An eight-race program awaits at Doomben on Wednesday, where the rail is positioned 9 metres out around the full circuit. This setup traditionally favours runners settling on or near the speed, particularly under rain-affected conditions.
The track is rated a Heavy 8 and, despite the possibility of minor improvement with cloud cover, conditions are expected to remain demanding. As a result, emphasis should be placed on horses proven in soft going and those capable of maintaining a forward position throughout.
On debut here, APEX PREDATOR (2) represents trainer Matt Hoysted following two encouraging trial victories.
Both trials were won in front-running fashion, highlighting her early speed.
Her latest effort over 1000m at this track saw her cross from a wide barrier and extend strongly to win by 2.31 lengths.
From another wide draw, Jag Guthmann-Chester is likely to adopt similar tactics.
| 2. Apex Predator (7) J: Jag Guthmann-Chester 58kg T: Matthew Hoysted |
Prepared by Jason Edwards, PUNISHMENT DAY (11) is one of many on debut in this field.
By So You Think, the colt has been given three trials leading into this.
At his most recent outing at Deagon on heavy ground, he finished second alongside two-time winner Itchintogo, working through the line well.
That effort suggests he is forward enough to produce a bold showing first-up.
| 11. Punishment Day (7) J: Michael Rodd 58kg T: Jason Edwards |
Now under the care of Jarred Coetzee, CANYA BERICH (7) resumes after an extended absence.
On debut over 1110m here, she worked home from well back to finish 2.27 lengths third.
A series of setbacks has interrupted her progress since that run.
Her recent 1000m trial at this venue, where she closed strongly into second under her own steam, points to a solid return.
| 7. Canya Berich (5) J: Mark Du Plessis 56.5kg 3x T: Jarred Coetzee |
Sally Taylor brings FLYING SHELLY (6) here off a last-start win at Coffs Harbour.
In that 1218m contest, she let down nicely in heavy going to score by just over half a length.
Rain-affected tracks have proven to suit her racing pattern.
A strong second-up record further supports her chances, having missed the quinella just once in six attempts.
| 6. Flying Shelly (7) J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor 55.5kg 298×1 T: Sally Taylor |
From the Jack Bruce stable, MOSHULU SPIRIT (13) returned from a spell in excellent order.
At the Sunshine Coast, he settled in a handy position before letting down powerfully to win by 4.64 lengths.
The addition of a tongue tie, combined with soft conditions, worked in his favour.
With those factors unchanged and Ben Thompson retaining the ride, a similar performance is expected.
| 13. Moshulu Spirit (4) J: Ben Thompson 57.5kg 7×1 T: Jack Bruce |
BONUS SEASON (7) was deemed good enough to travel north for the Queensland Winter Carnival, but after things didn’t go to plan, she finds a far more suitable assignment here with a significant class drop.
In the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet last start, the Grahame Begg-trained filly was asked to do work early to settle in a forward position before fading out to finish 7.13 lengths tenth.
Her previous form in Victoria reads well, having recorded two narrow second placings before breaking through with a strong 1400m win at Sandown just two runs ago where she let down impressively.
There is only a 1kg increase in weight despite the drop from Listed grade back to a Class 1 Plate.
If she can navigate the awkward barrier without too much trouble, she is expected to be right in the finish.
| 7. Bonus Season (9) J: Daniel Moor 57.5kg x2210 T: Grahame Begg |
Dropping back in grade, ALL KINDS OF FOLK (9) comes through stronger races for trainer Todd Pollard.
Last time over this course and distance, he finished 2.04 lengths fourth after settling off the speed.
Peak fitness has been reached this preparation.
A dominant first-up win in similar conditions highlights his capability in this type of race.
| 9. All Kinds Of Folk (4) J: Ben Thompson 58.5kg 5×105 T: Todd Pollard |
Kevin Kemp saddles FORT WILLIAM (5) following an unlucky effort at Ipswich.
During that run, he was caught wide early before being held up badly in the straight.
Once clear, he charged home through heavy going to finish 1.77 lengths third.
A previous win over 1300m at Toowoomba and a 3kg claim for Chelsea Baker both strengthen his profile here.
| 5. Fort William (6) J: Chelsea Baker 60kg x7213 T: Kevin Kemp |