3 minute read
Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays for major Australian TAB meetings on May 19.
Australian thoroughbred meetings are today conducted at Gunnedah, Wagga, Bendigo, Casterton, Sunshine Coast, Strathalbyn, Kalgoorlie and Launceston.
Bendigo: Race 8 @ 4:25pm
Loads of speed on offer from the big field, headed by My Mother Says. CZECHOSLOVAKIA (1) put the writing on the wall last start over 1400m at Warrnambool when he stormed to the lead close to home only to be nailed by another swooper on the line. Won't find this race as hard and will relish the hot tempo up front. THOUSAND WISHES (15) is the query runner first up since failing in a G2 at Moonee Valley in October. Placed first up last prep then progressed to finish 4th in the G2 Manifold at Flemington over the mile. This looks a nice trip first up so do not underestimate. HEAVENWARD (2) took over before the turn and was a shade too strong late over 1400m at Echuca last Sunday. In great form this prep and on the quick back-up is a serious threat. MOSSBELLE (6) is racing well without winning - deserves a spot in the multis. SELECTIONS: Keen on #1 Czechoslovakia - expect him to finish over the top in the final 100m.
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Sunshine Coast: Race 7 @ 3:55pm
Very little pace evident so this might turn into a dash for home from the three-furlong pole. The formlines of TOLEMAC (1) may not look impressive but two of his last three runs have seen a 3.5 lengths defeat in the G1 NZ Derby and a 4.1 lengths 7th in the G3 Gunsynd over this distance at Eagle Farm last start. Might be here for a confidence boosting win, which he looks like achieving. MR RED SHOES (7) moved into the race before the corner then careered away for an effortless win over this course and distance last time out in a Class 1. Gets in with a featherweight again so poses a definite threat to the top pick. Last start Eagle Farm maiden winner MUFASTA (2) is lightly raced and heading the right way. An each-way hope in this company. PIERRE BIZEL (3) can improve third up as he gets to the mile. SELECTIONS: The class of #1 Tolemac to prevail.
Launceston: Race 5 @ 2:25pm (AEST)
Deroche flies and should lead from Fitzwilliam. DEROCHE (2) returned from a ten-week spell last start and justified her short quote with a pretty soft win over this course and distance, beating her chief rivals today in the process. Will improve off that run and looks the winner again. STILL A STAR (5) made it three 2nds from as many career runs when she closed well but couldn't match Deroche here last time. Meets her 3kgs worse under today's scale so a reversal of the result is unlikely, but on an each-way basis she looks a sound investment. FITZWILLIAM (1) rounded out the trifecta behind Deroche and also has a mountain to climb to go with the top pick. Expect him to be in the numbers somewhere. Brunton's first starter GALENUS (4) looks above average. SELECTIONS: #2 Deroche too good again.
Strathalbyn: Race 3 @ 2:35pm (AEDT)
Most of these sit back and it may be left to Landowner to lead drawn the rail. MABEL JOSEPHINE (3) won the 56 resuming and then hit the line beaten 1.5L this grade at Gawler. She made another ratings spike beaten just 3.4L in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas after getting too far back. Peaks now and is the one to beat in this company. SHE'S NEVER LATE (4) came hard to win here second-up in Maiden grade and impressed. Looks suited at the mile and can prove the danger. IGITUR (2) has been around the mark and may go better back to the mile with the blinkers on again. STRATEGIC SPICE (9) is in the mix forgiving the latest. SELECTIONS: Backing Mabel Josephine. She's Never Late the quinella.
Kalgoorlie Race 6 @ 6:05pm (AEST)
Exarco can lead from Strip The Moon. EXCARO (11) is fast and resumed with a 5L Maiden win coming back sharply improved for the new yard. Had won a trial here prior by the same margin and no surprise if she builds and wins again. FEARLESS GENERAL (5) won well first-up and then raced wide without cover and forgive. Uses the rail and can improve to be right in the finish. QUIRKY GIRL (10) resumed with a big win and then things didn’t work out in stronger than this. Is capable but needs a good ride. LADY LE JEAN (3) also draws out but has to be considered. SELECTION: #11 Excaro looks to have good upside.
