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) 60kg4×254 | |||
| 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) 54kg22×62 |
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) 59kg14922 |
CORMAC T (6) comes up with the outside barrier but he has the early speed to cross and find a forward position easily.
The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding rises in class after putting away his rivals by just under a length over this course and distance last start.
Prior to that he had been mixing his form but place several times in Sydney including a half-length second over 2000m at Rosehill just three starts ago.
Jace McMurray retains the ride and his claim is a plus.
| 6. Cormac T (9) 56.5kg30291 |
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) 57kgx367x |
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) 57kg45514 |
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 (10) 53.5kg16×31 |
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) 52kg313 |
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) 58kg55×22 |
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 (2) 61kg25321 |