Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Doomben Preview

Race 1

We race at Doomben on Saturday, keep an eye on the skies as there could be a few showers about in the lead-up & on race day. Small numbers in these first couple of races, I’ll lean to (1) APOSTLE in the opener however wouldn’t be diving into a short quote as he did appear to have every possible chance last start when leading & setting a soft tempo. The opposition are mostly coming from last start provincial races suggesting they will have to improve. (6) WIN STAR isn’t & looms as the likely danger should there be one.

Numbers: 1 – 6 – 7 – 4

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


Race 2

Sydney visitor (2) KENMARE BAY gets the nod here having raced very consistently down south of late. You’d have to think he brings stronger form lines than those of his local opposition who generally go around most weeks. (7) TARAVIA was overhauled by (1) CAPTAIN MAVERICK at Eagle Farm 2 weeks back, they meet once again here with a 1.5kg weight advantage in the formers favour for the 0.3L defeat. Every chance he can turn the tables on the CAPTAIN who’s win last start was well overdue, could he repeat?

Numbers: 2 – 7 – 1 – 4

Suggested Bet:  KENMARE BAY TO WIN (small bet).


Race 3

Definitely last chance for (14) SCRIPTED however should she be red figures I won’t be diving in. She’s won 2 of 12 to date & in all fairness with luck on her side probably would have doubled that winning stat however she can certainly find trouble in her races. With a good draw, low weight & a suitable trip I have to be in her corner once again however I’m wary. (1) HOPPER gives every impression he’s now looking for 1600m & he gets it today, the wide draw not ideal, just won’t want to drift too far back. (5) TORO STRIKE is racing well & should again be included.

Numbers: 14 – 1 – 5 – 15

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


Race 4

No leader on the map whatsoever, this could be very interesting tactically early on. (9) ROCHEDALE HERO draws well & with a little urgency from the gate should find himself in a position close enough to the leader (whoever that may be). He’s been good all prep yet to miss a place & his last couple at this Saturday level should be good enough to give this a shake. (12) TWISTED QUEEN is racing very consistently; another drawn well she may end up the leader & with no weight once again prove hard to gun down. (3) EASY LOVE won well fresh, second up record not great.

Numbers: 9 – 12 – 3 – 4

Suggested Bet: ROCHEDALE HERO EACH-WAY (small bet).


Race 5

Looking for some market support for the resuming (13) HELLARIOUS who resumes from a break. Only lightly raced both wins to date were first & second up last prep before tackling stronger races prior to spelling. Trial win was good; she should be ready to go. Without doubt (9) CARDONETTE looms as the logical danger, broke the maiden bringing that form to town & repeating the dose, she’ll be running home strongly. (1) BOSS MODE best of the rest.

Numbers: 13 – 9 – 1 – 5

Suggested Bet: Follow any market support for HELLARIOUS.


Race 6 (Best Value)

(7) HE’S A TRU BLUE hit the line nicely first up & gives every indication he’s now searching for further which he gets here. He’s only had the 3 starts in Australia with the best of those when out to 1300m two back, wide gate not ideal, he will need things to pan out however rates a solid each-way chance. (11) READY FOR AIMEE draws nicely & is in form, up on speed she could take some running down. (18) HEADHUNTER another who will need things to pan out from a car park draw, should they do so he’s in the hunt also, placed 3 of 4 this prep.

Numbers: 7 – 11 – 18 – 15

Suggested Bet: HE’S A TRU BLUE EACH-WAY.


Race 7

Market dominated by the Gollan yard who occupy the top 3 positions in betting. I’m with the speedy (7) SPEITHTACULAR who will get plenty of favours off an inside draw, she likely finds the front & around this tight turning Doomben 1200m she’s going to take plenty of running down. (5) DOMINANT DARCY was well supported first up when not far away, kept fresh draws to box seat here & gets 2kg off for Bella Youngberry. (9) SOUTHERN HEIRESS has only had one local start narrowly defeated by (7) SPEITHTACULAR, the margin almost a length, meets that runner worse at the weights suggesting a turnaround is unlikely.

Numbers: 7 – 5 – 9 – 3

Suggested Bet: Box up top 3 selections in exotics.


Race 8

I’m with the lightly raced (12) PROPAGANDA however stepping up in both class & distance I’d be wanting black figures. His best career run was when finishing second behind the smart Sword Of Legacy three back in a quality race at Eagle Farm. He’s won both races since & won them comfortably. (7) OFF THE PRESS ran a couple of good races in Sydney before heading to Toowoomba on Weetwood day, unfortunately he missed the start & was always up against it in a race not run to suit, he did run on well though finding a late placing, a win looks close. (14) LITTLE FELLA a market watch.

Numbers: 12 – 7 – 14 – 10

Suggested Bet: PROPAGANDA TO WIN (black figures required).


Race 9

I found this race near on impossible to land on any runner with confidence. I’ve ended up putting (5) LOCKYER on top however he has to take a step up in class & doesn’t get any weight relief under the set weights conditions of the race. The positive is he’s been impressive at those wins suggesting he is likely to measure up. (4) FABULANTES backs up from last weeks unplaced effort at Eagle Farm, he just doesn’t go a yard there however he does here & can bounce back hard. (1) CAPTAIN FURAI brings the stronger Sydney form lines; big weight however shouldn’t be far away. Include nos.10 & 12, both have solid winning chances.

Numbers: 5 – 4 – 1 – 11

Suggested Bet: Box up as many as you can in exotics.


Race 10 (Best Bet)

We wind up the day with the best bet of the day however you don’t need me to tell you that & unfortunately he’s going to go around at cramped odds. I speak of (4) GOLDEN STRAAND who won in strong fashion first up at Randwick. Yet to be beaten second up he can improve on his already impressive strike rate. (6) RESTONICA draws out however will push on & there’s not a great deal of early speed on the map. (3) EPIC PROPORTIONS the other leading type engaged.

Numbers: 4 – 6 – 3 – 5

Suggested Bet: GOLDEN STRAAND TO WIN.