1. Courageous | Couldn't hold on and just missed last start at Murwillumbah but rises to metro class. Has placed in three runs from four this campaign but appears safely held. |
2. Cunnamulla | Having first run for a new trainer and has trialled at Gold Coast. Down in distance. Commands respect. |
3. Paddlepop | Surprised punters to win at long odds last start to break maiden at Kilcoy when fresh but has struggled in these conditions previously. Widest barrier is a concern. Not here. |
4. Rari | Back from 24 week spell and having first start for a new trainer. Fitter for multiple trial runs. One for wider exotics. |
5. Sea Dragon | Ran eighth last start at Doomben when fresh but generally strong second-up. Likely to race on the speed. Not here. |
6. Tavis Town | Resumes after a 24 week spell and winner when on debut at Gold Coast. Has plenty of weight but one of the main hopes. |
7. Return With Honour | Disappointed when only placing as favourite last start at Doomben but has four placings from six runs this prep. Likely to race on the speed. Hard to go past. |
8. Wolf Moon | Resumes after spell of 34 weeks. Coming off a win at only start at Sunshine Coast and looks ready to go following convincing trial win at Gold Coast. Commands serious thought. |
9. Daring Belle | Began awkwardly 6-1/2 len 6th of 8 (8) $41.00 55.0 Boomnova 1200m Doomben Hcp (C1) Good(4) Dec 23. Raced three wide 6-1/2 len 7th of 13 (5) $26.00 56.0 Brabham 1350m Doomben Hcp (C1) Soft(5) Jan 7. |
10. Gaelic Puzzle | Strong in winning last start to break maiden at Doomben and should run fitter for past attempts. Michael Rodd a bonus. Confident will go close. |
11. Kusama | Slowly away lg nk win of 12 (1) $5.00 56.0 I Am A Rocker, Angus The Black 1200m Doomben 3yo Mdn Good(4) April 4. Tactics queried 4-1/4 len 5th of 8 (1) $31.00 56.0 Boomnova 1200m Doomben Hcp (C1) Good(4) Dec 23. |
12. Abracadazzle | 7 len 5th of 11 (9) $71.00 55.0 Tycoon Evie 1200m Doomben 3yo Mdn Good(4) Aug 26. Fractious in barriers. Overraced near 1200m 3/4 len win of 9 (3) $17.00 55.0 Pernell, Gullfoss 1400m Eagle Farm 3yo Mdn Soft(5) Sept 9. |
13. Georgie's Pride | Back after 19 week break and looks ready to go following convincing trial win at Deagon. Will come to hand quickly and a winner when last first-up at Sunshine Coast. Chance. |
14. Mishani Machine | Slowly away 1-3/4 len 4th of 7 (3) $5.00 57.0 Dejanova 1200m Sunshine Coast 3yo (Bm60) Good(4) Dec 4. Inconvenienced early on. Raced three wide. Poor recovery 4-3/4 len 6th of 11 (5) $3.30F 56.0 Aviemore 1000m Sunshine Coast F&M Plate (C2) Soft(5) Dec 20. |
15. Sakura Star | Began awkwardly. Wide early stages. Held up near 300m 2-1/4 len 4th of 11 (9) $4.80 52.5 Microwave Jenny 1200m Ipswich Hcp (C1) Soft(7) Dec 17. Inconvenienced near 1000m. Crowded near 500m 3-3/4 len 6th of 9 (7) $21.00 54.0 Aviemore 1200m Doomben 3yo (Bm70) Good(4) Dec 30. |