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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for February 29.
Australian thoroughbred Tab meetings are today held at Kembla Grange, Bathurst, Arart, Ipswich, Pakenham and Albany.
KEMBLA GRANGE: RACE 7 @ 4:55 PM
The classy STRAIT ACER (1) wasn't suited at WFA first-up but did a fair job in the Expressway over 1200m at Randwick. Came of age last prep with a close fourth in the 1500m Golden Eagle and a placing in the Group One Rupert Clarke over this distance at Caulfield. Should be too good for these. TAVS (9) made it two wins from his last three runs when he quickened impressively to score by a widening three lengths in a Bm64 over this course and distance last start. Freshened up since that performance with this race in mind. Cannot be underestimated. WILLAIDOW (4) made it two from two this prep, and four in a row overall, when he held off subsequent winner Gently Rolled over 1200m at Rosehill six weeks ago. Loves this trip so he can't be ruled out. TERRITORY EXPRESS (11) is in the mix first-up off the back of a massive recent trial win at Randwick. CLOUDLAND (2) resumes. Defeated the talented Shadows Of Love when fresh from a spell last prep at the Kenso. Good each-way option.
SELECTIONS: Strait Acer to win.
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BATHURST: RACE 2 @ 3:25 PM
CARBROOK (1) has been denied narrowly of shedding the maiden tag in both runs back. Cherry-ripe now and is drawn to advantage. Only needs to hold his form to be fighting out the finish. THE MOOCH (7) finds the maiden win elusive but wasn't far away from breaking through in his stable debut at Orange. Not as effective last start when sent out public elect but pulled up with excuses. Kept on the fresh side for her third-up assignment and is worth serious thought. GREEN PINEAPPLE (4) made a strong account of himself on debut here two back but failed to follow it up last time when always well back. Better now and is drawn kinder. Can make his presence felt. ONYSPEED (9) is a three-year-old Exosphere filly stepping out on debut. Keep safe.
SELECTIONS: Backing Carbrook to win.
ARARAT: RACE 7 @ 5:00 PM
ARMSTRONG BAY (4) resumed off a longish break with a solid placing. Flies second-up and the longer sprint suits. Rates well and 23% stable-striker Yendall is reunited. Draws for the run of the race and the Wilde yard gets plenty of winners at this track. PASHEONA (12) is an improver in the premier stable. Will appreciate country grade and finally has a handy alley. Freshened and has to be kept safe. THE TURFFINATOR (3) was quickly back on track narrowly beaten at Hamilton from the speed. Is quick enough to manage the awkward barrier and the 3kg claim brings him into it. (Prebble's only ride at the meeting). WORLD ACTION (7) was a big winner this grade at Great Western and this is easier than Ballarat her latest. Meech stays aboard and is sure to use the rails gate.
SELECTIONS: Going with Armstrong Bay.
IPSWICH: RACE 6 @ 4:04 PM
ROLL UP (1) has taken on richer races in both runs since a break, the latest when fifth at Eagle Farm. He'll relish a return to a course where he is three from three and will be cherry-ripe now so can find winning form. BEAN ROCKING (10) has been racing well without winning. Last start finished third, beaten less than 2 lengths over 1300m at Toowoomba for a third successive placing. Among the main chances. CENTRE BOUNCE (6) went to the paddock after scoring at her last appearance five months ago over 1200m at Murwillumbah. Goes well at this distance and readied with two trials. Worth plenty of thought. COOL ENCOUNTER (2) resumes off a trial and gets the inside draw. Go well.
SELECTIONS: Roll Up to add to his unbeaten record here.
PAKENHAM: RACE 3 @ 6:45 PM
VORACIOUS (7) ran a good race on debut at Pakenham in what looks a very strong maiden. The winner has since come out and run 2nd at Group 2 level at Caulfield and Voracious stuck on gamely for third there. Better for that run, with any luck from the wide gate he should go close. MAGIC DEFENSE (11) was better stepping to this distance last start, with that form tying in with Voracious. Also drawn wide but will prove hard to beat. WORCESTER (3) ran well first up at Sale over 1400m, sticking on well for third, beaten 3 lengths. Strips fitter and has claims. GIVE HER A MEDAL (10) can continue to improve.
SELECTIONS: Keen on Voracious.
ALBANY: RACE 7 @ 5:30 PM
Competitive. HOOLAHOOPS (9) is a reliable galloper. Made solid inroads from the back at Ascot and followed with a narrow defeat over a mile this track. She has the handy 2kg claim and the longer journey should be right up her alley. DOUBLE THUMBS UP (6) beat the above home in that contest spiking his figures. The extra metres shouldn't bother him, and he can go back-to-back. ODDONEOUT (10) just missed a place this grade/distance and always puts in. She can settle forward from the better gate and Faithful is reunited. COUSIN IVAN (2) went close in the Hoolahoops race. He is a query over 1940m and hasn't won for a very long time.
SELECTIONS: Hoolahoops appeals.
