Racing returns to Doomben this Wednesday with an eight-race midweek program that looks highly competitive on paper.
The surface is currently rated a Soft 5 and, with clear conditions expected, it should hold in that range or even firm slightly throughout the meeting.
The rail is positioned out 7 metres, which historically gives an advantage to runners settling on pace or within striking distance. Horses that drift too far back could find it difficult to make ground, particularly in the shorter races where tempo and positioning will be key.
Here’s a race-by-race breakdown with leading chances.
LA BARRITA (10) looks ideally suited dropping back in grade after competing in Listed company last time out.
The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained filly had little luck in the Bill Carter Stakes, covering ground early before being forced back towards the tail and finishing with minor lacerations.
Her debut effort at Warwick Farm was much more encouraging, where she powered home to grab third, beaten just half a length.
With blinkers coming off and a favourable barrier, she should enjoy a more economical run under Ben Thompson.
| 10. La Barrita (4) 56kg36 |
Debutant ROUGH CAUSE (9) has shown enough at the trials to make a winning impression first-up.
Prepared by Tony Gollan, the gelding has trialled four times and displayed sharp early speed, including a dominant 1000m trial win at this track and a strong second placing on the Gold Coast Poly.
From a kind draw, Emily Lang is likely to push forward early and have him settled prominently throughout.
| 9. Rough Cause (3) 57.5kg |
HOLY TERROR (4) should take good improvement from his debut outing at Ipswich.
The Stuart Kendrick-trained youngster settled on speed and fought on well to finish second, less than a length from the winner, in testing conditions.
With that experience under his belt and a firmer track expected, he profiles nicely second-up.
Barrier 4 should allow Ron Stewart to secure a perfect on-speed run.
| 4. Holy Terror (4) 57.5kg2 |
HELLARIOUS (9) has returned this preparation in excellent form and is chasing a hat-trick of victories.
The Tony & Maddy Sears-trained mare was strong first-up before producing a dominant all-the-way performance last start, winning by over four lengths at the Gold Coast.
While she rises in grade here, her racing pattern suggests she can settle in a favourable position again.
Mark Du Plessis retains the ride and should give her every opportunity.
| 9. Hellarious (7) 56kg44×11 |
Since joining the Kelly Schweida yard, SAINT ALDWYN (4) has been in outstanding form with three wins from four starts.
Previously trained by Chris Waller, he has gone to another level this campaign, including a strong Ipswich win last start where he finished powerfully.
He remains in the same class and benefits from a 2kg claim, keeping his weight unchanged.
From a low barrier, he maps to enjoy an ideal run in transit.
| 4. Saint Aldwyn (2) 59.5kg71131 |
EASY LOVE (3) looks ready to peak third-up after two solid runs this preparation.
She resumed with a dominant Ipswich win before finishing just over a length off the winner last time out over a similar trip.
The David Vandyke-trained mare has previously won third-up at this track and distance, which is a strong positive.
With Jag Guthmann-Chester aboard and a good gate, she should receive every chance.
| 3. Easy Love (3) 57.5kg31×14 |
OUROBOROS (1) stands out in this field, holding a clear ratings edge over his rivals.
The Matt Hoysted-trained gelding didn’t fire last start in Listed grade but is much better suited dropping back to this level, where he has previously won convincingly.
Despite a wide draw, he possesses the early pace to cross and lead, with Boris Thornton expected to take up that role.
| 1. Ouroboros (7) 60kg10×30 |
EXCENIA (13) comes into this race off a narrow defeat at the Sunshine Coast, where she stormed home to miss by a head.
The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained filly has been consistent this campaign, including a strong first-up effort where she faced adversity in running.
She steps to a distance where she has previously won, which is a key factor.
While the wide draw presents a challenge, the booking of Ryan Maloney is a positive.
| 13. Excenia (9) 57kg25×32 |