Our Doomben Tips & Preview covers Wednesday’s seven-race card, with the track rated a Soft 5. A clearing shower is forecast in the lead-up, followed by mostly sunny conditions on race day.
The rail is out 8m, a position that traditionally favours on-pace runners. The speed map and early positioning will be key, while the opening races should show whether that pattern holds.
Our race analysis looks at the key runners, main winning chances and best betting opportunities across the meeting. Here’s our race-by-race preview.
ZEPHYR SONG (11) returns to Doomben after a strong second over this course and distance, and Corey and Kylie Geran bring her into the race fresh off their Weetwood win.
The daughter of Zoustar raced outside the lead last time and kept finding to finish half a length from the winner.
Her two previous starts since transferring from the Waterhouse & Bott stable produced a close fourth at Toowoomba first-up, followed by a third at Doomben.
Bella Youngberry’s 3kg claim should assist her in securing a forward position from a favourable draw.
| 11. Zephyr Song (2) J: Bella Youngberry 53kg 4×432 T: Corey & Kylie Geran |
SUPER FAIR (1) brings a strong recent record to this staying event and looks well placed to continue his form.
The Mark Callaghan-trained gelding was beaten by a neck at the Gold Coast three starts ago.
At Ipswich, he finished strongly but went down by a head after his jockey fumbled with the persuader.
He made no mistake last start over 2040m at Doomben, storming home to catch Iconify on the line.
The step up to 2240m should suit the way he finishes his races, and Montana Philpot’s 3kg claim is an advantage.
| 1. Super Fair (2) J: Montana Philpot 56kg 30221 T: Mark Callaghan |
PERFECT PLAY (1) carries a significant weight, but his class stands out and the drop in grade is in his favour.
The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained gelding was too keen in blinkers over this track and distance last time and faded late to finish 1.26 lengths fourth.
His effort three starts ago was more encouraging.
He battled on well in a Benchmark 85 Handicap over the same course and trip, beaten by half a length.
Ryan Houston’s 2kg claim should help, and Perfect Play is expected to race on speed.
| 1. Perfect Play (3) J: Ryan Houston 60kg 36254 T: Annabel & Rob Archibald |
TINY LIGHT (9) faces a tricky task from the outside barrier, though her trial performances have been encouraging.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly won her first trial in June, then had a spell before returning to prepare for this campaign.
She led throughout to win by 5.8 lengths at the Gold Coast in her first trial this time in work.
In her latest hit-out, she showed early speed to cross from the outside and went on to win comfortably.
Bella Youngberry can use that pace to secure a forward spot, either leading or settling prominently.
| 9. Tiny Light (11) J: Bella Youngberry 55kg T: Tony Gollan |
STREET CHASE (4) resumes under new trainer Jack Bruce, who has a strong record of improving horses.
The Zoustar gelding was sent for a spell after a disappointing last preparation that included a wide run at the Gold Coast.
His record as a three-year-old gives him a solid class profile for this set-weight race.
He won an Open Handicap and finished a head second in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate.
A recent trial adds to the case for a forward showing.
He showed good speed to share the lead, then dashed clear to win by just under three lengths.
Taylor Marshall should be able to settle handy and track the leaders.
| 4. Street Chase (6) J: Taylor Marshall 60kg 67x0x T: Jack Bruce |
LOCKYER (3) has won two of his past three starts and arrives in solid form for Tony Gollan.
The trainer found a suitable race for him three starts ago, when he broke through for an overdue win over this course and distance.
He then ran well at Eagle Farm over 1400m, peaking late, before returning to Doomben last start.
Back at this track and trip, he produced a strong finish to win easily.
There appears to be good speed engaged.
That should give Emily Pozman, who claims 3kg, the chance to settle into a nice run before asking him for his effort in the straight.
| 3. Lockyer (6) J: Emily Pozman 56.5kg 52141 T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Made it four wins from five at the Doomben 1350m when taking out a 3yo+ Class 3 last start, overcoming a hampered start and covering ground before beating Enforceable by just over a length. The Eagle Farm fourth behind Larrikin Rogue two back was sound, and blinkers going on adds further interest. Blinkers go on and his course pattern makes him the one to beat. | |||
CARDONETTE (7) arrives after breaking through for her maiden win at the Gold Coast, having placed in each of her first four starts.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare was sent out a $1.35 favourite and justified that support.
She swept around the field on the turn and finished strongly to win hands and heels by just over a length.
She should take improvement from that first win, while the slight step up in distance is expected to suit.
The draw is awkward, but Ben Thompson takes the ride.
| 7. Cardonette (9) J: Ben Thompson 56kg 3x2x1 T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Justified prohibitive odds-on support at Gold Coast last start, winning a Maiden by just over a length despite striking interference and being tightened before producing from back in the field. She had earlier run second to Hello Punters after covering ground, so her consistency is well established. Wide draw is manageable and she looks ready to go on with it. | |||