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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays for Australian TAB meetings on July 18.

Five TAB meetings are held across Australia on this Thursday at Gosford, Moree, Ballarat, Gatton & Northam.        

Ballarat: Race 6 @ 3:30pm

Hot Seat and Critical Reaction can make the speed. OUR WIND SPIRIT (7) just missed on debut in New Zealand and then on resumption delivered a 2.3L Maiden win here as the market expected. He was wide coming from the back and couldn’t have been more impressive. He gets a low draw here and rates to win again. KAPLUMPICH (3) was better second-up and performed in much stronger city races last campaign. He is up to this at best and should be ready to show it. CRITICAL REACTION (10) has just been okay since the big CL1 win at Corowa with support, but rates well and is likely to appreciate the synthetic surface. HOT SEAT (1) runs along and is much better suited here than last time on the Sandown heavy in much stronger. SELECTIONS:  #7 Our Wing Spirit is promising and can go on with it. 

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Gosford: Race 5 @ 2:40pm

Menagerie with the aid of the inside gate to lead from First Sight spearing over from a wide stall. MENAGERIE (3) travelled on the speed and did a good job to box on for 3rd when resuming over 1100m at Hawkesbury a fortnight ago. Promising filly who gets all the favours from gate one today and looks set to break through. CAESURA (1) led in the same race at Hawkesbury last time and fought hard when challenged, beaten just a head on the line and a length ahead of Menagerie. Draws awkwardly today and has less scope to improve than the top pick, but still rates highly. MISS SURE SHOT (10) found the line well without threatening when 4th on debut over this trip at Canterbury recently. Likely improver. First starter RAINY DAY (11) is worth monitoring for betting support.  SELECTIONS: This looks tailor-made for #3 Menagerie.

Moree Race 4 @ 3:00pm

Puzzling Wonder and Arugula to go forward but this won't be run at breakneck pace. The one to beat is MEDAL AFRIQUE (2) who chimed in late to finish just half a length behind Star Boy over this trip at Tamworth last time out. Star Boy went on to finish a nose 2nd in the Ramornie to frank that form. Twice a winner here from three visits. Ticks every box. Track specialist MYSTICISM (6) has not raced since returning from a 29-week spell with a barnstorming win over this course and distance eight weeks ago. Far tougher assignment today but cannot be ignored. DESERT MARSHAL (4) got a long way back from a wide gate but stoked up late to finish midfield over this trip at Tamworth recently. Open to further improvement third up today. ARUGULA (9) disappointed last start but can bounce back and is worth including in exotics.  SELECTIONS: Keen on #2 Medal Afrique.

Gatton: Race 4 @ 3:45pm

Pipe Dream Lass should press on from the deep. JACKSON STORM (2) was most impressive at Toowoomba last start. Bounced straight on the speed and once asked to extend in the run home, he powered away. Destined for better races. This CL1 over the same trip should just be a stepping stone for him. He boasts more upside than any of these. SIXES (10) is in a good yard. Beaten favourite here latest when mowed down late. Similar conditions today. Could be a nuisance on speed. MADDIARA (4) resumes. Didn't do much wrong in her first preparation. Hard to compare the northern NSW form. Awkwardly drawn. Today might not be her day but she is talented. EVAMAC (8) was worried out of it last start. 1 from 17. Back in trip. Not the worst. SELECTIONS: Jackson Storm for the win.

Northam: Race 5 @ 4:50pm

Expect the field to run along okay, but not clear-cut the lead. AMILLIONITE (7) has missed a lip the last two as favourite and is ready to win at the mile. Is back after 7 days and Pike sticks for Durrant. AL CAPITANO (1) resumed in good order and just a run at Belmont after. He’s fitter and can make the placings with a good ride. VAGABOND BOY (2) peaks and did enough two back her to suggest he can be in the finish. REDMILL (3) gets the rail and will be around the mark along with RAYMONDO (5).  SELECTIONS: #7 Amillionite should have these covered. Like the favourites in Races 6 and 8 as well, but they’re too short to tip with a straight face.