Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SATISFIED MUGS (1) trialled well and was nudged out here on debut before recording a dominant 3.5L win in an Open 2. The promising colt was heavily bet in both and will use an inside gate. Strips fitter and rates to go on with it. NOSEY NEO (2) led and won a Mackay Maiden improving sharply. Jumps from the inside barrier and won't have to improve much to threaten. MR OREO (3) was set to debut a couple of weeks ago but was scratched after dislodging the rider en route to the barriers. Has the blinkers applied and is in good hands. The betting will be key. Ditto with MR SHEFFIELD (4) on debut. Has the blinkers on and gets in light with the 3kg claim. They may be the best of the newcomers.
RACE 2 - PLAY IT AS IT LAYS (9) changed barns and found more like her best form when beaten 1.3L at Emerald. Has a 3kg claim today and will only carry 52kg. She will be fitter and is the one to beat on what we've seen. MADAM BORODINA (4) has switched to the Button yard and her two race outings have been in provincial and metro company. Has a 2kg claim but has to manage the outside barrier. The betting suggests she's pleasing. FIVELINEDITTY (1) found one better at Ingham and can build on that effort. Draws awkwardly but the 2kg claim is handy. STURDY ACRES (10) debuts and profiles well.
RACE 3 - GOING NUCLEAR (1) was a big 55 winner over this distance and has been nudged out at his two starts since. He's well-placed in this contest and Wiggins is a key jockey engagement. LADY MASQUERADE (7) mixes the form but her Yeppoon effort two back stacks up and improvement is likely stepping up to the mile. Finally draws an inside barrier and the in-form Morrison replaces the 3kg apprentice. ZOUHOPE (5) deserved the 60 win at Ingham. A 2kg claimer replaces Morrison and he will be in the finish holding the form. BRAVE AGENDA (4) won this grade at Innisfail and then tackled stronger at Cairns and found Lidder Valley much too good. Covered the others and is in the mix.
RACE 4 - BINGHAMTON (1) resumes and has switched stables. He's been racing in robust company and showed plenty in NSW early doors. Maps well and can win if presented on song. LOOMING ONE (3) has formed the quinella at his last four starts and has been heavily bet. There was nothing in it at Cairns the latest. Has a key jockey switch to Wiggins and may find the extra yard. BELMONT PARK (6) went close here off a wide gate showing more like his best. Has a handy 3kg claim and deserves consideration. KAMMERZELL HOUSE (7) switched from a leading Victorian yard and didn't do a bad job at Cairns. Will be better for it and has more to give.
RACE 5 - HYDE PARK (2) resumes and has switched to the Button stable. He's been contesting stronger metro races and has been gelded. He maps well and will have these covered if he's on song. MUTAFIQ (3) was quickly back on track here before a nose defeat at Cairns. He has won over 1200m and x2 winning rider Wiggins is reunited. A chance to go one better. TYMON (9) seeks the hat-trick. This is harder but he gets weight relief and is in the mix. SAVEE (5) switched from a Victorian yard and needed the first-up outing. Finds easier and her best would see her right in the finish. May need more time but stays under notice.
RACE 6 - Competitive. BATTLE CRY (1) won first-up and then ran a strong figure beaten a nose here this grade. The longer sprint suits and Wiggins stays aboard. Fitter and a bounce is likely. LADY RAIN (4) won that contest finding her best. Keeps the in-form Morrison and the mare has won 3/4 this course/trip. A chance to go back-to-back. MISS SEATTLE (5) comes out of the same race and wasn't beaten far. She has more to give and will carry just 51kg with the claimer booked. Keep onside. SINGLE HONOR (7) won big at Emerald and maps well. Can't be ruled out.
RACE 7 - Not much between the better ones. READY TO PARDON (8) is a leader busting to win. He was heavily bet at this track/trip last time narrowly beaten. Wiggins stays aboard and he deserves another chance. TALONS (3) is third-up off two near misses here and three winners have come out of the latest. Maps for a soft run and has winning claims. VALENKI (4) won well in stronger at Innisfail. Draws awkwardly but has a top hoop aboard today and can make the finish. BRASCO (5) missed a whisker at Mackay in a return to form. The rails gate is likely against but he peaks today and he'd be right in it finding his best.
RACE 8 - CATALINA DREAMING (5) resumes and is proven fresh. Her form reads well and the top hoop is booked and will use the inside barrier. She can come back better and a bold run is anticipated. WIN AND TONIC (2) led and missed a whisker here first-up and is further improved. Came off two trial wins and Butler sticking aboard is a positive. Has the early speed to manage the awkward gate and he's a winning chance. CUMIN SPINNER (9) was heavily beaten and resumed in good order at Rockhampton. She may need longer now but has plenty up her sleeve and has to be kept safe. ROCKY BLONDE (12) led and went close here in an Open 3 turning the form around. He won't be far away holding that form.
