3 minute read
Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for April 12.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Wellington, Canberra, Geelong, Mackay, Darwin, Cranbourne and Sunshine Coast.
WELLINGTON: RACE 5 @ 3:25 PM
ROYAL BOMBADIER (1) consistent gelding who will find this more to his liking on a firmer track. Sat on the speed in the heavy (8) going when a gritty fourth over 1000m at Kembla Grange on March 23. Lone win came over this trip and maps to get all the favours. SPARKINGLY (3) hard fit now and indicated a win was imminent when loomed late for a solid second over 900m at Muswellbrook on March 15. Races best with runs spaced and has a good record here. FRIENDLY SIZZLE (8) former Queensland-trained filly who improved sharply last time in. Expected to have developed further over the break and expected to play a leading role. SEPEARL (9) third-up today and returns from a 48-day let-up. Racing in career-best form after scoring a tenacious nose win at Orange over 1010m on February 24. Claim helps again and not to be underestimated.
SELECTIONS: Royal Bombadier to win.
As a FREE Racing and Sports offer, below is the Wellington Computer Card.
CANBERRA: RACE 3 @ 1:55 PM
GETTY (2) is a leader who deserved the first-up Maiden win here before uncharacteristically folding up late at Goulburn well beaten. Prepared to forgive that lapse and he will present fitter. He has a ratings edge and the in-form Owen stays aboard. LOVE THE CUBE (1) is lightly raced and promising. Was expected to win at Newcastle on debut beaten 1.6L and then delivered a Hawkesbury Maiden as expected. He will be further improved and the leading course-striker Collett is booked to ride. TOKYO ICE (6) placed as an equal favourite at Nowra and is heading in the right direction. Keeps Budler and maps for a soft run. ZIPITALIST (4) and HOLD (7) both resume and have scope for improvement.
SELECTIONS: Backing Getty.
GEELONG: RACE 3 @ 2:30 PM
CRYSTANADO (2) progressed nicely and ended his initial 3-start prep with a tough effort for second at Avoca last spring. He has struck a mediocre field for his resuming run and should be a lot stronger this time in. John Allen in the saddle is a bonus and the pair merit healthy respect. On top. INJAIR (5) will strip fitter after a fresh up fourth on this track and the step up in trip will do him no harm. He has the ability and should pick up a win at short notice. O'DONNA (12) can improve on her debut four weeks ago when she finished 11th over 1212m at this track. Fitter ana a top chance. CATCH A BREAK (1) should run well first-up.
SELECTIONS: Crystanado to win.
MACKAY: RACE 6 @ 4:47 PM
QUEEN ASSASSIN (5) resumes for the hot Walsh yard and was last seen at Doomben narrowly missing a hat-trick. She will run along from the low draw and Stanley stays aboard. Rates clear and is the one they have to beat. THISLAND IS MYLAND (8) brings two comfortable wins with the latest here in a 70 heavily supported. His form stacks up and he tumbles in weight in this grade. Has an awkward barrier but is a chance. Tougher sorting the rest. MEDIA EMPIRE (9) resumes and his best form would see him competitive. EXETER (7) is a capable Victorian resuming for the same barn. He's won twice fresh and the extra gear comes off. Has a big weight drop and keep onside.
SELECTIONS: Queen Assassin appeals.
DARWIN: RACE 5 @ 5:35 PM
SPACESHIP (1) showed plenty of ability last season and finished third in his only run this season at Eagle Farm last December. He has since joined the powerful local yard of Gary Clarke who always has immediate success with similar types. A handy 3-kilo claim brings down his top weight and he will be the one to beat fresh up. WHITTEN (3) has won 2 of his 4 starts this prep but did disappoint last time out 6 weeks ago. He is handy on his day and is just the type to win a race like this without surprising. MEANT FOR MARS (8) is knocking on the door for his first win after back-to-back second placings to open this prep. He might still be a maiden but with 7-kilos less to carry this time, he can't be ruled out. MAGNETIC TYCOON (4) ran out of condition fresh up and faded out in the home stretch here 7 weeks ago and has a better draw to use this time. A 3-kilo claim will see him carry 5.5 kilos less this time and an improved run is on the cards. Each-way value.
SELECTIONS: Spaceship to win.
CRANBOURNE: RACE 3 @ 6:15 PM
RUSSIAN BOBSHARK (6) is a 3yo gelding by Russian Resolution on debut for the Ciaron Maher yard. He's looked good at the trials and jump-outs and finds a winnable race here from the inside gate. THINK ROCK (3) resumed with an encouraging run over this trip at Pakenham when beaten a head in second. Has to be considered off that effort. MISS MARCEAU (13) Beaten 4 lengths into seventh when resuming last start over 1000m at Pakenham. Could improve second-up. PHANTOM PRINCE (5) resumes and could be some each-way value.
SELECTIONS: Russian Bobshark to win.
SUNSHINE COAST: RACE 4 @ 7:30 PM
Tricky race to assess with a few of these facing the starter for the first time. Of the raced brigade NITROGEN (4) hails from a very handy family (half to 3xG1 winner Bivouac) and showed enough when last in work to warrant serious consideration in a race like this. Has placed one from one around this circuit and Rodd stays in the stirrups. Should be going very close. PRINCE OF PROPHETS (8) was well in the market on debut and where there's smoke there's fire. May improve enough to take this out. GOLD FEVER (2) has placed in all three runs this preparation and can earn some minor money again. WHISKEY AND BEER (5) next in line.
SELECTIONS: Nitrogen to break the maiden status.
