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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for July 9.
Today's Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are held at Grafton, Ballarat, the Sunshine Coast, Port Augusta, kalgoorlie, Hobart and Wodonga.
WODONGA: RACE 5 @ 2:17PM:
VALJETA (8) gave away a start then stormed home to win over 1000m at Wangaratta last time out. Rates highly on latest effort. Expected to be in the finish again. WORD ON THE STREET (7) was well in commission last time but ran below expectations when fourth and beaten 3.5 lengths over 1200m at Corowa. Should park just off the speed despite the draw. Best figures should see her run well. WYNSOME MAID (10) was below her best last time, finishing seventh and beaten 5 lengths over 1000m at Wangaratta. Major player on best form. GOSSITINO (12) was beaten for early speed and didn't come into contention when a disappointing seventh over 1200m in the Creswick Stakes at Flemington most recently. Backmarker who gets home hard. Not to be discounted.
SELECTIONS: Valjeta to win.
As a FREE Racing and Sports offer, below is the Computer Card for Wodonga today.
GRAFTON: RACE 5 @ 2:35PM:
PRETES (13) has done all of her racing at metropolitan level and will appreciate the sharp drop in grade here. Strips fitter second-up from the spell and will get a cosy run from the low draw. Must be respected from the Waller camp. ZAMBRERO (9) resumes here but showed enough when last in work to warrant consideration in a race like this. Can run a race while fresh. HETTINGER (3) has placed four of nine overall and wasn't disgraced at Eagle Farm last time out. Top-three contender. BEACON PLACE (2) returned in fine fashion with a handy third at Coffs Harbour and looks one for the exotics players. BITTER ROMANCE (10) was okay on debut but will take a lot of benefit from that day at the races. In the mix.
SELECTIONS: Pretes to win.
BALLARAT: RACE 5 @ 2:40PM:
ELARSKI (11) has run second at both runs back from a spell including last start behind the in form Kiss Me If You Can who's since won again. She looms as the one to beat following some key scratchings. HANAADY (9) can be forgiven for last start when things didn't go her way and a better reference is her two starts prior. Look for improvement back on her home track. MOCCA DIAMOND (2) has won two on end in easier and is one for the exotics stepping up in grade.
SELECTIONS: Elarski goes on top.
KALGOORLIE: RACE 5 @ 3:25PM:
SO LIKABLE (6) runs along and came to this journey seeking the hat-trick and was beaten a whisker. Was bet 4-6 and rates to bounce back on the 7-day return. SHOOT UR SHOT (5) is a former Victorian who has just missed first up for the Harding barn and then won after at the mile. He's improved and fitter is a quinella chance. BILL THE BEE (9) was beaten 1L in the same race improving again. Gets a key gear switch and is also a player. MEET JOE BLACK (3) is bursting to win again and is also in the mix.
SELECTIONS: Backing So Likable to win.
PORT AUGUSTA: RACE 7 @ 3:42PM:
SMILING ASSASSIN (2) has been in great form since joining a new yard, with two wins and two minors from four runs - and was a metro winner two back. Kept coming to finish on the winner's heels last start at Murray Bridge. Drops in weight and can go one better. GRINZINGER STAR (1) has notched up three wins and two minors from five starts at Port Augusta. Too good here latest and looks the danger. AZZUREOUS (4) has mixed form, the latest when back and wide and dropping right out at the provincials. Suited here and has the ability. Expecting big improvement. PORT ROYAL (3) wound up strongly last time and looks suited out in trip with a favourable weight and soft draw. Expected to give a sight. NEVA DOUBT US (5) finished off strongly when beaten 1.5 lengths last time at Casterton in a Highweight. Should be winding up late again.
SELECTIONS: Stick with Smiling Assassin.
SUNSHINE COAST POLY: RACE 8 @ 4:00PM:
BILLY'S BRO (2) just missed at Eagle Farm before the spell bet a 10-9F and then resumed with the Maiden win here on the grass bet an 9-10F. Draws to control the race and fitter can go on with it. ARCHDEACON (1) brings strong city form to resumption for a leading barn. The latest trial was sharp and he's a speedy galloper who should be suited around here. The 2kg claim brings him right into it. SHALAA KING (4) has been around the mark and won't be far away race fit. SKILORD (5) led and needed it first-up for the new barn. Has the winkers first time and would be in finish finding his best.
SELECTIONS: Sticking with Billy's Bro.
