With another Queensland Racing Carnival behind us, metropolitan Saturday racing returns to Doomben for the first time since Doomben Cup Day in May.
Nine races are set for decision on what is expected to be a Good rated surface, with fine weather conditions forecast for the day.
I’ve cast my eye over the form and provided my Doomben top selections in each race below.
Pre Eminence (4) has been racing in great form lately with two wins and two seconds from his past four starts.
The Barry Lockwood-trained gelding was a dominant winner last start at Ipswich when leading all the way for a three-length win over 1200m.
He drops slightly in distance but it shouldn’t pose a problem given the last time he competed over this course and distance, he finished a close second to Invincible Shield who was flying at the time before being exported to Hong Kong.
Cody Collis, who claims 2kg, is again in the saddle and can give his mount a lovely run on speed.
1 Unit – Pre Eminence (4)
Kickatinalong (6) resumes here at Doomben on the back of a solid trial where she cruised around to well within herself to finish second.
The Tony & Maddy Sears-trained mare went through last preparation undefeated, kicking off with a 2.5 length maiden win at Gatton and finishing with a seven-length demolition job over 1300m at Toowoomba.
She’s won three of four starts with her only defeat being a close third to Adiella who was beaten a neck at Group 3 level this preparation.
Luke Tarrant should be able to use the good gate to advantage and settle in a prominent position.
1 Unit – Kickatinalong (6)
Lockyer (1) stepped up to this course and distance last start for the first time and loved the extra journey.
The Tony Gollan-trained I Am Invincible colt settled in the second half of the field before letting down powerfully to win by half a length.
He was a month between runs so will have tightened right up since having the hit out.
Emily Lang, who claims 1.5kg, can give him the run of the race from the inside barrier.
1 Unit – Lockyer (1)
Tuff Tu Mas (3) is a winning machine who boasts an impressive record of five wins and two second from seven starts.
The David Vandyke-trained gelding proved too strong last start when charging home to win by 1.3 lengths over 1350m here.
That was four weeks ago, so he’s since had a trial which would have pleased Vandyke.
This will be the second time he’s raced over this course and distance with his initial attempt resulting in an impressive 1.8 length win despite racing wide early.
He’ll settle in front or in a prominent position for Tiff Brooker and should prove hard to beat at Doomben.
2 Units – Tuff Tu Mas (3)
Restonica (2) was beaten by a wide barrier last start when having to work too hard early but to his credit, he fought gamely to finish 1.8 lengths second.
The Pat Webster-trained gelding produced a stronger performance over this course and distance two starts ago when leading and finding plenty late with 61.5kg to win by a head.
He’ll appreciate the drop in class from last start and arrives here rock hard fit.
Leslie ‘Bubba’ Tilley will go forward and while there looks to be good speed in the race, his mount’s toughness should rise to the fore.
1 Unit – Restonica (2)
Araminta (11) looks ready to fire third-up after two encouraging runs this time in work.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare got too far back over 1200m here first-up but let down powerfully in the quickest final 200m of the race to finish 2.4 lengths seventh.
Last start she went forward over this distance at Ipswich and gave a good sight to finish 1.8 lengths second.
She’ll strip fitter and won over this course and distance when third-up last preparation.
Damien Thornton rides with just 53kg.
1 Unit Each Way – Araminta (11)
Diana’s Affair (13) steps up to this distance for the first time but looks more than capable of running it out strongly.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding savaged the line two starts ago to win by 1.8 lengths over 1660m.
Last start he enjoyed a great run over 1845m at Eagle Farm before letting down strongly to put his rivals away easily and win by two lengths.
He’s racing in great form and should land in a good position midfield or better for Damien Thornton.
1 Unit Each Way – Diana’s Affair (13)
Hold On Honey (1) resumes here from nearly a year off the scene.
The Matt Hoysted-trained gelding was held together in a recent trial where he led before being passed late to finish a nose second.
He has a good record over this course and distance which includes a win last start in a stronger race.
Corey Sutherland’s 3kg claim comes in very handy and the young hoop should be able to either lead or box seat from the low draw.
1 Unit – Hold On Honey (1)
Noble Decree (6) is a talented gelding who looks ready to make a successful rise to Saturday class and can send us home as winners at Doomben.
The David Vandyke-trained gelding won first-up at Ipswich before a solid effort second-up and a nose second third-up.
He bounced back to winning form last start when letting down powerfully to claim a 1.5 length victory over this course and distance.
He’s drawn to get a beautiful run for Taylor Marshall who should get more rides in town.
1 Unit – Noble Decree (6)