Track Good 4 and Rail True so should play fairly even
Race 1 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):
Tricky affair with half the field first starters, but well bred filly 4. Brazen Belle looks ready to rip off a dominant Deagon trial win for leading stable. Previously had trialled strongly at Rosehill.
Dangers: Stablemate 9. Tell Everybody also won a trial impressively that same day in similar time, although last 600m was quicker; while the third of the Matt Dunn yard 7. Dram Of Delago let the punters down as a hot favourite last start at the Gold Coast, but has race experience and will take up a forward position.
How to play it: Brazen Belle to win and box trifecta 4-7-9.
Advertisement
Ballina is the scene for seven races on Monday.Credit:bradleyphotos.com.au
Race 2 4YO & UP MAIDEN HCP (1000m):
Despite going around at big prices, Murwillumbah-trained 4. Magic Scent has been close-up at his last two and looks suited big time here again racing on the speed.
Dangers: Locally-trained 2. Nicalati gets his chance at seventh start in a race of little depth. Was good early in his first prep over longer trips, but has had six months off and suited returning here over the sprint distance from a good draw. Gold Coast-trained 1. Commandeering wasn't beaten far resuming over a shorter trip at Toowoomba when solid in the market and will be finishing off. Locally-trained 7. My Cousin Steve gets a nice trailing draw and can go close third run back from a spell.
How to play it: Boxed trifecta 1-2-4-7.
Race 3 BM 58 HCP (1000m):
Local mare 2. Invincible Tammy resumes from a five month break and will appreciate firm footing. Normally comes to hand quickly and will look to control the race up front.
Dangers: Gold Coast visitor 1. Silent Statue is also first-up for five months and boasts a good fresh record. Was given an easy trial at home several weeks back and reportedly working well.
How to play it: Invincible Tammy to win and quinella 1 and 2.
Race 4 MAIDEN PLATE (1300m):
Open and tricky race, with different form-lines to weigh up and several runners resuming. Looks a nice return race, though, for Gold Coast-trained 4. Deep Blue Sea. Only previous fresh run hit the line nicely at home over 1200m on a heavy track, and is drawn to get a cosy run midfield.
Dangers: Sunshine Coast filly 13. Angel Of War has been ridden from the front and behind both runs back at Beaudesert, each time going under by a whisker when hard in the market. She'll end up being the most progressive horse out of the race, but has an awkward draw. Eagle Farm-based 2. Consular resumes off a four-month break after campaigning solidly across north-western NSW mid-year. Look for him getting home late. Gold Coast mare 9. Givemeaminute has found the line nicely in her last two, and from a wide gate will again be hitting the line.
How to play it: Deep Blue Sea each/way and boxed trifecta 2-4-9-13.
Race 5 BM 66 HCP (2650m):
Keen on Coffs Harbour-trained 6. Bromach who was very well backed when finishing into third in a race with more depth at Grafton. Stays at the same weight and drawn to take a trail back in the field and finish over the top.
Dangers: Taree-trained 3. His Kyllachy comes out of that same Grafton race when finding the line strong just behind the place-getters and is also well treated at the weights, with a cosy run from an inside draw. Stick with that same form-line and include locally-trained 5. Tough One in exotics, mixes form but has a nice gate and should be in the finish.
How to play it: Bromach to win and boxed exacta 3-5-6.
Race 6 CL1 HCP (1000m):
Competitive race and like local mare 5. Millinery at the value. Charged home to just miss at Coffs Harbour over 800m last start on his NSW debut after solid country form in Victoria. Like most of the Helmet breed, prefers it dry, and will love the extra trip.
Dangers: Gold Coast-trained 3. Champagne Garden has more quality than the rest. Was a pronounced favourite every run last prep before eventually winning his maiden and then competing at a monster price in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins in the Brisbane winter well behind superstar The Autumn Sun. Trialled nice last week, and while will be forced to go back from a wide gate, watch for him steaming home. Murwillumbah filly 9. Miss Blumenthal broke through at Ipswich last start and is clearly the best of the rest.
How to play it: Millinery to win, 3-5 quinella and boxed trifecta 3-5-9.
Race 7 CL3 HCP (1400m):
Coffs Harbour-trained 3. Gripped looks ready to return to the winner's stall. Just missed on home track last start in heavy ground after flying home from the back at Tamworth. Four starts back was close up in a Rosehill Highway. The one to beat!
Dangers: Gold Coast mare 5. Akage got the job done in a CL2 at Lismore last start; while big watch on local mare 8. Mackellar who charged home to easily win a BM 58 at Grafton last start and was scratched from earlier in the week to be saved for this. Drawn wide but will be getting home.
How to play it: Gripped to win and quinella 3 and 8.
