3 minute read
Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays for Australian TAB meetings on January 17.
Seven TAB meetings are held across Australia on this Friday at Ballina, Canterbury (night), Nowra, Geelong, Cranbourne, Townsville & Esperance.
Canterbury: Race 6 @ 8:45pm
Cisco Bay and Fabricator to press forward at what should be a reasonable clip. Irish import NATIONAL GUARD (3) has been competitive in three far stronger races to kick off his Australian career. Settled at the back of a small field and couldn't quicken but wasn't disgraced in the Listed January Cup over 2000m at Randwick last Saturday. Cherry-ripe now and ready to win in this far easier contest. CISCO BAY (7) made it three minor placings in a row when he worked home steadily for 3rd over 1550m at the Kensington track last start. Honest gelding who is a genuine chance with Tommy Berry taking over this evening. DE VALERA (10) came with a powerful finish to win convincingly over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Getting up in the weights but hard to knock from Sydney's form stable. HIGH POWER (1) beat the smart Joigny two runs back - has a chance if he recaptures that form. SELECTIONS: Keen on #3 National Guard each-way at juicy odds.
As a FREE Racing and Sports offer, click below for today’s Canterbury Computer Card.
Ballina: Race 5 @ 3:40pm
The scratchings have taken a bit of the pace sting out of the race. BRADBURY (7) was super-impressive winning over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast two runs back when fresh from a 40-day let-up. Just an even effort when 4th at Coffs Harbour last start over the mile. Looking for this trip now so can bounce back. JEOPARDISE ME (10) was $2.25 last start but could only work home into a close 5th over 1530m at Murwillumbah. Lightly raced mare who can improve with a 4.5 kgs drop in the weights. DREAM BUILDER (1) was an eye-catcher over the mile here recently. Sure to appreciate a bit more ground today. LUCKY JACKSON (4) has been finding the line well and should run the 1900m out strongly. SELECTIONS: #7 Bradbury is tremendous value in morning markets. Back him each-way at around the $9 mark.
Townsville: Race 2 @ 3.50pm (AEDT)
ABERRATION (3) is working up to another win after placing at his past three outings at this course, the last two coming at this distance. Deserves to return to the winners' stall and this could be his chance. I CAN I WILL I AM (1) made an encouraging return after five months when placed at Rockhampton. Looks capable of improving off that. MIKEYS TURF (5) hit the line well for fourth here last start. Could be in the finish. THIS GIRLS ON FIRE (6) deserves some respect after placing at her past two in easier grade. SELECTIONS: #3 Aberration to be rewarded for his consistency. Backing to win.
Geelong: Race 7 @ 4:00pm
Good early speed even after the scratchings. BUTTON EXPRESS (6) resumed substantially improved when leading and winning the Mornington Maiden by a space. Needs some good fortune pushing forward but has the ability to take the next step in this line-up. ZOUSTORM (4) has had a 42 day freshen since the solid city run. She will use the low gate to advantage and should be contesting the finish. UPTOWN LOLA (10) is racing well and will get her chance drawn the rail with a 3kg claim. WALLACE STREET (1) gets Lane and a low draw and has more to give second-up. SELECTIONS: This doesn’t look much harder for #6 Button Express.
Cranbourne: Race 6 @ 8:30pm
Early pace across the barriers with North Afrika prominent. PRINTMAKER (1) continues to race well and deserves the win. The low gate is an advantage as is the 3kg claim. In a form yard and the one they have to beat. NORTH AFRIKA (11) brings solid city form to peak. Gets the visors again and is a candidate to control the race. Just has to run out the middle distance. CLIFFORD SNOWFLAKE (6) is also up from the mile and keeps improving. Sits handy and should get every chance. EL CHAPARRO (8) brings good form to peak and the low gate advantages. He could win at odds without too much of a surprise. SELECTIONS: #1 Printmaker hits peak and this is winnable.
