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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays for Australian TAB meetings on December 23
Five TAB meetings are held across Australia on this Wednesday at Warwick Farm, Sandown, Doomben, Ascot & Oakbank.
Doomben: Race 7 @ 6:00pm AEDT
Should see a genuine tempo as Got My Thrills boots up from the inside draw underneath The Hand. COULDN'T REFUSE (6) closed powerfully to get up for second last time out over 1350m at this track when second up from a spell. Has won two from three at this stage of the prep and has also won three from five when he gets out to this trip. Sure to run well. THE HAND (8) followed up a near miss first up with a win last time at the Gold Coast over 1400m, closing with great purpose to score by a length. Suited by the step up in trip. Tackling a tougher race but drops 3 kgs and is sure to be competitive. REBEL ROCK (7) was in the money last time, closing well and finishing third over 1680m at Ipswich. Tougher opposition this time but is down in the weights and the shades go on so don't underestimate. GOT MY THRILLS (9) is a consistent mare who started favourite over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast last time but couldn't quicken as hoped in the heavy going and finished third. Can atone on firmer footing today. SELECTIONS: #6 Couldn't Refuse ticks every box.
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Oakbank: Race 3 @ 4:20pm
Tanja's Dream may lead from the rail. RECOGNISE (7) placed first up off a longish break and will be better for it. A half sister to Mr Quickie she can improve sharply for the leading yard and is drawn well. TANJA'S DREAM (9) is a lightly-raced improver and the blinkers go on first time. Is in light with the 3kg claim and gets the rail. DISSOLVABLE (1) impressed just missing at Gawler and then was beaten 1.6L at the mile. Gets a form hoop today and is also a player. AQAAREB (8) will be in the finish with a repeat of the Strathalbyn placing two-back. SELECTIONS: #7 Recognise won’t have to improve much to be winning in this line-up.
Warwick Farm: Race 5 @ 4:30pm
Ready To Soar expected to work to the lead at a strong tempo. Incredibly deep fillies and mares event. SHAIK (10) makes her stable debut for Team Hawkes. Was beaten as favourite at Kembla Grange last month and had her first public outing for Team Hawkes at the Rosehill trials on December 18. Has some impressive form around her, namely placings behind North Pacific and Smart Image. Hard to beat from a low draw. ESCAPE ARTIST (11) has commenced her latest campaign well. Stable is flying, striking at 28% from their past 50 runners. Shapes as an excellent value play at double figure odds. MISS DIOR (2) has been working through her grades at provincial level. Deserves her chance in metropolitan company. HIBISCUS LADY (1), TURNSTYLE (3) and READY TO SOAR (7) all in the mix also. SELECTIONS: Siding with Shaik.
Sandown: Race 3 @ 4:40pm
Solid tempo with several going forward and Vespertine finding the lead. ROYAL GUN SALUTE (3) returned to racing improved winning the Maiden impressively and then just missed at The Valley in stronger than this. Peaks now and can bounce for the hot yard getting average luck from the sticky gate. VESPERTINE (11) was heavily-bet winning the Maiden easily on resumption. Runs along and is drawn to advantage. She's also progressive and fitter will go close. ORCHESTRATE (4) needs a good ride but the first-up Maiden win was expected and good and she can make the finish. LA PIETRA (6) rates better than the above but has to come back to a sprint from the mile. SELECTIONS: A suitable third-up assignment for #3 Royal Gun Salute.
Ascot: Race 7 @ 9:35pm
Expecting Ginger Flyer to set a genuine tempo. SENTIMENTAL HERO (9) spaced the Maidens on debut as favourite in a strong form race and then came to this trip and only managed a placing backed off the map. Pike sticks from that and fitter the Williams-trained galloper rates to make amends. GINGER FLYER (3) resumed off Listed grade and was much too good here for the CL1s from the front. She's also a progressive galloper and presents as the danger keeping the 3kg claim. BRUTUS MAXIMUS (2) deserved the CL1 win and will be better for it. He can make the finish. AVALON BAY (1) has placed 3/3 fresh and gets the 3kg claim. He won't be far away. SELECTIONS: Hard to go past the improving #9 Sentimental Hero and the Pike-Williams linkage.
