3 minute read
Queensland midweek metropolitan racing once again comes to us from Doomben where seven races will be run and won on Wednesday.
For more racing and sports previews, visit the Ladbrokes Blog.
The rail is out 6m the entire circuit with the track likely to be in the Soft range with the possibility of showers.
Our best bets for each of the seven races can be found below.
RACE 1 - 2:34PM: Class 3 Handicap (2000 METRES)
Bella Tivaci (2) is on the quick back-up after racing on Saturday at Eagle Farm over 1800m.
The Brian Smith-trained four-year-old mare loomed in the straight but was overpowered late to finish four lengths fifth.
'BJ' is an astute trainer, so I'd imagine the horse pulled up extremely well and Saturday's run will have topped her off nicely for the rise to 2000m.
Her form prior was very good with back-to-back seconds in similar class races to this at the Sunshine Coast and Eagle Farm.
Angela Jones replacing the apprentice is a positive.
1 Unit – Bella Tivaci (2)
RACE 2 - 3:09PM: Class 2 Plate (1200 METRES)
Helikedempretty (5) returned in great order over 1110m here last start.
The Rob Heathcote-trained Pariah mare was given a great ride by Mark Du Plessis who after being three-wide early from a wide gate, landed third the fence before powering along the rail to win by a long neck.
She'll strip fitter second-up and any moisture in the track will suit given she is undefeated on soft tracks.
Du Plessis retains the ride and will give her every chance from barrier 2.
1 Unit – Helikedempretty (5)
RACE 3 - 3:44PM: QTIS Three-Year-Old BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1350 METRES)
Metalart (3) could not have been more impressive when winning on debut here over 1200m.
The Kelly Schweida-trained son of Better Than Ready brought excellent trial form to the races and gave nothing a chance, leading all the way for a 1.8 length win eased down.
He'll have come on from that run and should appreciate the rise in distance.
Michael Rodd can go forward from the nice gate and dictate the speed.
2 Units – Metalart (3)
RACE 4 - 4:19PM: BENCHMARK 68 Handicap (1600 METRES)
Ichiban (6) reacted positively to being transferred to Chris Waller's Gold Coast stable after previously racing in Sydney with a first-up Queensland win.
The three-year-old gelding resumed over 1640m here last start and ran on well to defeat his stablemate by a nose.
He'll have come on since that run and retains the services of Jimmy Orman.
Being more positive last start worked so I'd imagine Orman will adopt similar tactics from the inside barrier.
1 Unit – Ichiban (6)
RACE 5 - 4:54PM: Maiden Plate (1350 METRES)
Velozes (14) ran well on debut over this course and distance to finish second after starting from a terrible gate.
The Tony Gollan-trained daughter of I Am Invincible settled back from barrier 13 and it cost her any chance of victory as she got too far back but to her credit she found the line strongly to finish 1.5 lengths second.
The third horse from that race, Real Rush, has since won by 6.8 lengths at Beaudesert.
She draws a lot better here which should see Jimmy Orman settle closer in the run.
1 Unit – Velozes (14)
RACE 6 - 5:29PM: QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Handicap (1350 METRES)
Exceed Speed (1) returned in good style last start over 1200m here.
The Tony Gollan-trained son of Exceed And Excel didn't have a great deal of room to move in the straight but once clear he finished off well for a 2.2 length third.
The race has proven to be a good form reference with the first and second horses winning their next starts.
The rise in trip suits and he should enjoy a nice run on speed for Michael Rodd.
2 Units – Exceed Speed (1)
RACE 7 - 6:07PM: Class 5 Handicap (1350 METRES)
Patton (1) will appreciate returning to Doomben where he boasts three wins from five races.
The Jack Bruce-trained gelding will appreciate dropping in class after finishing 1.5 lengths fourth over 1400m at Eagle Farm last start in race.
Naval Trader was just ahead of him that day and he won impressively on Saturday.
Two starts back Patton won over this course and distance in this class by half a length.
This race is no harder, so he looks well placed at peak fitness.
1 Unit – Patton (1)
