3 minute read
Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for February 17.
Australian thoroughbred Tab meetings are today held at Newcastle, Flemington, Morphettville, Bendigo, Grafton and Pinjarra.
NEWCASTLE: RACE 3 @ 2:26 PM
IDEEL HERO (9) was never in the race first up but loved the step in the right direction last time and now he gets to this trip. Time to fire on the home deck and think that he does that and beats these. Danger can be GLOBAL ENCOUNTER (6). Settled well back then made a little ground and last time out over 1405m at Tuncurry two-and-a-half weeks ago. Rise in journey should suit. EXTREME FREEDOM (1) finished out of the money two starts back then was beaten 1.5 lengths when sixth over 1600m at Sapphire Coast two weeks ago. Sound effort and he can figure. CANTRELL (3) is another to consider. Close up here last time and no surprise to see him in the frame.
SELECTIONS: Ideel Hero the one to beat here.
As a FREE Racing and Sports offer, below is the Newcastle Computer Card.
FLEMINGTON: RACE 7 @ 3:40 PM
KING COLORADO (2) clearly on top. He resumed with an eye-catching second in the G3 Manfred Stakes, charging late over 1200m. He was heavily backed to win the G1 Golden Rose over this distance last time in and is already a G1 winner. Rates highly. OTAGO (7) is a progressive type who is undefeated from two starts. He ran some smart sectionals to win here last time and has won a trial easily since. It's a big jump, but it wouldn't surprise if he measured up. VERDAD (9) was last seen running in the VRC Derby when fifth. His best form is over a mile where he ran Guineas winner Griff within a neck. He maps for a nice run and is suited by this trip. AMIGO (10) is a nice type who did well in the Manfred and can place. HEY FAT CAT (11) comes here on the backup having run soundly in the G2 Autumn Stakes.
SELECTIONS: Keen on King Colorado.
MORPHETTVILLE PARKS: RACE 6 @ 3:22 PM
PAPPIANA (11) only warmed to her task late on debut and picked up quickly to hit the line hard in fifth. Drawn to take closer order this time and is sure to have come on with the race experience. Could prove very tough to stop if they can somewhat utilise the gate. ALTRUIST (1) tracks over the border and is from the smart Rice & Kent Jnr partnership. Was a handy maiden winner fresh but is yet to strike a second blow. Rates highly on best figures and warrants serious consideration. APACHE DISCREET (4) was an impressive maiden winner on Murray Bridge on Australia Day when coming from a fair way back to score by a big space. Has kept the legs ticking over with a nice trial win and is definitely one of the key players. SOLAR MIST (5) hasn't been able to break through this time in but is a handy enough type that can be thrown in the mix third up. NEVER SURRENDER (2) is race fit and should be in this for a very long way from the inside draw and with Jason Holder piloting.
SELECTIONS: Going Pappiana each-way.
GRAFTON: RACE 8 @ 5:40 PM
Matt Dunn runners dominate. The best of those is EMPEROR (1) who started at a short quote at Eagle Farm last start but just failed in a Class 6 over this distance. Group 3 placegetter who gets a soft run from the inside stall and will be hard to stop. Stablemate RAINBOW CONNECTION (4) led but was nailed late in a Class 3 over seven furlongs at Eagle Farm a fortnight ago. Cherry-ripe after three runs back from a spell and with luck from an awkward alley he can earn his ticket to the Big Dance.TRIBECA STAR (5) is a consistent gelding who attacked the line well to grab second over this trip in Brisbane last start. Subsequent trial winner with definite claims. FAIRWAY CHOICE (13) is the pick from the other stables after her tidy first-up win at Eagle Farm.
SELECTIONS: Emperor to salute.
PINJARRA: RACE 7 @ 4:17 PM
It's hard to be against STORMCHASER (2) in the 3YO Trophy after a narrow defeat in the Breeders' Classic last time out. That set him up perfectly for this and should get every chance once again for CJP. Brings the best form into the race and would just have to hold that form to be winning. GUARDING HEAVEN (13) jumped in her ratings to win here as favourite 53 days ago and hasn't been sighted publicly since. Big push with Brad Parnham sticking with the filly and if she continues to improve, she'll be right in the finish. ROCKET JUICE (5) has been a touch frustrating as he continues to find one or two better. Looks to have plenty of talent and the big Pinjarra track looks to suit. Can live up to what he's shown so far. LEADING TADDY (3) didn't have the best of luck in the Breeders' and can run an improved race this time. SNOW PRINCE (1) was last seen in the Placid Ark and held his own there. Keep safe.
SELECTIONS: Stormchaser goes on top.
