Racing returns to Doomben for the first time since early December with an eight-race program this Wednesday.
The rail is out 5m the entire course and with warm weather forecast, we should see the surface improve to a rating that is close to a Good 4.
We’ve completed a deep dive into the form and provided our top selections below.
Sunrays (10) debuts here following one public trial in late December.
The Kelly Schweida-trained Hellbent filly showed good speed to cruise around for a length second in good time.
She’s drawn nicely for Cejay Graham who should be able to settle in a forward position.
1 Unit – Sunrays (10)
Brazen Act (1) has finished in the placings five times in his eight starts and is knocking on the door for a win.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding was doing his best work late when finishing 1.6 lengths third in the Magic Millions Maiden at the Gold Coast last start.
That’s the right form for this and he also boasts three runner-up finishes in a row prior to that.
Kyle Wilson-Taylor can drive forward and lead this field from barrier 3.
1 Unit – Brazen Act (1)
Annie One Ready (1) is set to make her debut here for Sunshine Coast trainer David Vandyke.
The Better Than Ready filly finished a distant second in a July trial and was sent to the paddock.
She looked good in a recent trial when showing good speed to lead all the way under a hold.
Jimmy Orman was aboard in that trial and sticks for the race ride which is a definite plus.
1 Unit – Annie One Ready (1)
Headhunter (6) will benefit from his debut performance over 1200m at Eagle Farm last start.
The Matt Hoysted-trained gelding enjoyed a nice run before working strongly to the line in the final furlong to finish 2.1 lengths second.
The way he powered through the line suggested that the rise in distance will suit.
Jasper Franklin, who claims 3kg, can go forward and lead from the good draw.
1 Unit – Headhunter (6)
Clipper Ship (3) has been racing well since joining the red-hot Nick Keal stable.
The six-year-old gelding impressed three starts ago when finding the line strongly with 60kg to win by a nose over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast.
He then chased home Pireonti to finish a head second over a mile at the Sunshine Coast before not having a great deal of luck last start at Ipswich.
The wide barrier is a touch sticky, but Justin Huxtable is riding in terrific form and can land in a prominent position.
1 Unit Each Way – Clipper Ship (3)
Banana Slide (13) returned in super order from nearly a year off when winning last start at the Sunshine Coast.
The David Vandyke-trained mare found the line strongly over 1400m to win by a length.
She’ll strip fitter second-up and the rise in distance should suit.
There looks to be good speed in the race which will aid her chances.
1 Unit – Banana Slide (13)
Autumngirl (15) produced an eye-catching performance when resuming over 1100m at Ipswich.
The Kelly Schweida-trained filly circled the field on the turn before letting down beautifully to win by 2.1 lengths.
She’ll strip fitter second-up and is only lightly raced so has plenty of upside.
Jimmy Orman is a key booking and will give his mount every chance from the kind draw.
2 Units – Autumngirl (15)
Caspernova (3) impressed when resuming over this distance at Eagle Farm last start.
The Rob Heathcote-trained son of Spirit Of Boom recovered from an awkward start to settle handy before sprinting hard and fast to win easily by 2.7 lengths.
He’ll be better for the outing and finished a head second in his only previous start over this course and distance when second-up last preparation.
Vlad Duric can give his mount the run of the race from the inside gate.
2 Units – Caspernova (3)