Doomben racing tips are in focus this Saturday, with nine races scheduled.
The track is rated a Soft 5, and there is a possible shower forecast. The rail moves back to the true position.
That is worth noting. The rail has not been closer than 2.5m for the past month, so there may be usable ground near the inside.
The early races should give punters a guide. The track conditions and any pattern could influence how later races are assessed.
The speed map and early positioning are important at Doomben. Our race analysis looks at the key runners, main winning chances and betting opportunities.
Here is the race-by-race preview for Doomben.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE (4) drops in grade after a sound performance at Eagle Farm last start.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare worked early from the outside barrier over 1400m before finding a forward position and fighting on to finish fourth, beaten 1.55 lengths.
Her previous run over this course and distance had more merit than the finishing position suggests. She was held up badly on the fence until late and finished fifth, beaten 2.3 lengths.
She now looks close to peak fitness and is suited under the set weights conditions.
With limited early speed engaged, Jimmy Orman should be able to take up a positive position.
| 4. Trafalgar Square (5) 60kgx1354 |
EXCEED THE SALE (5) has improved with each run and now rises to a suitable distance.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly was forced back on debut at Eagle Farm to avoid being caught wide, but she still worked home strongly to finish third.
She settled closer over 1200m last start and produced an impressive finishing burst to win by 1.53 lengths.
She should be fitter again third-up, and the step to 1350m appears suitable.
Chelsea Baker’s 3kg claim is useful, and she can settle in a forward position if the race develops as expected.
| 5. Exceed The Sale (4) 58kg31 |
FERNAO (4) should be suited by the rise in distance after closing strongly over 2030m at this track last start.
The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding was disadvantaged by a slow tempo but still finished second, beaten just over half a length, behind Cavalry Man.
He meets that runner better at the weights and should take benefit from that run, as he was seven weeks between starts.
The rise to 2200m looks suitable, and Mark Du Plessis should be able to provide an economical run from the inside draw.
| 4. Fernao (1) 57.5kgx0062 |
ROBRICK (10) is well suited under the conditions of this Class 3 Plate.
The Gary Doughty-trained gelding holds a clear ratings advantage over most of this field, sitting at least 13 points higher than every runner except Razors.
He comes through a Class 6 Plate over this course and distance, where he closed well to finish a head fifth in a blanket finish.
His previous run at Ipswich was also strong, as he finished powerfully to win by just under two lengths.
From barrier 2, Ryan Maloney should be able to find a suitable position.
| 10. Robrick (2) 60kg83615 |
JUST FLYING (2) should be suited dropping in class after a solid run over this course and distance.
The Rob Heathcote-trained gelding finished third last start, beaten just under a length, and was strong through the line.
His first-up run also had merit, as he finished powerfully and missed by only a head.
He should now be close to peak fitness and gets another suitable 1600m assignment.
Ben Thompson takes the ride and should be able to have him positioned within striking distance.
| 2. Just Flying (5) 57.5kg23733 |
ROGUERY (8) can improve second-up after an interrupted run when resuming for Tony Gollan.
The six-year-old gelding settled well back at Eagle Farm and was held up at key stages. Once into clear air, he finished strongly, but the race was effectively over and he finished sixth, beaten 3.9 lengths.
He should take improvement from that run.
He also has a relevant distance reference, having finished third, beaten just over half a length, at The Valley in his only previous start over 1600m.
Jimmy Orman taking the ride is a positive.
| 8. Roguery (4) 59kg960×6 |
BLAZING HARRY (8) has claims second-up after a strong return over this course and distance.
Now trained by Kristy Clark-Peoples, the gelding charged home to just miss behind Braveheart when resuming.
He meets that runner 3kg better at the weights and should be fitter for the run.
His second-up record is strong, including a win at Ipswich last preparation.
There looks to be solid early speed, which suits his pattern. From the inside barrier, Jace McMurray may also be able to settle him closer in running.
| 8. Blazing Harry (1) 59kg41492 |
GRINZINGER CHAMP (6) has adapted well since joining the Jack Bruce stable.
The Wootton Bassett mare was formerly with Danny O’Brien in Victoria and made a sound Queensland debut at Eagle Farm, finishing fourth, beaten 3.29 lengths.
She then improved sharply over this course and distance, finishing strongly to win by 1.23 lengths.
Last start, she continued that form by charging home with 60kg to win by just over half a length.
This is a harder race, but her current form suggests she can be competitive again.
| 6. Grinzinger Champ (7) 58kg5×411 |
PEREILLE (3) returns from a short let-up after a strong performance in the Listed Ramornie Handicap.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding drew wide, settled back and finished powerfully once clear to run second, beaten 1.19 lengths.
All of his starts this preparation have come at black-type level, so the drop back to Open company is suitable.
There looks to be strong speed engaged, which should assist his racing pattern.
Jimmy Orman is a positive booking and should be able to give him the chance to finish strongly late.
| 3. Pereille (5) 59.5kg63832 |