Doomben Tips & Preview | Saturday 4 October

Doomben Tips & Preview | Saturday 4 October

• Craig Sheppard

The big names might be chasing Group 1s in the southern states of Australia, but there’s still plenty of action at Doomben if you know where to look. A $4 pop pays the same no matter the race—and this nine-race card in Brisbane is full of chances for those willing to have a crack. Let’s dive into the form and see what we can find. Race 1 – BENCHMARK 78 Handicap (2200 METRES) No. 6 So You Are SO YOU ARE (6) heads back to Brisbane after a luckless but encouraging run in the Group 3 Newcastle Cup. He was…

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Moonee Valley Tips & Preview | Friday, October 3

Moonee Valley Tips & Preview | Friday, October 3

• Craig Sheppard

Friday Night Lights is back at Moonee Valley, and the amphitheatre is ready to dazzle. As the sun sets and the lights fire up, Moonee Valley becomes a cauldron of speed, tactics, and electric atmosphere. It’s a slick eight-race card, headlined by the explosive Heat 2 of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge. Let’s chase some winners and kickstart the weekend in style. Race 1 – 3YO Colts & Geldings Maiden Plate (1200 METRES) No. 2 Cabriole Tip of The Day CABRIOLE (2) resumes for his second preparation and looks ready to go based on his lead-up work. He was well…

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2025 Weetwood Day Tips & Preview (Toowoomba)

2025 Weetwood Day Tips & Preview (Toowoomba)

• Craig Sheppard

We’re heading up the Range this Saturday for Weetwood Day at Clifford Park — a celebration of racing, community, and springtime spirit in Toowoomba. As the Carnival of Flowers paints the town, the track hosts its biggest day of the year with the Listed Weetwood Handicap, Toowoomba Cup, and Guineas taking centre stage. With over $850,000 in prizemoney and a festive atmosphere, it’s a day where form meets festivity — and I’m here to help you find the winners. Race 1 – Class 3 Plate (1000 METRES) No. 10 Express Code It’s not lost on me how risky it is…

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2025 Sandown Stakes Day Tips & Preview

2025 Sandown Stakes Day Tips & Preview

• Craig Sheppard

While the AFL Grand Final will dominate the headlines, racing fans have plenty to cheer about at Sandown Hillside this Saturday, with a strong card led by the Group 3 Sandown Stakes. The 1500m feature has long been a launching pad for spring-bound milers, and this year’s edition shapes as a competitive contest. A field of 14 is set to go around, including key chances Evaporate, Rise At Dawn, and Transatlantic. The Hayes stable is well represented with three runners, while Tony Gollan adds interstate interest from Queensland. Adding further depth to the eight-race program is the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude, a key lead-up for the fillies. The…

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Sandown Tips & Preview | Wednesday, September 24

Sandown Tips & Preview | Wednesday, September 24

• Craig Sheppard

Sandown’s Hillside circuit takes centre stage this Wednesday, featuring an eight-race line-up sure to keep punters engaged. With the rail out and a Soft 5 rating on the cards to kick things off, expect some even contests and plenty of value to be found across the program. There’s a chance of showers in the forecast, so it’s wise to stay alert for any late shifts in track conditions as the day unfolds. On the hunt for a few winners? Let’s get stuck into what Sandown has lined up this Wednesday. Race 1 – 3YO+ Maiden Plate (1600 METRES) No. 8…

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2025 Underwood Stakes Day Tips & Preview (Caulfield) 

2025 Underwood Stakes Day Tips & Preview (Caulfield) 

• Craig Sheppard

Spring racing hits top gear this Saturday at Caulfield with Underwood Stakes Day—a high-impact program packed with talent, storylines, and form lines that will shape the weeks ahead. The headline act is the Group 1 Underwood Stakes, featuring a stellar field led by joint Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius, defending champ Buckaroo, and exciting import Moira. Backing it up is the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, back in its traditional spring slot and boasting a deep sprinting field, including Angel Capital and Sepals—both chasing big-race credentials. The Naturalism Stakes adds further intrigue as a key Caulfield Cup qualifier, with…

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Pink Ribbon Day Tips & Preview (Gold Coast)

Pink Ribbon Day Tips & Preview (Gold Coast)

• Craig Sheppard

Spring racing takes on deeper meaning this Saturday at the Gold Coast, as Pink Ribbon Day unites competitive racing with a powerful cause. This cherished annual event raises vital funds and awareness for breast cancer research, with the track turning a vibrant shade of pink in support. Nine races fill the card, and with a touch of luck, we’ll be celebrating more than just the cause. Here’s my take on each of the races. Race 1 – BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (1800 METRES) No. 6 Moon Sweeper MOON SWEEPER (6) is starting to find his rhythm after a steady start to…

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Doomben Tips & Preview | Saturday 13 September

Doomben Tips & Preview | Saturday 13 September

• Craig Sheppard

Doomben takes the spotlight in Brisbane this Saturday, September 13, with a nine-race program full of betting intrigue and spring form indicators. The rail is out 4.5 metres for the entire circuit, and at time of publishing, the surface is rated a Soft 5—setting the stage for competitive racing. From lightly raced three-year-olds chasing QTIS riches to seasoned sprinters targeting the Open Handicap, the card offers depth, variety, and a few hidden gems for those willing to dig into the form. I’ve done the homework, crunched the numbers, and locked in my top Doomben plays for Saturday. Let’s find a…

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Sandown Tips & Preview | Wednesday, September 10

Sandown Tips & Preview | Wednesday, September 10

• Craig Sheppard

Sandown Hillside is the place to be this Wednesday, with eight races set to unfold in perfect spring weather. A Good 4 track rating and a 12m rail position should reward front-runners throughout the day. With a blend of maidens and benchmark contests, expect a few rising stars to make their presence felt. Time to dive into the form and uncover the top betting plays on the Hillside. Race 1 – 3YO Maiden Plate (1300 METRES) No. 7 Sea Trader This race at Sandown Hillside could well become a key form reference in weeks to come, with at least half…

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Doomben Tips & Preview | Saturday 6 September

Doomben Tips & Preview | Saturday 6 September

• Craig Sheppard

Spring’s knocking, and Doomben’s ready to answer with a cracking nine-race card this Saturday. With the rail out 2.5m and the track likely to sit around a Soft 5—possibly upgrading to a Good 4—we’re set for fair racing conditions. And as always at Doomben, don’t be surprised if a few form reversals shake things up. There’s solid depth across the program, but the spotlight will be on Race 4, where the much-hyped three-year-old Sunrays makes her long-awaited return to the track. Let’s dive into the form, race by race and runner by runner. I’ll sift through the setups, spot the angles, and highlight…

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