Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BO BO BEWARE (4) was quickly back on track when beaten 1.4L here over 1560m. Steps up to a middle distance for the first time, and his breeding suggests it will suit. Has plenty of weight relief at this level and will get every chance to run it out. Ditto YUKANUMA (2), who went close at Warwick and followed that with a 1.3L defeat here over 1560m in better class. Carries more weight but draws inside and gets a key jockey switch to Wiggins. PREPOTENT (1) is capable on his day and should enjoy the step-up to the 2000m. Can't be ruled out.
RACE 2 - RAVENITE (4) resumes and has switched from a Victorian yard. He'll be winning if he's presented on song. He races forward, and two back, he narrowly missed at Mildura, backed into the red. BIG DEMEANOR (1) has switched from the premier Brisbane stable on a 55-day return. He was last seen beaten 2.5L at the Gold Coast, and that's good form. Maps well, and he's a live chance. RUM RUMBLE (5) has been going okay at Rockhampton and drops back to a short sprint with Wiggins booked. WARHOL (6) missed a nose at Emerald, and it was his first show of form since his switch from a top Sydney barn. Finally draws a low gate, and Butler is a positive jockey switch. He may go on with it now.
RACE 3 - DAIMYO (1) won twice at Rockhampton and then didn't finish it off here over longer. He may have choked down in running and deserves another chance. He draws low, and Butler sticks aboard in easier company. Note, the Walsh stable strikes at 52% with favourites, and is perennially in-form. FLYING MAPLE (8) didn't finish it off here last time, but went well at Rockhampton prior. She has a 2kg claim today, and the longer sprint shouldn't bother. CANNY BE BETTER (2) is up to this at best, but he's been plainer in his last two in a better grade. Has been kept on the fresh side, and Wiggins rides for the first time. Keep him very safe. LADY MASQUERADE (5) found more like her best, winning a 55 at Emerald. Has some weight relief and is in the mix.
RACE 4 - LITTLE IFFY (12) peaks off a nose defeat at Townsville in an Open 3. She races forward, and Stanley is a key jockey switch, replacing the 2kg apprentice. She will present at peak fitness and will take plenty of beating. RUM RUMBLE (2) has been knocking on the door at Rockhampton but has to drop back to the short course today. Wiggins sticks aboard, giving confidence that the gelding will manage. BADLIFEDECISION (9) found War Council 4.4L too good here 12 days ago, but covered the others. She'd been within range at Rockhampton the two prior, and is capable of using an inside barrier. Deserves consideration. KONKRETE BLONDE (5) resumes and has switched to a top Rockhampton yard. Butler is a positive jockey engagement, and the betting will be key with her. SECRET BOOM (3) was terrible at Cairns but will be around the mark putting his best foot forward.
RACE 5 - PIPISTRELLE (2) was expected to win an $85,000 Quality at Rockhampton first-up but didn't finish it off, beaten 2.9L. She brought strong form to that and has won 2/3 second-up. Wiggins strikes at 28% with the Vale yard and is aboard the mare for the first time. She wins at best, and the extra metres suit. REPLACE THE ACE (3) has been busting to win at 60 level and has been kept up to the mark with a trial win at Rockhampton. He will race forward, and he carries 6kg less in this grade. Deserves consideration. ME TIME (5) will be around the mark based on her comfortable 55 win here two back. LOOMING LEGEND (6) is on a quick backup and may control the race. Needs to find plenty to be winning.
RACE 6 - MAGIC GAME (8) resumed further improved with a 1L defeat at Rockhampton. She lined up there 18 days later but didn't manage the wide gate. She draws inside today and over longer can bounce back. It's hard to risk the potent Stanley-Taylor linkage. NICKELBACK (6) had an excuse at Grafton 27 days ago, but was narrowly beaten there and at Doomben prior. Those efforts stack right up, and he's back in grade. Wiggins rides, and that's a decent push for his chances. HEARSAY (9) went close this track/trip and then improved again, beaten a neck at Cairns. The inside gate will advantage, and she is on a 7-day return. MORDECAI (7) resumed here over this trip with a 1.5L defeat. He's proven second-up and also deserves consideration.
RACE 7 - They have scratched another fancied stablemate, leaving PARADE GROUND (1) the one to beat. He made it 2/3 this preparation, winning a 70 comfortably at Rockhampton, and maps for a soft run. SIR GRACE (4) has been freshened since delivering the hat-trick this track/trip. He performs on the fresh side and will jump-and-run from the inside gate. A live chance. CABALO ESCURO (9) has been busting to win here at this level. Maps well and deserves another chance. THE DRILLER (6) finds tougher, but may be the next best.
RACE 8 - EARLY FUSION (4) brings a string of wins and will be better for his comfortable 70-win here last time. He has the rail today and may control the race again. Has weight relief at this level, and Wiggins is a key jockey switch, replacing the apprentice. HELLISH (1) led and deserved his win this grade at Rockhampton and then found a $75,000 Quality too tough there following. He's been kept on the fresh side, and the Stanley-Taylor linkage always demands respect. MOENAVE (5) resumed further improved with a 70 win at Rockhampton and followed with a narrow defeat there in this grade. Strips fitter, and he also has claims. RUBUNKAR (3) has won his last three at this level, but he has the outside barrier to deal with today. In the mix.
