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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays for major Australian TAB meetings on August 5.

Meetings across Australia are today held at Darwin, Forbes, Echuca and Mackay.

DARWIN: RACE 9 @ 6:05PM (AEST)

Lieder (2) is in great form and drops a couple of kilos on last start win here. Has the ability to take this out and draw for a nice run. IHTSAHYMN (1) is a Group 1 winner in WA so has the ability. Unbeaten this time in and extra trip a plus. Go close. POET'S LANDING (6) has was won last four on the trot and down in weight on the NT Derby win last time. Should prove hard to beat. ASH GREY (3) is a strong chance after winning over a mile fresh and does go well second up. Worth consideration. XEBEC (4) is a former Sydney galloper who will be fitter for the first run for new yard and is well placed this class. Can improve sharply. SUGGESTED PLAY: Lieder a top each way hope.

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FORBES: RACE 5 @ 3:10PM

Banja Luka, Farstar and Swift Revenge will set up a good tempo. This looks a nice race for the promising Supreme Attraction (3). Returned from a lengthy spell last start with an eye-catching 2nd over a similar trip to this at Dubbo, closing hard with the winner and just going under. Won't find this opposition any harder and with the added fitness should be going one better. Consistent gelding BANJA LUKA (7) resumes from a five-month spell. Placed 2/3 when fresh and really started to hit his straps at the end of the last campaign. Drawn wide but with the light weight after the claim is a definite threat. DIVINE JEWEL (6) has been freshened up since closing hard to grab 4th over 1280m at Muswellbrook five weeks ago. Talented mare who could fly while a bit on the new side. ONIDA (8) first up from a spell for a new stable has each-way appeal. SUGGESTED PLAY: #3 Supreme Attraction looks too good but won't be a flash price.

ECHUCA: RACE 4 @ 3:00PM

Unique Journey from a good gate should lead. Shake On It (5) has competed in four consecutive BM64s, with the best effort being a 2nd at Moe two runs back over 2088m. Reverts to a BM58 today and although coming back in distance looks good enough to take this out with the in-form Jamie Kah aboard. UNIQUE JOURNEY (3) made a dash to the lead before the corner then held on gamely to record a dead-heat win at Moe over this distance last time out. Lightly raced gelding with plenty of improvement to come. ANNARBOR (10) was shuffled back before the turn then came again to finish 4th at Geelong recently over 1512m. Fit mare with claims dropping back in grade today. Backmarker PEQUINA COLINA (9) will be getting home solidly. SUGGESTED PLAY: #5 Shake On It to return to winning form.

MACKAY: RACE 7 @ 4.35PM.

Very little early speed evident for a six-furlong race. Act Of Bravery (4) came off a one-month let-up to break the maiden status over 1050m at this track last Tuesday. Really attacked the line that day so the step up to six furlongs is a positive move. Strongly favoured on the quick back-up. HAZAR (5) might have been unlucky not to win last start when a very close 3rd at Yeppoon over this distance. Won his maiden at this circuit earlier in the prep and is going well enough at present to score again.  STARANTE (3) spotted the leaders a big start on the bend but closed hard to finish a length away over this distance at Townsville recently. Racing well but her poor record at this circuit is a worry. ENEMY OF MAN (1) is racing well at the non-tabbers - exotics only. SUGGESTED PLAY: Looks a race in two. Keen on #4 Act Of Bravery then a quinella with #5 Hazar.