Doomben racing tips are in focus this Saturday, with 10 races scheduled.
The track is rated a Soft 5 and fine weather is forecast. The rail is out 2m, which should provide a reasonable surface for the meeting.
The early races will be important when assessing the track conditions. They should also provide a guide to whether runners on speed or those coming from behind are being favoured.
That makes the speed map and early positioning key factors. Our race analysis assesses the key runners, main winning chances and betting opportunities across the card.
Here is the race-by-race preview for Doomben.
WRIGLEY FIELD (1) appears ready for the rise to 1600m after working home well over 1400m at Eagle Farm.
The Jack Bruce-trained gelding finished fourth, beaten 1.25 lengths, after settling well back in a race that represents a significant drop in class.
He does rise in weight, but he is now at peak fitness and gains the services of Ryan Maloney.
With several runners drawn wide, the inside barrier should allow Wrigley Field to settle closer than he did last start.
| 1. Wrigley Field (1) J: Ryan Maloney 60kg 4×254T: Jack Bruce | |||
| Dual acceptor. At the latest run 4th of 13 in a Nmw at Eagle Farm on August 8 over 1400m, 1.3 len behind Gambino with 53kg at $4.80. Before that eased back early on 5th of 9 in a Cl4 at Gold Coast on July 25 over 1400m, slow going 1.0 len behind Enforceable carrying 57.5kg at $7. Honest galloper who is clearly the testing material. | |||
SHELSTEIN (9) has been consistent this preparation and should appreciate returning to 1200m.
The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding finished second over 1350m here last start, beaten three-quarters of a length after being run down late.
He is now third-up and has produced all of his wins over this distance.
The 54kg impost is another positive, while solid New South Wales form gives him a strong platform. Daniel Moor should be able to settle just behind the expected speed.
| 9. Shelstein (4) J: Daniel Moor 54kg 22×62T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. First-up 6th of 11 in a Bm70 at Eagle Farm on July 15 over 1200m, 2.5 len behind Fragile Love with 57.5kg at $4.60. Second run from a spell sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 11 in a Cl3 at this track on August 5 over 1350m, 0.7 len behind Land Bank carrying 59kg at $7.50. Best figures stack up favourably. | |||
BLAZING HARRY (1) finds a more suitable race after twice competing against Braveheart.
The Kristy Clark-Peoples-trained gelding resumed over 1200m here and closed strongly to finish just behind Braveheart.
He again chased that runner last start and finished second, beaten 3.41 lengths, but the effort was still sound.
The quick back-up and rise to 1350m should suit his fitness profile. Bella Youngberry claims 3kg and should be able to settle him behind the speed from a favourable draw.
| 1. Blazing Harry (3) J: Bella Youngberry 59kg 14922T: Kristie Clark-Peoples | |||
| Dual acceptor. Recent form sound. Last start made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 9 in a Cg&E Bm78 at this track on August 15 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Braveheart carrying 57.5kg at $2.70. Before that made ground from midfield; 2nd of 10 in a Cg&E Cl3-Sw at this track on August 1 over 1200m, nose behind Braveheart carrying 60kg at $15. Great chance to go one better on the seven-day turnaround. | |||
CHILLAXING (5) has been racing consistently and looks suited by the conditions of this Benchmark 80.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding won narrowly over 2400m at Eagle Farm last start, defeating several rivals he meets again here.
He also showed his staying ability three starts ago when winning over 2000m at Doomben.
The wide barrier is the main concern, but Daniel Moor should be able to work across and find a forward position.
| 5. Chillaxing (10) J: Daniel Moor 59kg 54131T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Most recently won by a nose at Eagle Farm on August 8 over 2400m defeating Benzino carrying 58kg at $7.50. Before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 10 in a Bm78 at Eagle Farm on July 25 over 2200m, 2.25 len behind Tapildoodledo with 58kg at $6.50. Racing well and is a sound each-way prospect. | |||
PETIT ARTISTE (16) resumes for Tony Gollan after previously racing in Victoria.
The four-year-old mare has not won for 70 weeks, but her last victory came in the Listed Without Fear Stakes at Morphettville, where she scored by 3.46 lengths.
Her recent assignments may have been beyond her ideal level, and this race should provide a more suitable opportunity.
She has trialled well ahead of her return, finishing close behind the winner under a controlled ride.
Emily Lang has a favourable draw to work with.
| 16. Petit Artiste (5) J: Emily Lang 57kg x367xT: Tony Gollan | |||
| Mare back from a spell of five months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation seventh of 9 at Pakenham Bm70 April 2 over 1000m, 2.5 len behind Tuscaloosa Gem carrying 56kg at $9. First up last campaign third of 8 at Ballarat Bm70 February 22 over 1000m, 3 len behind Nimbustwothousand carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. Market watch at her first appearance under Tony Gollan. | |||
LET’SFACETHEMUSIC (6) can improve with a more suitable run in transit.
The Corey & Kylie Geran-trained gelding began awkwardly from a wide barrier last start and was not suited by the way the race developed.
Despite settling near the rear, he produced a strong finishing burst to finish fourth, beaten a neck.
He was a dominant all-the-way winner two starts ago when ridden by Gary Geran, who returns to the saddle.
Moulin Miss is likely to lead, and Let’sfacethemusic should be able to settle close enough to enjoy a favourable position.
| 6. Let’Sfacethemusic (5) J: Gary Geran 57kg 45514T: Corey & Kylie Geran | |||
| Last start 4th of 11 in a Hcp at this track on August 1 over 1110m, long-neck behind Epic Proportions carrying 53.5kg at $3.60. The race before that scored a big 3.5 len win at this track on July 11 over 1110m defeating Braveheart with 60kg at $2. Expected to be very competitive once again. | |||
LAND BANK (14) rises in grade but receives a significant weight advantage with 53.5kg.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding finished strongly over 1350m here last start to win by just under a length.
His closing effort suggested the rise to a mile should be suitable, particularly now that he has further fitness.
The draw is not ideal, and Daniel Moor may need to show initiative early to find a workable position.
| 14. Land Bank (13) J: Daniel Moor 53.5kg 16×31T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today. First-up 3rd in a small field in a Cl2 at Ipswich on July 16 over 1200m, 2.5 len behind Immediate carrying 58.5kg at $3.20. Last start favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.7 len at this track on August 5 over 1350m defeating Shelstein carrying 55.5kg at $3.20. Progressing in good style and open to further improvement. | |||
MARIA CLARA (8) is capable of improving sharply with a clearer passage.
The Tony & Maddy Sears-trained filly was inconvenienced at several stages over 1200m at Eagle Farm last start. She settled near the rear, was shuffled back on the turn and then held up in the straight.
Once into clear running, she closed strongly to finish third, beaten just under a length.
Her previous win at the Gold Coast was also encouraging. She led into the straight before drawing clear to win by 1.39 lengths.
Mark Du Plessis takes over from the apprentice, with Maria Clara carrying 52kg.
| 8. Maria Clara (8) J: Mark Du Plessis 52kg 313T: Tony & Maddysen Sears | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start 3rd of 11 in a 3yo Hcp at Eagle Farm on August 8 over 1000m, 0.8 len behind Queen Olympias carrying 51.5kg at $14. Before that won by 1.4 len at Gold Coast on July 25 over 1000m on a rain affected track defeating Summer Sensation with 56kg at $3.50. Not far away last start. Going well enough to give this a shake. | |||
SER JOH (6) was strong despite covering plenty of ground over 1200m at Eagle Farm last start.
The Rob Heathcote-trained gelding used plenty of energy crossing from the outside barrier to lead, but he still fought on to finish second, beaten 2.16 lengths.
The winner enjoyed a more economical run, so the effort was sound.
Ser Joh also performed well first-up, finishing second by a long neck, and won third-up last preparation at Doomben.
He maps to receive a more suitable run on speed for Taylor Marshall.
| 6. Ser Joh (2) J: Taylor Marshall 58kg 55×22T: Robert Heathcote | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in a Bm85 at Eagle Farm on July 25 over 1200m, 0.5 len behind Without Parallel carrying 57.5kg at $15. Second-up led but faded 2nd of 10 in a Cl6 at Eagle Farm on August 8 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Surprise Honey with 57.5kg at $12. Steps out over an extra 150m and is ready to peak at the third run back. | |||
ANEMACORE (1) is the class runner in the final race and should be suited by the improved barrier.
The Shaun Dwyer-trained gelding settled closer last start and finished strongly to win in the shadows of the post.
His previous run at Eagle Farm had plenty of merit, as he came from the outside barrier and a long way back to finish second, beaten just under a length.
That followed a narrow third in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap.
He has not raced over this distance since finishing second by a neck over this course and distance in March. The 61kg is the query, but Michael Rodd should be able to give him a favourable run.
| 1. Anemacore (3) J: Michael Rodd 61kg 25321T: Shaun Dwyer | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start favourite; ran on from midfield and won by a neck at Eagle Farm on August 8 over 1400m defeating Express Payment carrying 60kg at $2.90. The race before that ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 in a Hcp at Eagle Farm on July 25 over 1400m, 0.9 len behind Sir Artie with 60kg at $8. Well-deserved winner last time and is certain to prove hard to beat. | |||