Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SKOGAFOSS (3) has enjoyed getting away from the tougher fields in Victoria and would have also settled down after being gelded. He was only beaten by a nose here 11 days ago and the extra 300m is ideal third up. On top. GOLDEN OCTAVIAN (2) changed stables after some promising NSW trials and made his debut as favourite in the same race as the top pick, finishing fourth. He has the pole position and will improve quickly. Follow your money. BRAMBLE (5) has been racing consistently since moving North from Victoria at the start of the season. She is having her second start in blinkers and should be right in the finish again. LOVE 'N' VISION (6) has not quite lived up to her earlier promise but was not too bad when finishing fifth at Townsville 5 days ago. The quick backup could be the key so stick with her.
RACE 2 - SPIRIT MEISTER (2) is more known for running in the money rather than winning but has the blinkers back on after finishing third in his last 4 starts. This is his favourite track and if the rain hangs around, he will be the one to beat. LIDDER VALLEY (3) is a lot stronger this season and made it 2 wins this prep when scoring as expected here 11 days ago by over 3 lengths. He has always promised to be a decent type and can now start to deliver on that reputation. Go again. ZI WIN (5) can find this trip a bit of a stretch but he is racing well at the moment and from a good draw, he can figure in the finish. INDICTMENT (1) strips fitter second up and is a quick improver with top hoop Ryan Wiggins back in the saddle.
RACE 3 - JEMELDI (3) won fresh up at Townsville over 1000m before finding 1200m too far there as favourite last time out, fading late to finish fifth. He is back to a more suitable trip third up and can resume his winning ways, especially from a good gate. BOLD TYPE (1) is a very durable veteran who is still very competitive at this level. He was runner-up in a similar field here 11 days ago and normally improves with racing. He starts from the pole position and can go one better. BAKERSFIELD (6) led all of the way to score here 11 days ago on a soft track and won't find this much harder. He has the right draw to make a play for the early lead again and is good enough to double the dose. BLUE KENTUCKY MOON (2) was third in the same race as the third pick and is no better off at the weights here. He may struggle to turn the tables but is still a top 3 chance. Include in all combinations.
RACE 4 - IRRESISTIBLE FORCE (4) had been finding it hard to win another race before leading all the way to score by over 4 lengths on this track 11 days ago and those front-running tactics could be the key to unlocking his potential. He won't find this much harder and he can double the dose. KING'S HALO (3) flashed home late to finish second here last time out and will be at his peak third up. The extra 150m is ideal and he can have the last say this time. WONG WAY (6) was second at a recent Ingham picnic meeting and is drawn to receive a soft run early on. He has been placed in 4 of his 7 starts here and is worth including in all multiples. MIRROR ILLUSION (5) can't finish worse than fourth.
RACE 5 - STARZ BARWON (2) did not come up as expected last season and has since moved North from Victoria. He is resuming from a long spell and sometimes a change of scenery is just what these older geldings need to find their best again. He comes to hand quickly and will be ready to rumble from the pole position. Let the markets tell the story. FODOR (1) ran out of condition fresh up and finished fifth in a tougher field here 11 days ago. He is down in class and usually improves quickly with racing. Ryan Wiggins gets on well with him and the pair can get the job done this time. IMPARDOO (5) is resuming from a spell and might need the run. He has a good gate and is good enough on his day to give this a shake. RIGEL STAR (3) has been thereabouts this season for new trainer Steven Royes and is best over the short-course trips. He has a kind gate and is worth including in all combinations to be safe.
RACE 6 - GREY POWER (7) has a bit of upside and has changed stables after scoring by over 9 lengths at a recent Moranbah picnic meeting and was also good enough to clear her maiden status at Cloncurry 3 starts back. She seems to be at her best when allowed her own rules in front and from the pole position, she will attempt to take them all the way again. OUT OF SIGHT (5) sat outside the leader last time out and proved to be too tough in a driving finish to the line, scoring by a nose. This is no harder and she only has to cope with a 3kg weight rise to be the winner again. THE WALLET (6) is a consistent gelding who finished third at Townsville 5 days ago when setting the pace with a slipped saddle. He is likely to be ridden with cover this time and should be right in the finish again. LORD POWER (3) finds it hard to win and a recent freshen-up would have done him no harm. He is usually thereabouts and is worth including in all multiples.
RACE 7 - KITEMA (7) is resuming from a spell that would have done him the world of good. A wet track won't bother him and with the advantage of the pole position, he can make his presence felt fresh up. COPPABELLA ROAD (2) raced greenly at Townsville last time out and was looking for more ground than 1000m. He steps up in trip for the first time and has sound each-way claims in an even contest. I'LLTELLYOUSO (11) had no luck at all fresh up for a new trainer and that effort is best forgotten. Ryan Wiggins picks up the ride and with an extra 250m to travel she will be hard to hold out with some clear galloping room. Stick with her. ZORAYDAH (12) made up a lot of late ground to finish fourth here 11 days ago and a repeat of that effort would see her right in the finish here. Each way value.
