1. Djukon | Unplaced in all six runs this prep and faded to finish seventh last start at Mackay. An untried jockey and trainer combination. Not the worst. |
2. Maquereau | Winner of last two at Townsville and has multiple wins at the track. At least a place chance here. |
3. Paniagua | Crowded at start 5 len 7th of 15 (10) $51.00 54.0 Master Jamie 1600m Rockhampton R'hampton Cup Soft(5) July 9. Hampered at start. Wide throughout 3-3/4 len 9th of 14 (10) $21.00 57.0 Sayl 2000m Mackay Mackay Cup Good(4) July 23. |
4. South Pacific | On a seven day back-up. Did nothing to threaten last start at Townsville and this campaign's form has left a lot to be desired. Unlikely. |
5. Bullion Wolf | Has struggled in all five runs so far this campaign but proven perfromer on a soft track. Concern is the wide barrier. This looks too strong. |
6. Sayl | Chased strongly to win last start at Mackay and rates highly with Robbie Fradd aboard. Expected to settle off the speed. Rates as one of the key chances. |
7. Rather Salubrious | Short back-up of seven days. Placed last start at Townsville. Likely to race on the speed. Prefer to watch go around. |
8. The Tax Accountant | Unplaced in all five runs this prep and up in journey. Has won twice at Townsville before but still seems unlikely. |
9. Echo Point | Has four wins from six attempts this campaign and finished midfield last start at Mackay. Won six of seven as a favourite. Should go well. |
10. Planet Warrior | Narrowly beaten at long odds last start at Mackay and has four placings from six runs this prep. Has not won in four outings to Townsville before. Place chance. |
11. Schappose | Can't knock the form with four wins from 11 attempts this campaign and has gone well on a softer track. Melea Castle a bonus. Sneaky chance. |
12. Namazu | Just missed at long odds last start at Mackay and won four of eight as a favourite. Commands respect. |
13. Rule The World | Came on to finish midfield last start at Mackay and awkwardly drawn. Just the one placing this campaign at Townsville. Forward showing no surprise. |
14. Quality Asset | Has four wins from 10 attempts this campaign and ran sixth last start at Mackay. Nathan Day has had success aboard previously. Right in this. |
15. Play Me Now | Has placed in three runs from seven this campaign and only just missed last start, finishing a length back from the winner at Townsville on a soft track. Has the speed to overcome an unfavourable draw. Place chance. |
16. Zouvilla | 3-3/4 len 6th of 13 (8) $10.00 63.0 Lord Of Light 1400m Townsville (Bm65) Soft(5) July 21. Wide early, middle stages 4-1/4 len 8th of 9 (7) $3.70 55.0 Maquereau 1609m Townsville Open Hcp Good(4) July 30. |
17. Southern Swing | Only just missed last start, finishing half a length back from the winner at Townsville on a soft track and has three placings from five runs this prep. No wins in nine past runs at the track. Appears safely held. |
18. Dalon | Short back-up of seven days and rates well on a softer track. Has the speed to overcome an unfavourable draw. Place chance. |
19. Breakdance | 5-1/2 len 2nd of 9 (9) $21.00 56.0 Echo Point 1500m Mckinlay Qlty Good(3) June 18. 5 len 7th of 9 (3) $26.00 57.0 Deadly Diva 2000m Townsville Open Hcp Soft(5) July 21. |
20. Buster Block | Eased early stages. Disappointed for a run near 200m 2-3/4 len 6th of 10 (3) $21.00 54.0 Quality Asset 1800m Mackay Open Hcp Good(4) July 15. Slowly away 7-1/2 len 13th of 14 (5) $51.00 54.0 Sayl 2000m Mackay Mackay Cup Good(4) July 23. |
21. Star Status | Hd win of 10 (9) $8.00 56.5 Stubai, Boona Boy 1900m Townsville (Bm70) Good(4) June 28. 2-3/4 len win of 10 (8) $4.40 58.5 Super Rose, Don Arcangelo 2100m Cairns (Bm70) Soft(6) July 12. |