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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for February 22.
Australian thoroughbred Tab meetings are today held at Wyong, Grafton, Pakenham, Kilcoy, Geraldton and Stawell.
WYONG: RACE 2 @ 2:20 PM
DETENDU (1) smart gelding at his top now after finishing runner-up at his two runs in town. Overhauled late by the classy DUCASSE at Warwick Farm over 1200m on February 7. Gets control today and should prove too slick for these around this track with the blinkers added. LUNA FIELD (3) fitter after two career runs. Went out hard from the inside gate before tiring late when second over 1000m at Gosford on February 1. Fitter now and gets the blinkers added. Can finish in the minor money. EASTERN FRONT (10) third-up for this and back in trip after holding on well when fourth over 1200m here on January 28. Shouldn't be a maiden for long. FACE THE TIDE (4) Merchant Navy gelding from the John Cooper stable on debut. Two trials have been okay and betting best guide.
SELECTIONS: Detendu to win.
As a FREE Racing and Sports offer, below is the Wyong Computer Card.
GRAFTON: RACE 5 @ 3:20 PM
PLAIMONT (13) staying type who turned in a slashing debut when ran on late to finish fifth over 1412m at Taree on February 2. Further improved now and will relish the extra trip. Hard to hold out. AMADOR (1) much better performance at his second career run when up in trip to secure second over 1410m at this track on February 6. Trip suits and Andrew Mallyon keeps the ride. Look for him late. MATSUYAMA (3) encouraging return over an unsuitable trip when fourth over 1200m at Murwillumbah on February 4. Maps well for this and is expected to play a leading role. RETHINK IT (9) fitter with racing and looks close to her maiden victory. Stuck on well when second at Walcha over 1440m on February 9. Claim helps from the sticky draw.
SELECTIONS: Plaimont to win.
PAKENHAM: RACE 3 @ 6:45 PM
UNTAPPED (9) looks very well placed back to maiden grade having run a belter on debut in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude, beaten just under 3 lengths by key Blue Diamond chance Bodyguard. Rates highly and should be going close. LAST DRUID (5) ran very well on debut at Sandown-Lakeside, beaten half a length after making the pace. Better for that and can prove hard to run down again. BARBARIC LAD (2) was just behind Last Druid on debut and must be considered a strong chance again. SHE SMASHES (11) worked home well here on debut and should be thereabouts again.
SELECTIONS: Untapped to win.
KILCOY: RACE 3 @ 2:08 PM
FORCE ME (11) ran a nice race last time out, leading and fighting on for fourth at Gold Coast Poly, beaten only 0.9 lengths over 2000m. She is unbeaten in two attempts at this course and distance so is nicely placed. LIZZIE'S PRIDE (1) was a beaten favourite when midfield last time but had been going well before that, placing in her previous two including a second at this track and trip. Has a win and three minor placings at this journey from five starts so looks a big chance. PROSPETTIVA (2) has yet to miss a place here, scoring easily over this trip in her last visit two back. The best ratings of VACATION LEAVE (4) would measure up in this line-up.
SELECTIONS: Force Me to maintain the unbeaten record at the track and trip.
GERALDTON: RACE 3 @ 2:58 PM
ROCKSTAR STATUS (5) presents third-up off comfortable wins at Narrogin. Keeps improving and has 4kg weight relief at this level. She can go on with it. MIA GUSTO (1) was back on track beaten 1.6L at Bunbury. Fitter again and has plenty up the sleeve. Finds easier and the 2kg claim brings her right into it. SPIRIT MAN (2) finished close up here three times as favourite and then the money came again 10 days ago and he didn't get into it over a shorter sprint. Not sure what to make of that but he's worth another chance. MOMBASA (4) won twice here this trip and didn't run out the middle distance last time in better class. He gives away starts but this suits better and he can't be ruled out.
SELECTIONS: Leaning to Rockstar Status.
STAWELL: RACE 3 @ 11:50 AM
YOUR SHOUT GINGIE (11) peaks and has threatened her last two at the provincials. Her form is superior and she maps for a soft run. Won't get a better chance to break through. FORTUNATE GAL (7) was tracking okay before being outgraded at Sandown-Hillside and having no luck after at Kyneton. Needs a good ride from the apprentice but is on a quick back-up and can go a lot better. ALICE DOWNS (5) was plain at Kerang as the favourite but the form around that is positive. She also has an awkward barrier but John Allen's booking assists in that regard. Briefly freshened and can get into the money. SKYLER'S PRINCESS (9) was only beaten 1.4L at Kyneton but is a risk over the longer sprint.
SELECTIONS: Keen on Your Shout Gingie.
