Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SIR GRACE (5) is a leader who won the Maiden before racing a short-priced favourite again winning the 55 by a space over 1500m. Uses the low barrier and a top Sydney rider is booked. Promising and can take the next step. JENNI SWENESEE (6) also runs along and races similarly on his win at Mackay over 1560m. Started at a short quote and a Sydney hoop is booked. Will ride the speed from the rail and is sure to take pegging back. BOLD SPLENDOR (7) resumed with a near miss on the Sunshine Coast heavy. She hasn't missed a beat and is also good enough. The mile suits. ROY'S ROAD (4) won't be far away measured on her Mackay effort two back in stronger over 1800m.
RACE 2 - MOMACK (2) Is third-up seeking the hat trick. Won his only start over this distance at the track so the extra metres won't bother. Keeps the handy 3kg claim and can go on with it. FIGHTING COMMANDO (1) was back in the winner's stall winning this grade over 1500m. Will lead or box-seat and Butler will give him every chance. ENUFF HE SAID (4) is up to this and has needed the two starts back in town. Goes third up and Rodd goes on. BOLD AND LUCY (3) has a low gate and has pieces of form that would see her very competitive.
RACE 3 - BOLD COMIC (2) was heavily bet and resumed with a near miss this grade at the Sunshine Coast. Came off two trial wins and a dryer surface won't bother. Goes second-up and drawn to advantage can make it 4 wins from 10 outings. HELL (7) went back-to-back winning the CL1 here by 4.4L from the speed. Fitter and uses the low barrier. Has been heavily-bet and no surprise if he goes on with it. SUNSHINE HIGHWAY (8) resumed on a poly surface with a big Maiden win. Was close up at Doomben prior and can keep building. Fitter and a hope down in the weights. SUNNYCOAST (5) will be better for the two runs in town and flies the course and distance. Pulled up with an issue last time and resented the blinkers. They come straight off.
RACE 4 - SHADOWEN (12) made it 2/3 this preparation with the CL2 win at Mackay. Raced at Doomben prior following the Maiden win at the Sunshine Coast. Keep improving and has the first-time blinkers applied. Tumbles in weight at this level and can go on with it. CHIKARA (8) resumes and performs fresh. Won a recent Doomben trial and a Sydney hoop is booked. Has a handy gate and is a chance. MAMARAGAN (2) is a former Victorian and did a good job for the new bard beaten 1.5L in a 65. He has more to give and is capable of using the rail. Keeps the 3kg claim and is also a hope. DIVINE OKAY (6) continues to race well and the on-pacer can't be ruled out.
RACE 5 - PENMAN (3) resumed as favourite first-up and wasn't beaten far despite proving a handful for Stanley. He sticks aboard and he has plenty up his sleeve. Will race forward from an inside gate and comes back in grade. Fitter and can go one better. STREET GOD (7) resumes and won the Maiden comfortably here before the spell. Has a low gate and small claim and is likely to return further improved. Will get every chance from an inside barrier. GOLD REVOLUTION (12) resumed with a near miss at Thangool. Had switched yards and she has more to give. Will push forward and won't be far away with average luck. FIGHT IN THE DOG (1) found one too good and Mackay and is going well enough to consider.
RACE 6 - KANAZAWA (1) won the CL6 at Eagle Farm and wasn't far away following at Doomben in Open grade. That's good form and he hits this feature race at peak with a top Sydney jockey booked. Should secure a soft run and he will take beating. SIR WARWICK (6) brings strong form from Eagle Farm and has a sharp record this track and distance. Maps for the run of the race and Rodd is a key jockey switch. He's a solid each-way chance. HONKYTONK DIVA (13) is in the top local barn and is third-up seeking the hat trick. Won the Open here 43 days ago heavily bet and has been kept up to the mark with a sharp trial. Stanley sticks and fitter she will get her chance. FINE SHOT (18) just missed here in Open grade as an even money favourite. Has a near miss at Doomben in an Open 3 in the CV. The niggle is the awkward barrier but he can fight out the finish with average luck.
RACE 7 - STRAIT ACER (1) did a big job placing off a wide gate at Wyong and then just missed in the million-dollar Midway Championship Final in Open grade at Randwick. Arrives here after 15 days and draws wide with a leading Sydney rider booked. Hard to beat. ARENTEE (7) brings a comfortable with in a Doomben Open Quality. Spiked his figures in that and can get into the finish. UCALLEDIT (2) has been racing at G3 level in NSW and the figures stack up. Has the blinkers on for the first time and maps for a soft run. Keep onside. NAMAZU (3) has plenty of ability and can build on the easy Open win at Mackay 48 days ago first-up. Has been kept up to the mark with an easy trial win. Keeps Butler and can't be ruled out.
RACE 8 - THE HAIRDRESSER (12) is lightly raced and promising. Made it 2/3 winning the 55 before a plainer effort in an Open 34. She will have taken further fitness and learning and despite the awkward barrier can bounce back for the potent Stanley-Tayler linkage. TOUCH OF GRACIE (4) went close at Eagle Farm before winning the CL2 at Toowoomba heavily bet. Maps for a soft run and despite the weight hike is feared. DESERT MOON (2) went close here before delivering an easy win at Emerald in a 65 in a small field. Has been kept on the fresh side and is in the mix. SPRING VALLEY (3) was cruelled by a wide gate at Mackay last time and best to go on the handy effort there prior. Gives away starts but should be around the mark.
