Wednesday’s meeting at Doomben features an eight-race card and conditions should gradually improve as the afternoon progresses with the surface continuing to dry.
Even so, the track is expected to remain within the soft range, which should provide a fair surface for all runners.
The rail is positioned 11 metres out, a placement that generally favours runners who can settle on or near the speed, so those able to take up forward positions may hold an advantage.
Let’s get into the preview and try to uncover a few winners.
ISLA DELILAH (11) looks ready to break through after finishing in the placings in each of her last four outings.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained filly was prominent in the run last start over 2200m at Ipswich and appeared headed in the straight before rallying bravely to finish third, beaten only a head.
Blinkers come off for the first time and she’ll carry just 54kg with Ben Osmond’s claim.
Despite the wide barrier, the apprentice should be able to push forward early and settle in a handy position.
Selections: 11-9-2-5
| 11. Isla Delilah (10) 55.5kg53323 |
RECONCILIATE (11) has produced mixed performances but if she can repeat her latest effort she will be right in the finish.
A strong trial victory ahead of her last run suggested the Tony Gollan-trained filly had put two poor performances behind her, and she confirmed that by charging home over 1110m here despite covering ground to finish just under three lengths second.
She’s at peak fitness now and the slight step up in distance appears suitable.
Angela Jones should have her settling in a positive position early.
Selections: 11-5-1-3
| 11. Reconciliate (6) 55.5kgx2002 |
LARIDAE (4) comes into this race in excellent form and looks well placed to record another victory.
The Danny Bougoure-trained gelding finished strongly two starts ago over the mile here when beaten three-quarters of a length by the in-form The Wheelbarrow.
He went one better last start over this course and distance, producing the fastest closing 600m and 200m splits to score impressively.
This looks no tougher and he again benefits from a light weight of 53.5kg following Chelsea Baker’s claim.
Selections: 4-2-6-3
| 4. Laridae (1) 56.5kg56421 |
SUPERHERO (3) made an encouraging return from a 32-week spell when resuming over 1200m here.
The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding settled near the rear before launching a powerful late surge to miss by the narrowest of margins.
He will take improvement from that run and the rise to 1350m suits given he has previously won second-up over this trip.
Although the field is small, there looks to be good early speed which should allow him to settle just off the pace before finishing strongly.
Selections: 3-1-4-7
| 3. Superhero (3) 58kg241×2 |
This is a tricky race to assess, but Geitz (10) gets the nod, albeit without great confidence.
The Team Sears-trained filly finished strongly from the back of the field last start to run second, beaten 2.37 lengths over 1200m at the Gold Coast.
That effort marked her second runner-up finish from three career starts.
She has been finishing her races off well, so the extra distance should suit and with limited speed expected she could settle closer to the action.
Selections: 10-8-2-7
| 10. Geitz (10) 56kgx4242 |
CORDINA (5) performed well in her first appearance for trainer David Vandyke.
The I Am Invincible mare finished off nicely over 1200m to run 3.2 lengths third, with jockey Mark Du Plessis indicating a change of bit may help — a gear adjustment that has been applied for this run.
Previously trained by Ciaron Maher, she arrived with winning form after scoring at Nowra over 1400m two starts ago, suggesting the step up in distance is ideal.
From the inside draw, ‘Two Plus Three’ should be able to position her prominently and give her every opportunity.
Selections: 5-4-6-7
| 5. Cordina (2) 56.5kg86313 |
MARUNOUCHI (9) carries the same colours as stable star Antino and, like her talented stablemate, she made a winning debut.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly enjoyed a favourable run over 1200m here before producing a strong turn of foot to pull away and score by 3.23 lengths.
She appeared to have plenty left in reserve, so the rise in class shouldn’t pose too much of a concern.
Ben Thompson keeps the ride and should secure a comfortable run from the inside barrier.
Selections: 9-3-4-8
| 9. Marunouchi (1) 54kg1 |
TENBURY WELLS (6) had legitimate excuses when making his first appearance for the Munce stable.
The Fastnet Rock gelding suffered heat stress but still managed to close off well from near the rear to finish 4.21 lengths fifth over 1800m at Eagle Farm.
He was also second-up after a month between runs, so he should take improvement from that effort.
Martin Harley’s sole ride on the program comes here and the experienced Irish jockey should be able to provide a patient and economical ride from the inside draw.
Selections: 6-7-3-4
| 6. Tenbury Wells (2) 57.5kg44495 |