Saturday’s Doomben preview features a nine-race card, with conditions expected to be relevant throughout the afternoon.
The track is currently rated a Soft 5, and with showers forecast through to the weekend, it may remain in that range or become slightly softer.
The rail is out 2.5m, which should create a fair racing pattern and give every runner its opportunity.
There is plenty to assess across the Doomben card, so we’ll work through the program and identify the key chances.
TENGUN TOMMY (1) has started this preparation in excellent form, winning both runs back.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding produced the best final 600m of the race at the Sunshine Coast last start, finding the line with purpose to score by just over half a length.
He also overcame an outside barrier first-up, which he has to do again here, when running on strongly to win by a half-length over 1100m at Doomben.
The rise to 1200m appears suitable third-up, and the extra distance to the first turn should help Ben Thompson manage the wide draw.
| 1. Tengun Tommy (12) J: Ben Thompson 59.5kg 6×11T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.6 len at this track 2yo Hcp June 3 over 1110m defeating Invincible Chase carrying 57.5kg at $2.70. Last start favourite; came from midfield and won by 0.7 len at Sunshine Coast 2yo Hcp July 4 over 1000m in soft going defeating Areprice with 57kg at $2.30. Racing well. No tougher this time so another win looks on the cards. | |||
MOONAN QUARTZ (6) has been very effective in two starts since returning from a spell.
The Mick Lakey-trained gelding resumed over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast, settling a few lengths off the leader in second before quickening strongly to win comfortably by just under three lengths.
He then stepped up to 1400m at Eagle Farm last start and controlled the race throughout, recording an all-the-way 2.29 length victory.
With Jace McMurray claiming 2kg, he should be able to push forward and either lead or settle in a prominent position.
| 6. Moonan Quartz (8) J: Jace Mcmurray 59kg 43×11T: Michael Lakey | |||
| Third-up today. First-up favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 3 len at Sunshine Coast Bm58 June 21 over 1200m in soft going defeating Custo with 59kg at $4.60. Second run from a spell favourite; won by 2.25 len at Eagle Farm Cl3 July 1 over 1400m on a rain affected track defeating Diamond Show with 54kg at $2.30. Can extend the winning streak. | |||
MOSHULU SPIRIT (2) is well placed to maintain his unbeaten record this preparation.
The Jack Bruce-trained gelding resumed with a strong performance at the Sunshine Coast last start, settling handy before letting down powerfully to beat his rivals by 4.64 lengths.
Earlier this campaign, he produced a strong finish to win over this course and distance before proving too good at Ipswich over the same trip, taking his overall record to three wins from four starts.
He is now at peak fitness, and with Ben Thompson riding, he should be able to secure a favourable run on speed.
| 2. Moshulu Spirit (7) J: Ben Thompson 59kg 7×111T: Jack Bruce | |||
| On a three run winning streak. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by 0.7 len at Ipswich 3&4yo Hcp July 8 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Warrior Bae with 54.5kg at $2. The start before that favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.6 len at this track 3yo Bm65 June 17 over 1200m in soft going defeating Statement Of Truth carrying 57.5kg at $2.45. Airborne and can win again despite the class rise. | |||
TECHNA (16) was impressive over 1800m at Eagle Farm last start and appears capable of measuring up in Saturday grade.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare resumed with a third at the Sunshine Coast before producing a dominant second-up performance, dashing clear in the final furlong to win by 4.04 lengths.
The way she finished off that race suggests the rise in distance is suitable, particularly now that she is third-up with added fitness.
There looks to be enough speed in the race to assist her pattern, with Robbie Dolan likely to settle around midfield from the good draw.
| 16. Techna (2) J: Robbie Dolan 55.5kg 35×31T: Chris & Corey Munce | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up got back early 3rd in a small field at Sunshine Coast Cl2 on June 14 over 1400m, on a wet track; 2 len behind Zouslayer carrying 54kg at $5. Second-up won by 4 len at Eagle Farm Bm68 July 1 over 1800m on a rain affected track defeating Valorous Power with 54.5kg at $26. One of the major players. | |||
SWORD OF LEGACY (1) responded well to the drop in class last start and showed what she can produce from a good barrier when winning over 1200m at Eagle Farm.
The Matt Dunn-trained filly was heavily supported and delivered for punters, powering home to record a strong win.
Her Listed Queensland Day Stakes run two starts ago can be forgiven, as she raced keenly and was posted wide, while she also drew the car park in the Darby McCarthy three starts ago before going back, finding trouble, and charging late to finish just under a length third.
This race does not look any harder than last start, and with Jace McMurray’s claim leaving her to carry just half a kilogram more, she looks well placed again.
| 1. Sword Of Legacy (6) J: Jace Mcmurray 60kg 21301T: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Dual acceptor. At the latest run favourite; won by 0.7 len at Eagle Farm 3yo Qlty June 27 over 1200m in soft going defeating Propaganda carrying 57.5kg at $2.20. The start before that 14th of 17 at Eagle Farm in the LR Qld Day on June 6 over 1200m, 5 len behind Earn To Burn with 55kg at $26. In great form and is likely to feature. | |||
Although JOHN RAMBO (1) has 60kg to carry, he is well suited under the set weight conditions given his superior rating.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding was last seen working home well in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap, finishing 2.41 lengths seventh despite racing wide and back after drawing a putrid barrier.
This is an easier assignment than what he has been contesting, and he has performed well at Doomben, highlighted by a 3.97 length win at this track last year.
He has his quirks, but if Cejay Graham can get him to begin cleanly, he should be able to settle behind the speed before launching in the straight.
| 1. John Rambo (2) J: Cejay Graham 60kg 21×57T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up 5th of 16 at Ipswich in the LR Eye Liner on June 20 over 1350m, slow going 2 len behind Soothsayer carrying 53kg at $4.80. Last start 7th of 17 at Sunshine Coast in the LR Glasshouse Hcp on July 4 over 1400m, slow going 2.5 len behind Arabian Rose carrying 53kg at $11. Profiles nicely. Has the ability and is among the leading hopes. | |||
TALTARNI FIELDS (1) should appreciate a drop in class after a luckless first-up performance at the Sunshine Coast.
The Kelly Schweida-trained mare was squeezed prior to the turn and shuffled back, which effectively ended her winning chance, but she still worked to the line well to finish 4.16 lengths from the winner.
She should take improvement from that run and has won two from four second-up starts, including one over this course and distance.
From a favourable draw, 2kg claimer Jace McMurray should be able to give her a suitable run just off the lead.
| 1. Taltarni Fields (3) J: Jace Mcmurray 61kg 915×0T: Kelly Schweida | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months eased back early on 11th of 16 at Sunshine Coast 3yo&Up Swp on July 4 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Steady Ready with 56kg at $20. Previously second-up 3rd of 15 at Gold Coast Cl6-Sw on January 17 over 1200m, 4 len behind Hawker Hall carrying 60kg at $12. Expecting him to kick on in this easier race with that first run out of the way. | |||
THE INFLICTOR (1) should appreciate dropping out of black-type and feature racing for the first time in a year.
The Craig Cousins-trained gelding was last seen finishing 4.07 lengths 11th in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap, after previously producing a competitive 2.71 lengths sixth in the Group 2 Moreton Cup.
His most recent win came just over a year ago in the Listed Tattersall’s Mile over this distance at Eagle Farm.
This race appears to set up in a similar way, with Corey Sutherland claiming 2kg and likely able to dictate in a race that looks to lack speed.
If he can control the tempo through cheap sectionals, he may prove difficult to run down.
| 1. The Inflictor (2) J: Corey Sutherland 60kg 45660T: Craig Cousins | |||
| Last start 11th of 17 at Sunshine Coast in the LR Glasshouse Hcp on July 4 over 1400m, slow going 4 len behind Arabian Rose carrying 57.5kg at $31. The start before that 6th of 11 at Eagle Farm in the G2 Moreton Cup Swp on June 6 over 1200m, 2.75 len behind Uncommon James carrying 55.5kg at $12. Not great last start but this is easier. | |||
DAGGERS (4) rises to a mile for just the second time since finishing fifth in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes nearly two years ago.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding was last seen finishing 1.26 lengths third over 1350m on Ipswich Cup Day, where he was forced to work from the outside barrier.
Since joining the Eagle Farm stable, he has been highly consistent, recording four placings and a win from five starts.
He maps to get an economical run for Ben Thompson and should be very hard to beat.
| 4. Daggers (2) J: Ben Thompson 59kg 23133T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Dual acceptor. Form hard to fault. At the latest run tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 11 at Ipswich Cl6 on June 20 over 1350m, on a slow track; 1.3 len behind Quothquan carrying 58kg at $2.35. The race before that 3rd of 13 at Eagle Farm Bm85 on May 30 over 1400m, on a slow track; long-neck behind Bengal Diamond with 58kg at $3. Nicely drawn and should prove hard to beat. | |||