3 minute read
Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays for Australian TAB meetings on September 8.
It's a big day of racing across Australia with key meetings at Mudgee, Gundagai, Sale, Casterton, Sunshine Coast, Kalgoorlie, Murray Bridge and Devonport.
Mudgee: Race 4 @ 3.25pm
Should be a strong tempo with the big field lining up - Apache Lad the likely leader. BULLET STORM (4) spotted the leaders a big start on the corner then let down powerfully over the final furlong to win impressively at Nowra last start over 1400m. Looking for the mile now and at just his third race start there is plenty of upside. The veteran APACHE LAD (10) led and gave a great sight last time out only to be nailed by an in-form mare in the closing stages over 1500m at Muswellbrook. Doesn't win often these days but an each-way prospect on current form. THUNDERZONE (12) has been a bit flat in his last couple of runs in slightly shorter races. Worth one more chance as he steps back up to the mile. OUTTA SPACE (13) made it four minor placings on the trot last start when he led then battled on fairly to finish 3rd over 2100m at Tamworth. Minor claims with just 51.5 kgs. SUGGESTED PLAY: #4 Bullet Storm is going places and will be too good for this lot.
Gundagai: Race 4 @ 2:35pm
Bart should be allowed to dictate. BART (1) has the big weight to lump but his class is hard to ignore. Clung on to score in open company at Moruya last start. Goes well for inexperienced riders. Appears the only leader on paper and the 4kg off is vital. Hard to go past. HOPE ISLAND (2) has done plenty of racing recently. Narrowly beaten in a bunched finish at Wellington last start. Drawn soft again and his best efforts have come over this trip. Will have admirers. CATHANDA (5) tends to get a fair way off them but should be strong late. Not beaten far without threatening first-up. Back on top of the ground and is the horse to follow from the race. Market watch. TITANESS (3) best of the remainder. SUGGESTED PLAY: Bart gets the nod.
Sale: Race 7 @ 4:10pm
Good early provided by Sir Kalahad and Eagle Spirit while Diamond Effort shouldn't be far away. DIAMOND EFFORT (9) is a winner third up and looks well placed to continue that form here. First up she came from the back of the field to run second to the very promising Pippie who looks destined to contest races at the highest level. Last start she was unlucky when a beaten favourite in town. Drawn ideally and should go close. DONE BY ME (10) mixed it with some of the best 2YO's last season and will be better suited second up on firmer footing. QUEEN ANNABEL (1) wasn't suited by the tempo last start in Listed grade and is a threat here despite the weight. RICH ITCH (12) continues to upgrade his form and can't be taken lightly CZECHOSLOVAKIA (7) should be closing late. SUGGESTED PLAY: Diamond Effort looks one of the better bets for the day.
Murray Bridge: Race 3 @ 2:40pm
It's not clear-cut who leads but the larger field should run along. REBEL ROMANCE (9) resumes and brings strong form from stronger Maidens. She draws low and the McEvoy galloper should have these covered. LOVE FROM LUCY (14) is an improver who had no luck the latest in stronger. Also draws well and can make the finish. ROYAL RING (10) got close here 11 days ago and gets her chance with the handy claim. COVER GIRL (5) has been freshened and had been tracking well before the latest. SELECTION: Rebel Romance looks well-placed.
Sunshine Coast: Race 7 @ 4:50pm
Dante Rossetti can lead from Grey Skies, Marawaka and Ocean Ruler. GREAT KEPPELL (9) placed twice and then was a big third-up Maiden winner at Doomben. He needs a good ride from Fradd pushing forward, but his figures suggest he's the winner. MARAWAKA (6) led and won and then wasn't far away at Toowoomba. Draws low and can keep improving for the Lees yard. CHARWAY (11) gets back but was much better at Ipswich, and she will be hitting the line again. BILL THE CONQUEROR (2) deserved the easy CL1 win and will be around the mark with further improvement. SELECTION: Keen on #9 Great Keppell.
Kalgoorlie: Race 9 @ 7.05pm.
A real speed test in the last with four or five potential leaders locking horns. EXCARO (3) is a most consistent mare who returned from a ten-week break with a very easy all-the-way win over 1100m last start. Track and distance specialist who will be hard to toss with any luck from the wide gate. TRUTH AND LIES (6) was an even effort to finish 5th last start over 1100m. Freshened up since that run seven weeks ago and Pike takes over so can improve sharply. The ultra-consistent HAYAN LAD (2) led and just failed to hang on recently over 1300m. Sure to be prominent for a long way coming back a little in distance. HALLDORA (1) did a good job to finish 3rd when resuming last start and will strip fitter for this. SUGGESTED PLAY: #3 Excaro is bomb-proof and should be winning again.
Casterton Race 6 at 3:40pm
British Isle can lead from Rubison. PHYSICALITY (2) won the 58 easily resuming in a strong form race and has placed the two since with a nose in it the latest. Comes to this trip for the first time, but gives every indication he will handle it. RUBISON (3) has won the last two by a space at this track both heavily-backed. Finds a bit harder, but will get every chance using the rail. HE'S THE BOMB (11) just missed the latest running his best race and will be right in it with a repeat of that. LEILA'S STAR (10) peaks and is knocking on the door. SELECTION: Looks the right race for # 2 Physicality with Yendall sticking.