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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays for Australian TAB thoroughbred meetings on February 27.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Flemington, Randwick, Ascot, Wangaratta, Sunshine Coast, Murray Bridge and Toowoomba.
FLEMINGTON: RACE 6 @ 3:25 PM
BUFFALO RIVER (11) ran well first up, picked off in the very last bound by a horse that was fit and firing. He can come right on for that run and worth noting that he ran a big second in the Toorak second up in a similar scenario back in the spring. The horse that can beat him is STAR OF THE SEAS (7) who was terrific first up and looks as good as ever based on that. He also boats a Group One second from this point in his spring campaign. BEST OF DAYS (5) nicked the Carlyon from a soft lead. Not going to get that here but confidence boosting win and he is a good horse, as is MYSTIC JOURNEY (6) who has been miles below her best at home in Tassie this prep but she did improve off similar flat form when she got to the mile in the spring.
SELECTIONS: Want to back Star Of The Seas.
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RANDWICK: RACE 9 @ 6:15 PM
ZAKAT (5) only went down narrowly first up at Flemington and appears very well placed returning to Sydney with McDonald in the saddle. Not a prolific winner (3/17), but gets every chance here at the weights. Hard to beat. LUCICELLO (6) certainly has the talent and creates plenty of interest off a long break (448 days). Looked in good order at the trials and should run well. BOUND TO WIN (8) was disappointing last preparation, but is more than capable when right and has to be kept safe, while last start winner and stablemate POETIC CHARMER (1) appears the next in line.
SELECTIONS: Very keen on Zakat.
SUNSHINE COAST: RACE 8 @ 4:50 PM
LIGULATE (2) is racing in fine form winning three of his last four starts, most recently drawing away for a strong 2.3L success at Eagle Farm over 1815m. Back to the trip where he scored at Doomben two back. Looks tough to beat. STAR OF MICHELIN (7) dug deep when returning to winning form at this track and distance last time out. Drawn to get the favours and can measure up. MATOWI (3) was runner up to Ligulate last start but is a four-time winner at the mile so the shorter trip should suit. WAPITI (13) has been in the placings at his last two starts and is close to breaking through. Among the leading chances.
SELECTIONS: Ligulate to continue the winning form.
MURRAY BRIDGE: RACE 8 @ 5:01 PM
TIBETAN (4) has been favoured and not able to win so looks disappointing. Had to chase last time from a long way out and was there at the end but couldn't finish it off. Better able if run differently. RIDGEWOOD DRIVE (5) will be fit now for this trip. Comes out of races of more depth in Melbourne. Stable going well. OURKHANI (7) another who had to chase hard. Is bred to want this sort of journey. FAIRLIGHT (6) may need another run but has ability this grade. THE RED SEA (8) will eventually see the run style catch up. You will get a sight though.
SELECTIONS: More value in Ridgewood Drive.
ASCOT: RACE 2 @ 12:52 PM
PHONEME (2) is a model of consistency and was finding the line stylishly at 1600m two weeks ago. Has placed at this trip and gets every chance. OUR IDYLL (3) raced up on the pace at 2000m with a big weight and fought on nicely to hold second. Sure to be around the mark again. MAROCCHINO (5) found his best form third-up as favourite with an on speed win here at midweek level. Could go on with it now. THAT'S FUNNY AZ (4) and JUICING CARROTS (1) are in the mix on their best too.
SELECTIONS: Phoneme to win. Trifecta 2-1,3,4,5/1,3,4,5.
WANGARATTA: RACE 5 @ 3:41 PM
RECKONING (2) is unbeaten in two goes first-up and does goes well over 1300m. This races looks really suitable and is one of the better bets of the day. SPUD (6) will find this an easier assignment than the Sandown outing. Had a tough run that day and with lesser opposition should be right in it. GOLDEN GORGE (4) can go well first-up. Might appreciate some rain but isn't without a place chance. YELDARB (3) is a hard one to catch. Could come on late but more to fill a placing. PRINCE OF HELENA (13) might be the value runner after a reasonable placing with blinkers at Wagga last start. Including in exotics.
SELECTIONS: Reckoning the win.
TOOWOOMBA: RACE 5 @ 7:35 PM
ASK AUDREY (2) is a last start winner scoring by 2 lengths over 800m at Warwick. Takes on a tougher assignment this time but expected to measure up and should prove hard to beat. SADDLE BOY (3) has been racing well and close to a win, the latest when third at Doomben over 1110m. Should relish a return to easier company here and looms as a major threat. BLUE HARMONY (10) returns from a four month break and goes well fresh including a win at this track when last resuming. Should be prominent throughout and best figures too dangerous to ignore. BASIL (1) scored a determined win on his final run last preparation at this track over 1850m. Will obviously be better over further, but wouldn't be surprised to see him run a cheeky race fresh.
SELECTIONS: Keen on last start winner Ask Audrey.
