Races

Chris Nelson’s Friday Gold Coast Preview

RACE 1

History will be made at the Gold Coast this evening with the first ever meeting run under the new lights, we’ve had a couple of successful trial runs however tonight is the real deal. The meeting gets under way with a distance affair & I’m with the horse who has the upside being NOCTILUCENT who was a last start maiden winner here. Many of these have convictions, not so this one however I wouldn’t be having my last on him by the same token. JUNGLE JET won by a kilometre two back, can find excuses the latest, include. Nos.8 & 11 in the mix as well.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 8 – 11

Suggested Bet: NOCTILUCENT TO WIN (small bet).


RACE 2

Liked the first up run handed in by the lightly raced MR. O’REILLY only getting warm over the final 100m or so of his 1400m assignment. Tonight he takes the step up to 1800m which looks ideal & the drier ground won’t harm his chances either. The Waller runner IONACELTIC loomed to win at Ipswich however didn’t help himself by laying in, should he go straighter this time he’s the main danger. Stablemate KATERINI the other chance in the race has been well supported in early markets.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 8 – 7

Suggested Bet: MR O’REILLY TO WIN.


RACE 3

Our leading Tony Gollan stable looks set to get a result in this race with ECCLESTONE & the debutante TSZYUYA looking well placed. I’m with the former who was well supported first up in town just peaking late to beat all bar the winner. Same trip, fitter, can go one better tonight. TSZYUYA has certainly trialled well enough to show up as has JIDAYUBORI whilst SIGLO DE ORO is one to include in exotics.

Numbers: 15 – 14 – 10- 5

Suggested Bet: ECCLESTONE TO WIN.


RACE 4

There’s good speed engaged here which should suit the lightly raced in form STELLAR LADY who really should be unbeaten this prep. Absolutely luckless at Ipswich first up when in traffic she had none of that second up when into the clear at the Sunshine Coast winning well. She might be the one with the last shot at these. ARDERN resumes from a good draw, trialled soundly & did race very well at the beginning of her last prep. CRICKETS CHIRPING is one to include in exotics at odds.

Numbers: 12 – 11 – 9 – 7

Suggested Bet: STELLAR LADY TO WIN.


RACE 5

The Debut is for horses who are doing exactly that, debuting. We have no race form to work with, just what we’ve seen at the trials & I can assure you most have trialled well enough to rate a winning chance. Market leads will be all important however I’m leaning to the Ciaron Maher trained LIFE AFTER LOVE who has trialled well in Sydney, plenty in the tank at the latest. VEIN GIRL draws well & has shown speed, definite claims. ISTI STAR has had both trials here on this track winning on each occasion, that’s a definite plan!

Numbers: 8 – 9 – 7 – 2

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 6

Here’s a really good race for the 3yo’s where the very smart ARABIAN SUMMER will no doubt go around favourite & I have no issue with that. However, I do have a liking for MOULIN MISS & at the odds I’m suggesting we back her on an each-way basis. Good first two runs last prep she had valid excuses at the failure before heading for a break, trialled well leading up to her return tonight. SURPRISE HONEY can improve sharply back on a drier surface whilst MISHANI LILY & PETTICOAT (up in grade however impressive last start) should be included.

Numbers: 10 – 7 – 6 – 13

Suggested Bet: MOULIN MISS EACH-WAY.


RACE 7

Suggesting we have something each-way OCEAN ZAR who has been freshened up & can bounce back from her subpar effort last start which in all fairness was on a very heavy surface. She’d run well prior & is generally a very consistent mare well placed tonight. Wouldn’t be surprised to see ATLANTIC OCEAN run a race, well drawn market leads will be all important. Include BILLIONAIR BABY who did impress winning in town last start, seems to have regained his best form.

Numbers: 17 – 2 – 10 – 15

Suggested Bet: OCEAN ZAR EACH-WAY.


RACE 8

Winning form is good form & I’m going to stick with LADY SHOTGUN who is 2 from 2 this prep with both wins being here on her home track. The way she finds the line in her races the step to 1300m won’t prove an issue, can see her once again settling back before unleashing down the straight. Include TREPORTI who doesn’t look badly placed in a race such as this whilst right down near the bottom MISS TRUSTFUL who draws well can improve.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 22 – 6

Suggested Bet: LADY SHOTGUN TO WIN.

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