Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for April 22.
Randwick: Race 7 @ 5:00pm
JULIAN ROCK (5) turned heads first up at Warwick Farm where he settled back and closed strongly for a third over 1400m. Fitter and will be better suited up to this trip. Also gets Blinkers applied for the first time. VEGA (13) is racing consistently and placed in the Wellington Cup last start. NOBU (11) returning from New Zealand another each way hopeful. SELECTIONS: Can't ignore how good Julian Rock looked in his Australian debut.
ANGELS OF FENWAY (1) made a dash to join the lead on the bend but tired late to finish 3rd when resuming from a 137-day spell last start over 1000m at Ipswich. Rating lifted substantially second up last prep so can improve enough to take this out. MIYAKO ODORI (10) resumes from an 18-week break in a winnable race. Closed last prep with three consecutive placings at this track over longer trips. Trialled well recently and looks ready to go off first up. PORTO DURO (6) missed the kick and couldn't pick up on the soft track when 4th on debut over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast recently. Expect sharp improvement this time. Watch for any market moves regarding OUR SUGAR RAY (5) on debut. SELECTIONS: Like #1 Angels Of Fenway here after a nice return last start.
Muswellbrook: Race 5 @ 3:20pm
ALVIN PURPLE (2) gets his chance. Couldn't go on after a wide run in a strong race at Canberra on Black Opal day. Prior form at this level was very good. El-Issa has a superb record in partnership with him. Will get all the favours from the soft alley and he gets his chance to shine. DI'S DIAMOND (10) made good headway from back in the field here last start. Winner of that (In Good Health) is a strong chance in the previous race so we'll get a gauge on the strength of that form. RT sticks aboard and she'll be rattling home. VENDELLA (8) on a bigger track can show improvement. SELECTIONS: #2 Alvin Purple for the win.
Oakbank: Race 6 @ 4.10pm (AEST)
AMERISSA (5) raced on the speed with blinkers on for the first time last start and battled on well to finish a close 2nd over 2200m at Balaklava. Very effective mare around this trip and looks poised to win. THE BEDOUIN (1) hasn't struck a blow in two runs this prep, albeit in far stronger races in town. Likely to improve sharply now in this weaker company. EXALTED BLOOM (3) worked home well to be beaten just a length over 2200m at Murray Bridge last Wednesday. Three-time winner at this trip who appeals on the quick back-up. Last start winner HONEY PRINCESS (7) is also in the picture. SELECTIONS: #5 Amerissa is the one to be on.
