It’s a tough midweek card at Doomben with multiple emergencies in several races – but the weather has been kind and with the rail out 11m, it will pay to be on the speed.
BEST BET
Race 4 No.7 SECURITY ADVISOR
NEXT BEST
Race 3 No.6 PRE EMINENCE
VALUE BET
Race 8 No.1 SHA OF GOMER
QUADDIE
Race 5: 1,6,8,11
Race 6: 10.15
Race 7: 5,9,11
Race 8: 1,5
48 combinations
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No pace in this but Chris Waller brings them North to win one and he has three to dictate terms in this moderate Maiden. Blinkers go on AUTUMNMATION (6) which was beaten as odds-on favourite last start when resuming. She will strip fitter, the longer trip suits and if she gets the right tempo Michael Rodd can round them up.
COUNTER (1) is another that has been trying for a while but didn’t enjoy the heavy track last outing and will appreciate 1660m. With Ryan Maloney he can roll forward and will be given every chance.
PRINCESS KAGUYA (8) wasn’t far away in the same race as AUTUMNATION (6) last start and a more positive ride by Mark Du Plessis will help.
TRAPEDO (9) beat the Waller runners home last start and steps up in trip. She gives them a start but this longer trip helps and if the speed is on will hit the line better than any,
Verdict: A Waller runner.
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Another moderate Maiden and STRAPPEROO (6) got too far back but was hitting the line behind the talented stablemate Invincible Shield last start. There are none of that quality in this field, the extra distance suits and a positive ride from Vlad Duric has him in the finish.
The interesting runner is the import POUTCHEK (1) which placed at all three outings in the UK before arrival. His trial was sound and whilst longer may be better he can show up fresh with Cejay Graham’s 1.5kg claim.
BINGHAMTON (2) has had his chances but did a good job to beat all but Bosustow last outing and that form has been franked. From the better draw he will get every chance with Jag Guthmann-Chester.
KAREEM (4) had support on debut but went too hard in the same race as BINGHAMTON (2) and knocked up late. He will strip fitter, blinkers go on and with a strong rider in Noel Callow can overcome a wide gate.
Verdict: STRAPPEROO (6) finds a suitable race.
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Race 3: Three-Year-Old Maiden Plate 1200m
Few can get them ready better than Barry Lockwood and PRE EMINENCE (6) has been gelded after placing at Gosford at his only start 42 weeks ago. By Exceed and Excel out of a Group 2-winning mare, he has looked sharp at his trials and from a good gate Robbie Dolan won’t make mistakes.
MEAT PIE ARTIE (3) is resuming after racing in far stronger company last preparation. He trialled well behind PRE EMINENCE (6) and with Martin Harley has the class to overcome the gate.
VIACONI (9) will strip fitter after his first-up outing at Scone. He drops 2kg, has speed and will get every chance with Michael Rodd.
CASPERNOVA (1) has found one better at both outings but hit the line solidly on both occasions. He drops 2kg, will strip fitter and Vlad Duric can overcome an awkward draw,
Verdict: With PRE EMINENCE (6).
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Race 4: Benchmark 68 Handicap 1660m
Wins are hard to come by with SECURITY ADVISOR (7) but he rarely runs poorly and now third -up is ready to strike. Melea Castle knows him well and if close enough on straightening can round them up.
AQUA ALTA (4) is fitter for two outings and gets up to her winning trip. A good gate helps and with Bailey Wheeler’s 2kg claim she will be near the speed throughout.
DRIALLE (2) has been racing consistently this preparation and takes on the mile for the first time. From a good gate Jag Guthmann-Chester will have him well-placed throughout.
Now with Tony Gollan, CONDRIEU (11) needs a scratching but brings strong Sydney form and looked likely at a recent trial. She drops 2kg on her last Sydney outing and with Angela Jones can worry these.
Verdict: SECURITY ADVISOR (7) to break through.
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Barriers matter and RICHON (6) is a speedster with an excellent first-up record. He has won both his recent trials and from gate one Jag Guthmann-Chester will give them something to catch.
HOLD ON HONEY (1) drops back to his optimum trip after being run down late when resuming. The wide gate tests but with Emily Lang’s 3kg claim he will be prominent for a long way.
RING OF STEEL (8) was easy in the market and never on the track when resuming. There are two of him but he gets a nasal strip, Ryan Maloney replaces Jim Orman and if the real one turns up can bother these.
MY SNOW QUEEN (11) disappointed from a wide gate last start in Saturday grade but will appreciate the drop back to midweek company and is well treated under Plate conditions. A winner of a Saturday Benchmark 85 over this trip two starts back a repeat effort has her in the finish.
Verdict: RICHON (6) from barrier to box.
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Race 6: Benchmark 68 Handicap 1110m
Question marks over most of these but HURTS SO GOOD (15) brings good Ipswich form and ran down the smart Lumens Lenny last start. He drops 2kg, is improving with racing and with Ryan Maloney will hit the line.
BELLA BABE (10) has had her issues but has only missed a place once in six starts winning twice. She looked good in a recent trial and with Emily Lang’s claim has the speed to overcome a wide gate.
ORTHIE’S GIRLS (9) has found her mojo since a change of stables winning back-to-back at Toowoomba. This is harder and she is yet to win beyond 1000m but winning form can’t be ignored.
A bad gate tests SHOHEI (6) but she is fitter for three outings and wasn’t far away last start. Her best Sydney form is up to this and she can make her presence felt.
Verdict: HURTS SO GOOD (15) has the most relevant recent form.
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Race 7: Class 1 Handicap 1200m
With multiple emergencies final gates will be important. Wins have been hard to come by for WITHIN REASON (5) but she has been close up at both outings since joining Tony Gollan. Now third-up, if the will is there Ryan Maloney will find it.
NAVYONTHEHIGHWAY (11) was dominant on debut but steps up in grade. Tahlia Fenlon stays on and from the wide gate will take no prisoners.
An improved gate helps CATTRALL (9) which was making ground at the Sunshine Coast when resuming. She has been kept fresh since and will get every chance with Michael Rodd.
BATTLEFIELD (2) has had a change of stables and brings NSW form. He had veterinary issues last start but is resuming after a strong trial. Blinkers come off and he will need some help from the wide gate but Robbie Dolan knows what to do.
Verdict: It’s WITHIN REASON (5).
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A return to midweek company suits SHA OF GOMER (1) which had trouble getting clear last start but wasn’t far away at the end in much stronger company than this. He is poorly drawn but scratchings will help and Mark Du Plessis can find a way.
ACID WASH (5) started at Winx odds but got the job done at Sunshine Coast in good style. A promising three-year-old this is harder but will get every chance with Jag Guthmann-Chester.
Blinkers go on SPICY LEGEND (2) which worked hard from the wide gate last start and ran into a good one in Metalart. Now third-up, he steps up to a winning distance and with Baliey Wheeler’s 2kg claim will be hard to pass.
LUBRICATION (3) knows how to get beaten and blew his chances at the start last outing. Robbie Dolan stays on and if he gets away cleanly can make amends.
Verdict: SHA OF GOMER (1) ready to win.