Doomben hosts Wednesday’s midweek metropolitan program, the track on the quick back-up after racing there on Saturday.
With the rail out 9.5m, the tight Doomben circuit is likely to place an emphasis on tactical speed and early positioning, with runners able to settle on or near the lead often proving hard to run down, particularly if the tempo slackens mid-race.
My best bet comes up in the last race of the day so read right through!
Here are the Doomben runners that I want in my corner on Wednesday.
PAPER DOLL (6) has finished runner-up in eight of her 10 races so is well overdue for a win.
The Les Kelly-trained mare stormed home to finish 1.26 lengths second over 1400m at the Gold Coast last start and it was a similar story the start prior.
She was five weeks between runs last start so will have come on nicely since then and given the way she’s been finding the line, 1600m will suit and I’m surprised it’s taken until now to try her over the trip.
There doesn’t look to be a great deal of speed which should see Ben Thompson settle handy in the run.
Selections: 6-1-5-2
| 6. Paper Doll (5) 56kg22222 |
ARTISTIC ENDEAVOUR (1) has looked closer to a win since stepping up to a mile.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding settled handy over this distance at the Sunshine Coast two starts ago and fought gamely but was no match for the winner late and finished a half-length second.
He wanted to overdo things last start at Eagle Farm and that proved costly with him run down to finish 1.61 lengths second.
Corey Sutherland, who claims 3kg, can either lead or settle in a prominent position.
Selections: 1-7-3-5
| 1. Artistic Endeavour (3) 60kg32522 |
WILLIAMTHECONQUEROR (1) returns from a long break as a gelding.
The procedure looks to have had the desired effect on the Brian Smith-trained four-year-old given how well he won a trial at Deagon in November.
While that was some time ago, Smith is an astute trainer and will have him ready to fire here as he did on debut where he finished a close second.
He has the benefit of the inside barrier so he should enjoy a nice run.
Selections: 1-11-3-7
| 1. Wiliamtheconqueror (1) 58.5kg2x64x |
ARATIRI (9) could not have been more impressive when winning at Ipswich last start.
The Scott Morrisey-trained mare was able to cross from the outside barrier to find the front before letting down powerfully to easily win the 1700m contest by just under three lengths.
The writing was on the wall her start prior when giving a great sight over the Ipswich 1700m only to be run down late to finish just under a half-length second.
With just 52kg on her back, she’ll go forward for Chelsea Baker and should prove hard to run down.
Selections: 9-2-5-8
| 9. Aratiri (4) 54kg45721 |
HEAVENLY IMPACT (4) looks well placed dropping to a Class 1 Plate from Class 6 company.
The Marcus Wilson-trained gelding produced an eye-catcher last start over 1200m at the Gold Coast where he stormed home from near the tail to finish 4.33 lengths fourth behind Hawker Hall.
The way he hit the line suggests he’s crying out for this longer trip at this stage of his preparation.
He’s drawn to get a great run from the inside gate.
Selections: 4-3-10-8
| 4. Heavenly Impact (1) 60kg7×264 |
TECHNA (11) will appreciate the drop in class from a Saturday metropolitan race last start.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare got too far back two starts ago over 2150m at Ipswich before finishing off strongly despite racing in restricted room for a 1.18 lengths fifth to Lovey Dovey.
Last start over 2200m at the Sunshine Coast she worked home powerfully to finish just under two lengths third to the very much in form Enterprise Private.
She’s rock hard fit and maps to get an economic run.
Selections: 11-4-12-10
| 11. Techna (3) 55kg15453 |
THE WHEELBARROW (13) will appreciate the rise in distance following a very good effort over 1350m here last start.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding went back from the outside barrier before finding the line strongly in the quickest closing sectionals of the race to finish 1.47 lengths third.
A mile looks ideal with increased fitness third-up.
Scratchings have made his job easier from the wider barrier.
Selections: 13-3-7-4
| 13. The Wheelbarrow (8) 56.5kg81×43 |
SER JOH (3) gets a race setup that favours him here, and he can go one better than last start.
The Rob Heathcote-trained gelding enjoyed a nice run over 1400m at Eagle Farm and finished off nicely for second but had the misfortune of running into the flying Battlefield.
He’s racing in good form and won here five starts ago.
There looks to be good speed in the race which should see Daniel Moor settle just off it before launching late.
Selections: 3-2-11-5
| 3. Ser Joh (3) 60kg10282 |