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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for December 20.
Australian thoroughbred Tab meetings are today held at Warwick Farm, Flemington, Doomben, Ascot, Queanbeyan and Port Lincoln.
WARWICK FARM: RACE 2 @ 2:35 PM
VANQUISHED (9) is going well but has been expensive for those who have taken the shorts in his two runs this prep. Has led for home on both occasions but been reeled in late, most recently over 1250m at Canterbury. Should control things comfortably from gate two and this looks his race. DIMITROV (1) is the danger first-up from a 16-week spell. Placed at all three runs in his maiden prep over distances from 1100-1400m in the metro mid-weekers. Two recent trials should have him right up to the mark. GELATIN (3) is a useful colt with each-way claims first-up from a four-month break. Finished just a length from the winner in a 1400m Saturday race at Rosehill last prep which reads well. MAJOR LOOK (5) started in the red but found a couple better over this distance at Wyong last time. Lightly raced and open to plenty of improvement. PURE ALPHA (7) for Waller steps out for the first time. Plenty of trial experience - watch for positive market movements.
SELECTIONS: Vanquished to break through.
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FLEMINGTON: RACE 1 @ 3:00 PM
ACID WASH (4) comes here having run very well on debut at Sandown-Lakeside, charging home from back in the field and just missing the winner who had a much better run. Stays at 1200m but the straight track should suit and he'll be very hard to hold out. GLOWLIGHT (9) has only missed a place once in four starts this campaign and was good behind a subsequent Saturday winner last time out which reads well. Should be right in the finish again. HALVAR (5) was good on debut at Ballarat over 1000m, beaten 0.5 lengths. Open to improvement and can feature. GUNDAROO (1) has had two starts to date either side of a spell and run well in both. No surprise to see him improve into the placings again. STEEL KING (8) was sound on debut when in the market at Moonee Valley and will take benefit from that.
SELECTIONS: Acid Wash to win.
DOOMBEN: RACE 2 @ 1:44 PM
CERTAINLYCAN (9) wasn't disgraced at Listed level last time out and the two placings over this track and trip prior were full of merit. Will find this assignment much easier and rates the testing material against this lot. SHARP DAZZLER (5) has placed four of seven overall including one around this circuit. Gets 1.5kg off with the claim and looms as the main danger. PINK THUNDER (11) is facing the starter for the first time but hails from an astute barn and any market confidence must be respected. KING TARIK (3) was okay here on debut before being given time to furnish. Can run a race while fresh. MISS FARSTAR (10) next best.
SELECTIONS: Certainlycan to break through.
ASCOT: RACE 6 @ 4:28 PM
ESPRIT GARCON (4) is third-up seeking the hat-trick off big wins. Will likely give them a start again from the wide gate but stripping fitter is capable of finishing over the top. EXCELTRAIN (5) resumes and is sharp fresh. Has the rail and 2kg claim and owns a Lark Hill trial win. Has the ability and looks ready to go. BIGDAYONIT (3) resumes and the on-pacer also rates well. Has the handy 2kg claim and can feature if presented forward. EEVALINA (7) has been racing well without winning. Will give them a start but 3x winning rider CJP is reunited and she also deserves consideration.
SELECTIONS: Sticking with the promising Esprit Garcon.
QUEANBEYAN: RACE 6 @ 4:50 PM
ELEGANT EMPRESS (4) resumes for a top Sydney stable (ex-David Pfieffer). Has been competing in stronger provincial races and has placed 2/2 fresh. Is likely to secure a soft run behind the speedsters and appeals each way. PRETTY VEGAS (6) races forward and just missed first-up on the Canberra heavy. The local is further improved and is sure to give a sight from the low barrier. Feared. GORGEOUS PROPHET (7) brings two wins from here in 50 grade and the latest was easy. Has a small claim and will use the rails gate. The hat trick isn't out of the question. BATTLE ABBEY (3) was much better here his lastest on a heavy track. Should get conditions to suit and also deserves consideration.
SELECTIONS: Elegant Empress each way.
PORT LINCOLN: RACE 5 @ 3:40 PM
CATALINA BLUE (6) was safely held in town at the latest when shooting to bring up the hat-trick. Will appreciate the drop in grade. Can bounce back quickly. MESSERSCHMITT (1) gave away a considerable start over 1250m at this track last time before hitting the line well to finish fifth. Watch for him to be charging home again. ZOUTONS (2) proved too strong two runs ago but was less impressive last time out on the Parks track. More suitable assignment this time and he can make amends over a distance he relishes. PERFECT ZED (10) next best.
SELECTIONS: Backing Catalina Blue to win.
