The Wednesday meeting at Doomben contains eight races, and both tempo and the likely track pattern appear important considerations.
With the rail positioned 11 metres out for the entire course, runners capable of taking up forward positions and maintaining their place near the speed should be advantaged.
The track was listed as a Soft 6 on Monday, although the forecast for fine weather provides some chance of improvement before race day. There should still be enough give in the surface to keep soft-track credentials relevant.
On that basis, horses that can map positively and secure economical on-speed runs look the most suitable profiles across the card.
This represents a more suitable assignment for DOMINATOR (3) after two Sydney runs to begin his career, despite the fact he remains a two-year-old.
The Michael Freedman-trained colt debuted over this distance at Randwick, where he was positioned behind the leader on the rail but was unable to obtain clear running at any stage.
At Canterbury last start over 1250m, he displayed excellent early speed to lead before weakening late and finishing 1.61 lengths fourth.
Dropping back in distance looks a positive, and the Michael Freedman-trained colt should have taken fitness benefit from those two runs. From the outside barrier, Ben Thompson can use his early speed to cross.
| 3. Dominator (6) 56.5kg94 |
The 2070m Maiden Plate is not straightforward, with many of the runners having had multiple opportunities to win previously.
SECRET FENKEL (7) has been a consistent maiden, placing in four of his six starts, and his most recent performance over 2200m at the Gold Coast was sound.
The Marcus Wilson-trained gelding drew the outside barrier there, was unable to cross, and as a result settled at the rear. That race shape proved costly, as he closed strongly from a long way back to finish 2.35 lengths second.
Now rock hard fit and drawn more favourably, the Marcus Wilson-trained gelding can settle closer for Boris Thornton in a race that does not appear to contain much early speed.
| 7. Secret Fenkel (3) 58kgx2342 |
The drop in class is significant for BRAVEHEART (1) after his latest effort over 1200m at Ipswich.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding led in that race and was only run down late, finishing just under a length from the winner while defeating subsequent Saturday winner Zoustrology.
He comes here at peak fitness and has continued to race consistently since winning four starts ago.
Leah Martyn’s 3kg claim is valuable, and from barrier 1, the Tony Gollan-trained gelding should be able to hold a forward position and receive an economical run near the speed.
| 1. Braveheart (1) 60kg21232 |
Since joining the Rob Heathcote stable from Team Hayes, NEPRAVDA (2) has been in good form and presents as a leading chance again.
The Russian Revolution mare is backing up quickly after recording her first Brisbane win, leading throughout over 1200m at Doomben to score by 1.02 lengths.
Although this is a drop in class, she remains on the same weight due to the 3kg claim, which is a favourable setup.
From a good barrier, Leah Martyn can take the Rob Heathcote-trained mare forward, and her race fitness should be an important asset late.
| 2. Nepravda (3) 59kgx3721 |
CRASH THE PARTY (7) should appreciate a sharp drop in grade after finishing 4.48 lengths behind Earn To Burn in the Listed Queensland Day Stakes last start.
The Toby Edmonds-trained filly had produced an excellent run prior to that when resuming over 1200m at the Gold Coast, hitting the line strongly to finish a half-length second to Sylph, with nearly five lengths back to third.
Her placement in stronger races suggests the stable clearly has an opinion of her, and returning to Maiden company third-up looks a very suitable setup.
From a good draw, Daniel Moor should be able to give he every chance.
| 7. Crash The Party (3) 56kg42×20 |
The first-up run of LADY LUCIFER (4) over 1200m at Doomben is worth forgiving.
The David Vandyke-trained mare was disadvantaged by an outside draw and ended up back and wide, so it was understandable that she was unable to get into the race.
She is capable of improving second-up, especially returning to the same course and distance at which she easily won her only previous attempt, leading throughout.
Ben Osmond’s 2kg claim is useful, and from the improved draw, the David Vandyke-trained mare should be able to settle much closer in a prominent position.
| 4. Lady Lucifer (4) 60.5kg116×8 |
Sydney form provides a strong reference for EMPRESS OF JAPAN (7), who looks well placed in this BM65 Handicap.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare has improved with each run this preparation and produced her best performance last start over 1500m at Kembla Grange, where she charged home to finish a nose second.
She had been expected to run two weeks ago, meaning she now comes into this five weeks between runs, but the Michael Freedman-trained mare should have been kept up to the mark.
Jace McMurray’s 2kg claim is an advantage, and after a Saturday metropolitan double, he can make good use of barrier 2.
| 7. Empress Of Japan (1) 58kg7×432 |
The resuming effort of AUTOMNE TREE (1) over this course and distance can be overlooked, as he did not handle the heavy conditions.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding should be better suited on a drier track and is open to improvement with that first-up run behind him.
His previous preparation in Sydney included stronger races, highlighted by a half-length second over 1500m at Rosehill when ridden further forward.
Ryan Maloney takes the ride, and from the inside barrier, the Chris Waller-trained gelding should be afforded every opportunity.
| 1. Automne Tree (1) 60kg428×8 |