out. PEAKING TOM (3) has improved in his last couple of starts and was close up in third here 11 days ago. He is having his third run in blinkers which seems to have done the trick and his first win is not far away. THE DARK SIDE (9) finished third in a tougher field at Doomben earlier in the season and was then given a break due to suffering some cuts and bruises during that run. He will find this company more to his liking and if not in need of the hit-out, he will be right in the finish. Each way. JUST BINGO (2) has been a late scratching since finishing fifth in a Gayndah picnic meeting just over 5 weeks ago. He has some ability and is worth including in all combinations to be safe.
RACE 5 - SNAZZY SNITZEL (7) won here fresh up last prep and then had to be put aside after suffering an injury in his next run at Mackay. His issues will be behind him and he has enough pace to lead this field from his handy gate. He will be hard to peg back. ALLOCATE (2) was a last-start picnic winner at Bundaberg and Gary Clem has this gelding firing now after some moderate efforts since making the move from Victoria. 1100m is as far as he wants but he is in a good space now and can figure in the finish again. LETS DANCE JANDY (1) has won his last couple of starts at Dalby in picnic company and has led all the way on both of those occasions. A 3kg claim will help and he did win his only start on this track over 1100m. A hat-trick is not beyond him. CUMIN SPINNER (11) made good progress last season and will be even stronger this prep. She has a recent trial under her belt and from the ace draw, she will be ready to run a big race fresh up.
RACE 6 - I'M BLUEY (4) is a handy gelding who has changed stables since last racing and will be a lot stronger this time in work. He comes to hand quickly and was set down to resume last week but due to transport problems, he had to be a late scratching. He is nicely placed at this level and should be among the hardest to beat in a very even contest. BIGCAT (3) capped off some strong form with an overdue maiden win here 3 weeks ago. He did it in style as well, scoring by over 2 lengths, and should now go right on with the job. BOLD TYRANT (12) fought on gamely for fourth when resuming from a spell in a stronger field at the Sunshine Coast just over 3 weeks ago and has had a trial since then. He is a promising sort who is good enough to take this out. THE HAIRDRESSER (11) stuck to her task gamely here fresh up 3 weeks ago when running fourth. She has a superior gate this time and also has Justin P Stanley back in the saddle who has been aboard for both of her career wins. Stick with her.
