Races BR Townsville

Closed off well first-up at Cairns, finishing second to Do A Little Dance after beginning slowly and being tightened for room, beaten just under two lengths. His final run before the break at Hawkesbury was poor, but that came after covering ground and being unwanted in the market. Wide draw and 60kg test him, but he is right in the race.

Returns from a five-week let-up after finishing fourth as favourite at Grafton, where he was bumped at the start and reported lame, so that run is easy enough to treat kindly. His Coffs Harbour third on soft ground two back was sound, beaten just over a length after jumping awkwardly and only being run down late. Looks a strong chance if he handles the sharper trip.

Returns from a lengthy spell after two plain runs in Victoria, ending that first campaign 12th at Donald when beaten over 11 lengths at long odds. His Geelong debut was also well held, with the stewards noting he laid out around the home turn. Early form was well held, so improvement is required before he becomes a win play.

Was safely held first-up at Cairns, finishing eighth behind Do A Little Dance and beaten over 10 lengths after failing to come on. His Werribee run before the break was similarly plain at big odds. Apprentice claim helps a little, but others bring much stronger form.

Returns from a lengthy spell with two runs of better substance than most of these have shown. She was fourth on debut at Canterbury on heavy ground, beaten just over a length, then finished sixth at Hawkesbury after racing wide without cover throughout. Looks the one to beat.

Makes his debut after winning an easy trial at Townsville, which is the right sort of grounding for a 1000m maiden. Blinkers and a visor go on for the first time, so the stable is looking for him to be switched on straight away. Draw is awkward, but he has place appeal.

Made little impact on debut at Cairns, finishing last behind Do A Little Dance and beaten over 13 lengths after beginning awkwardly and racing keenly. She was also at long odds there, so the market gave little encouragement. Can learn from it, but has a lot to find.

Dual acceptor. At debut, 4th of 9 in a 3yo Mdn at this track on October 4 over 1000m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Good One Cecil carrying 60kg at $17. Will be better for that experience and looks very hard to beat.

Returns from a three-month break after ending last preparation with two below-par runs in provincial company, the latest an eighth at Sunshine Coast when she was close enough on straightening but offered little. She had earlier led at Toowoomba before weakening right out. Last two runs were plain, but her earlier placings keep her in the mix.

Dual acceptor. Most recently held ground to the line 2nd of 9 in a 3yo Mdn at this track on October 4 over 1000m, on a slow track; 0.6 len behind Good One Cecil carrying 58kg at $21. The run before that struggled in the run home; ran second last of 7 in a 3yo+ Mdn-Sw at Mackay on September 12 over 1100m, 19 len behind Elegant Venus carrying 56kg at $7. Expected to be in the finish again.

Debuts for Tom Button after two Townsville trials, improving from a quiet fifth to win the latest by the narrowest of margins. She was a $23,000 yearling purchase and comes from a family that includes city winner Dash It, so there is enough in the background to respect her. Drawn to get her chance on debut.

Worked home evenly for third at Cairns first-up, beaten just under three lengths behind Do A Little Dance and finishing behind Vincentvangee. She has now placed four times from six starts around 1000m, so the trip is clearly suitable, but she was only battling at this track before the break. Honest place type, but must find more to win.

Has been beaten in all 24 starts and comes off two more sixths, most recently at Bowen in picnic company when wide throughout and beaten eight and a half lengths. The claim and weight relief are positives, but the record at around 1000m is just one placing from 18 attempts and she is unplaced on wet tracks. Even with some excuses, the overall profile remains hard to recommend. Looking to others for the winner.

Returns from a five-month break after finishing fifth at this track, beaten just over four lengths and hampered late. Her previous run was better when second at this venue after charging home from well back, and she has had a recent Townsville trial. Has placed at this venue, but the 23-start maiden record is a clear concern.

Dual acceptor. Having third race start. At big odds at debut, raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 10 in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Cairns on August 28 over 950m, 4.5 len behind Formal Affair carrying 54.5kg at $31. Last start ran second last of 11 in a Mdn at Cairns on October 11 over 950m, 12 len behind Do A Little Dance carrying 56kg at $101. Looks tested again.