Races OR Gold Coast

Closed off strongly for third in a Benchmark 68 at Warwick last week after beginning slowly and settling rearward, beaten two lengths by Wolfgang. The prior Class 4 run at Sunshine Coast was also better late than the result reads, though he was unwanted there and is now on a quick back-up. Minor claims only.

Won a 3yo+ Class 3 at Nanango last start, beating Wally's Boy by just over a length after being near the top of betting. This is a harder assignment than picnic grade, but he has two wins at around 1200m and his recent-season record is solid. Harder than Nanango, but brings race fitness and genuine winning claims.

Built on a sound Warwick return by winning a Class 2 at Grafton over 1015m, where he tracked the speed and held on by half a length as favourite. He was held up in the straight two back before finishing third, so both runs this campaign have merit. Wider draw tempers the win case, but he is in the mix.

Returns from a five-month break after ending his first campaign with a narrow Maiden win at Warwick, where he beat Switz by a head after settling just off the lead. His debut fifth at Sunshine Coast was fair without being sharp, and the Doomben trials have been mixed despite an earlier placing. Trials are mixed and this asks more, so he must lift fresh.

Ran second at this venue last start, beaten a length and a half by Show Me The Stars at generous odds after working home from midfield. That was a clear rebound from a plain Class 1 run at Scone, where he was second last and beaten eight lengths. Place chance if he repeats the latest.

Had excuses when third at this track last start, jumping awkwardly and being forced wide on the home turn before finishing just under two lengths from Show Me The Stars as favourite. His Doomben 3yo+ Class 1 run prior was better than seventh suggests, with interference noted late. Clear danger with a cleaner passage.

Returns from a four-month break after an eighth at Sunshine Coast over 1800m on heavy ground, beaten just under five lengths by Makamae. His previous Ipswich fourth behind Sugarfire was sound enough and he has since trialled third at Doomben. Each-way hope if ready to go fresh.

Was beaten over 11 lengths at this track last start after racing wide throughout, so there is a genuine excuse, but the margin still leaves work to do. His prior Class 1 seventh at Murwillumbah was also only fair after finding little from behind the leaders. Happy to overlook.

Worked home evenly when fifth in a 3yo+ Class 2 at Beaudesert, but was still beaten six and a half lengths by Ed I Am. Two back he was seventh in a Benchmark 55 at Toowoomba at long odds, again giving away too much start before picking up late. Looking for a sharper finish.

Gets a more suitable set-up after finishing seventh in a 3yo+ Class 1 over 1400m at this track, where he raced keenly and worked home evenly. His Ipswich sixth in a 3-4yo Benchmark 68 two back was sound enough, and he is far better suited back around 1200m with a strong wet-track profile. Gets his chance to break through.

Comes back quickly after leading and weakening to finish second last in a Benchmark 65 at this venue, beaten just under six lengths by Till Dusk. He had earlier been a well-supported favourite when fourth to Lumens Lenny, so the profile is mixed rather than poor. Often around the placings at 1200m, but the win case is harder to make.

Was bumped at the start before finishing seventh in a Class 1 at Coffs Harbour, beaten three lengths by Outoftheoffice after racing handy. The run prior at Grafton was stronger, finishing third to Almanzas over 1430m on soft ground and beaten just over a length. His Grafton third on soft ground reads well enough for place claims.