Eight of the best will be run and won this Wednesday at Doomben and we’ve provided the good oil for each race in our Doomben Preview.
The rail is in the 6m position the entire course and while there is a chance of a late shower, the track should be rated around a Soft 5 or even Good 4 come the first race.
I’ve cast my eyes over the form and hopefully my Doomben tips and best bets will have you off for a succulent Chinese meal.
Race 1 - 2:03PM AEDT
QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Handicap (1640 METRES)
Rothelly (12) has improved with each start and strikes the right maiden to finally breakthrough for a win at start number six.
The Paul Jenkins-trained filly produced her best performance last start over 1666m at Ipswich where she picked up strongly in the final furlong to finish a length fourth.
There looks to be good speed in the race which will suit given she’ll likely settle back from the wide gate.
1 Unit – Rothelly (12)
Race 2 - 2:38PM AEDT
Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate (1350 METRES)
Tajalat (4) produced her best effort over this course and distance last start since arriving in Australia.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare was despised by the market but let down strongly to finish a head third.
The import will be at peak fitness now and finished a neck second in her only previous fourth-up race.
Martin Harley can use the low draw and settle in a handy position.
1 Unit – Tajalat (4)
Race 3 - 3:13PM AEDT
Colts, Geldings and Entires Maiden Plate (1350 METRES)
Explosive Tycoon (7) was scratched from the opening Doomben race where he looked close to a good thing, so I’m respecting Tony Gollan’s decision to race in the 1350m Maiden Plate for the boys.
The son of Spirit Of Boom settled a long way back over this course and distance after drawing an outside barrier last start before producing a powerful finishing burst in the quickest closing sectionals of the race to finish 4.3 lengths fourth.
The form from that race has been excellent with two subsequent winners including the winner Philia winning again on Saturday at Eagle Farm.
I’d expect the instructions given to Martin Harley will be to be positive from the inside barrier and settle closer in the run.
1 Unit- Explosive Tycoon (7)
Race 4 - 3:48PM AEDT
Class 1 Handicap (1640 METRES)
Carpaccio (1) loomed as the winner when resuming over 1300m at the Gold Coast two starts ago, but condition gave out late and he finished just under a length fourth.
The Barry Lockwood-trained son of Merchant Navy fought bravely last start over 1400m at Eagle Farm to finish a neck third.
He’ll strip fitter third-up and the rise to a mile looks ideal now.
The wide gate isn’t ideal, but Luke Dempsey can roll forward and take up a prominent position.
1 Unit – Carpaccio (1)
Race 5 - 4:23PM AEDT
Class 5 Handicap (1640 METRES)
Tyndrum Gold (1) impressed last start over 1700m at Ipswich when easily accounting for his rivals.
The Neasham & Archibald-trained gelding let down powerfully to win by 1.7 lengths.
It was the first Australian win for the import who had won six of eight starts in the UK and he now looks ready to go on with it.
He’s been freshened since that run and maps to control things in front for Ryan Maloney.
I’m happy to label him the best bet in my Doomben Preview.
2 Units – Tyndrum Gold (1)
Race 6 - 4:58PM AEDT
BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (1350 METRES)
Chief Witness (2) has been low flying since joining the Munce stable.
The Star Witness gelding stormed home from the tail of the field over 1100m at Beaudesert to win first-up.
Last start he settled a touch better than midfield over this course and distance before producing the quickest final furlong of the race to win by half a length.
He’ll strip fitter third-up and maps to get a great run.
I’m confident that he’s one of the better chances in my Doomben Preview.
2 Unit – Chief Witness (2)
Race 7 - 5:33PM AEDT
Class 3 Handicap (1200 METRES)
Keep Safe (3) is racing in a rich vein of form with three wins from his past four races.
The Rob Heathcote-trained impressed two starts ago over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast where he produced a punishing turn of foot to win by 2.3 lengths.
He then fought gamely over this course and distance last start to win a Benchmark 70 Handicap by a neck.
Bailey Wheeler takes the ride and should be able to settle in a prominent position.
1 Unit – Keep Safe (3)
Race 8 - 6:10PM AEDT
BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1110 METRES)
Rich Minx (6) resumes here on the back of a nice trial where she led all the way for a two-length win.
The Matt Hoysted-trained mare is undefeated in two previous races over this distance including once at this track last preparation where she led and bolted in by four lengths.
She races well fresh and is a first-up winner.
Ryan Maloney is a key booking and will look to lead or settle in the box seat.
1 Unit – Rich Minx (6)