Doomben Tips & Preview | Wednesday 6 August

The day kicks off with an open maiden, featuring several runners long overdue for a breakthrough.

BEFORE THE THUNDER (1) shapes as an interesting each-way prospect after a solid second-up effort at the Sunshine Coast two weeks back. He led for much of the race before fading late, ultimately finishing around four lengths off the winner.

That was his first run back over 1200m, so he’s likely to strip fitter this time out, and another rain-affected track should play to his strengths.

USE YOUR ILLUSION (5) looks appealing following a gritty third-up effort at the Sunshine Coast three weeks ago.

Tony Gollan’s gelding was well back turning for home, found a run down the centre, and was then heavily bumped by a rival around the 250m mark. Despite the interference, he rallied to finish third, though still beaten by nearly six lengths.

Now third-up and with two solid performances over shorter trips under his belt, he appears primed for the step up to the mile.

The Irish import AKKADIAN EMPEROR (2) looks primed to strike for connections.

This lightly-raced four-year-old son of Churchill has already made his mark in Australia, notching wins at Hawkesbury and Newcastle last year over shorter trips.

His two runs this prep have been encouraging as he builds toward the 2000m journey. Having saluted third-up previously and with wet ground to his liking, he shapes as one of the key contenders.

BLAZEN BOOTS (4) steps out first-up in a race that looks well within reach against Class 5 opposition.

While his fresh form has been mixed, he’s generally performed well at this grade, including a runner-up finish to Beautantes at Eagle Farm during the spring.

He may need the run after a lengthy spell, but with Ben Thompson in strong form and a wide draw that could allow him to roll forward cleanly, he’s capable of giving this a shake.

All eyes will be on the well-supported WHISPERING ROGUE (6) in this one.

A half-brother to dual Group 2 winner Whispering Brook, this promising three-year-old has shown plenty in just two starts, including a strong return at Ipswich last week where he was narrowly beaten after tiring late.

Backing up quickly suggests he’s pulled up well, and with a more economical run off the speed, he looks poised to go one better.

LADY LUCIFER (11) shapes as a genuine knockout hope at a tempting price.

Fresh off a break, the key query is how she’ll cope with the 1100m trip first-up—but her February return at the Sunshine Coast, where she blitzed them by two lengths, speaks volumes.

By Hellbent and boasting a lethal turn of foot, she’ll be dangerous late if Ryan Maloney can navigate a clean run from the inside draw. If she gets the splits, expect fireworks.

RED HOT LIZZIE (8) is bubbling under and looks ready to strike third-up.

While wins have been elusive, her last run at Eagle Farm was full of merit—she might’ve gone even closer if not for shifting off the rail and brushing a rival late. Still, she showed genuine fight, finishing just two lengths off Acapulco Girl with a strong surge through the line.

With another low draw and a bit of give in the ground to suit, she’s well placed to be in the finish again. A win wouldn’t shock.

PHAROAH’S PROPHECY (4) looks every bit the banker to close out the card.

David Vandyke has this gelding flying, with back-to-back wins at Doomben that suggest he’s taken a big step forward this prep. His latest victory—by more than three lengths over the mile—was dominant, and the rise from 1300m to 1600m clearly suited.

He faces a stronger field here, but with fitness on his side and a proven turn of foot, he’s got the class and momentum to make it three straight. Hard to tip against.