Midweek racing returns to Doomben with a competitive eight-race card set to unfold under warm spring skies.
The rail shifts out to the 6.5m position, and with the track rating likely to be a Good 4 by the first race, punters can expect fair racing across the board.
As always at Doomben, early speed maps and barrier draws will play a key role, especially in the sprint races.
Let’s dive into the form and find a few Doomben winners.
SEVILO (3) looks well placed to break his maiden status in this mile contest.
The Paul Shailer-trained colt debuted last start over 1400m at Eagle Farm where he worked home strongly down the outside from the back to finish 1.75 lengths third.
Given the way he found the line and with increased fitness second-up, the rise to a mile looks ideal.
The addition of blinkers for the first time should see him settle closer in the run for Michael Rodd.
| 3. Sevilo (5) 58kg3 |
MEADOWBROOK (5) was brave debuting last start over 1200m here.
The Desleigh Forster-trained mare settled second in the run and was tasked with bringing the field back to a tearaway leader, but despite that she fought on gamely to finish 1.2 lengths third.
She’ll strip fitter second-up and the rise to 1350m should suit.
Daniel Moor retains the ride and will look to be positive early.
| 5. Meadowbrook (7) 58kg3 |
PROVOKER (9) returned in good order last start over 1200m at Eagle Farm.
The Michael Freedman-trained colt settled handy and found the line well but was no match for Metal Man, finishing 1.46 lengths third.
He’s finished third in four of his five starts and with increased fitness second-up and stepping up to 1350m, he’s in a good position to finally break through.
He maps to lead or box seat for Rory Hutchings.
| 9. Provoker (4) 55.5kg533×3 |
HEROIC REBEL (3) enjoyed the rise to a mile last start when claiming his first win at his fifth start.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding enjoyed a nice run in the 1600m contest at Eagle Farm before letting down powerfully to win by 2.8 length with third a further three lengths away.
He’s rock hard fit and given the way he powered through the line, the rise to 2040m should be right up his alley.
Daniel Moor retains the ride and should be able to land in a prominent position and give his mount every chance to go back-to-back.
| 3. Heroic Rebel (2) 60kg50351 |
METAL MAN (8) steps up considerably in class but he looks up to it given his maiden win was full of class.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding raced greenly over 1200m at Eagle Farm but still let down powerfully and had far too much for his rivals to win by 1.3 lengths.
He’ll benefit from the experience and strip fitter second-up.
He drops 4.5kg and is drawn to get a nice run for Daniel Moor.
| 8. Metal Man (5) 54.5kg1 |
MAN OF THE TOWN (2) has come back this preparation in outstanding form with back-to-back wins.
The Lindsay Gough-trained gelding returned with a strong effort to win by two lengths over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast.
He backed that up with an equally impressive run last start over this distance at Eagle Farm where he let down powerfully to win by 1.44 lengths.
From the inside draw, he should enjoy the run of the race.
| 2. Man Of The Town (1) 59kg23×11 |
DEMITASSE (3) was very good in a similar race last start on Pink Ribbon Cup Day at the Gold Coast.
The Jay Bellamy-trained gelding settled handy over 1400m before working well to the line but was no match for the flying Lady Lucifer and finished third by 2.6 lengths.
He was seven weeks between runs so will have taken great benefit from the hit out.
The son of Shalaa won his only previous start over this course and distance and the 3kg claim comes in handy.
| 3. Demitasse (6) 60.5kg4×503 |
HATCHET (6) gave a sight when resuming over this distance at Eagle Farm last start but was picked off late to finish 1.26 lengths second in the small field.
The Rob Heathcote-trained gelding loves racing over this course and distance, boasting a record of five wins and three seconds from 11 starts.
It’s been a long time between drinks and to be fair he may have forgotten his way to the bar it’s been that long since his last win, but the race sets up well for him and he’ll be fitter second-up.
Top jockey Ben Thompson is an asset in the saddle.
| 6. Hatchet (6) 55kg342×2 |