Righto legends, let’s take it back to the OLD SCHOOL punt section!
I have finished up at RACING dot com, was a blast there and thankyou to them for having me on.
I have a new exciting gig coming up that I can mention next week, so stay tuned.
But let’s dial it back 10 years and what everyone loved, a PUNT section for Doomben on a dry deck!
Race 1:
AOLANI and CAVALRY MAN were both good last start and went over the line together. My issue is they were both there to win and it was a five horse finish with nothing between them. Maybe CAVALRY MAN is fitter for the run.
DRACENA is the horse on the way up and beat an in form horse last start. Gap back to the rest of them and just comes down to a good ride early from a sticky gate. Best L200m splits in both his runs for the new stable, set to peak here.
KAIROS LOUIE no star but continues to run well and was a last start winner over this track/trip. SIMPLY AMAZING has won three on the bouce but this is harder.
ON TOP: 4- DRACENA looks the bet and just needs a good ride.
HARDEST TO BEAT: 2-CAVALRY MAN who can strip fitter and has Thompson on.
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Race 2:
Honestly, QLD staying races, MEH. Should be a race between HYPE (SCRATCHED) who won the Mackay Cup last start and ZOOLOGY who has been in form, but nothing surprises in these races. They usually take turns.
ZOOLOGY and AGE OF KINGS look main two if interested.
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Race 3:
SURPRISE HONEY loomed fresh for Gollan and looked to have the race in her keeping. Just found one better but big gaps back to the rest. Better for the run, maps well, gets a claim and well suited here.
BRIGHT BLONDE is a it underrated. The last couple of starts have been good and she is always strong through the line. Best L400m split in 2 of her last 3 runs.
JEMIMA ALPILAGE has been off a long time. Trial just fair, may need the run but does have good ability on her day.
ON TOP: 10-SURPRISE HONEY
Hardest To Beat: 7-BRIGHT BLONDE
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Race 4:
Always love a ‘winner’. SIMPLY AMAZING has won three on the trot and hard to knock that form. Wide on the corner but too good the latest. Firmer track not too big of a query and keen to see what the market does. Not much speed here and gets a lot o favours in the run.
OVERRIDING is a good horse on her day. Trial was good and should find this a bit easier than all the runs last prep. Can be strong late and hard to hold out if they don’t spot them too big of a start.
CATAHOULA has shown ability for the Hawkes team in Sydney. Will find this easier but has only won 2 of 21.
*Not a race I like much to be honest. Could back #1 and #3 if prices allow.
On Top: 1-OVERRIDING
Hardest To Beat: 5-SIMPLY AMAZING, 3-CATAHOULA,
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Race 5:
I thought BENEFITSOFMINE was a good thing last start but got rolled at Ipswich. Effort was still good and no doubt it is still learning what it is all about. Gate 2 is a positive and should pop out and gets his chance late. WANNABE BRUTAL went over the line with it and was every bit as good. Drier ground will help him and Thompson on top a tick as well.
IDYLLIC AFFAIR and LOVE TO TORQUE showed good ability and come out of probably better races. Both have had trials to be ready and the market might be the best guide to their fitness and how ready they are for the first up runs.
*2-3-5-6 all look good hopes and market the key.
ON TOP: 3-WANNABE BRUTAL and 2-BENEFITSOFMINE
Hardest To Beat: 5-IDYLLIC AFFAIR and 6-LOVE TO TORQUE
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Race 6:
Was gonna let this race go but THEBLADE has got me interested. Not sold on many of the others. He is well bred, in a good stable and has all the upside. Had some set backs but the latest trial was outstanding and might see the best of an up and comer here.
On Top: 15-THEBLADE
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Race 7:
Gee if BUNKER HUT has drawn better he’d be a good bet. Feel there is good speed and if they go handlebars down on STEADY READY to cross with the apprentice on, it will give them a chance from midfield. BUNKER HUT was a bit wide but good last start. Freshened, trial was good and Equicast comes off.
Other chances but keen BUNKER HUT.
Happy to play and hope for a good ride early.
On Top: 7-BUNKER HUT $3.70 (UPDATE- Now scratched, what a sport!)
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Race 8:
Too many that are mixing their form for me here. Think a few will scratch from bad gate stoo over this trip.
PASS.
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Race 9:
Was keen STARMAN but they scratched. TALTARNI FIELDS is a good on speed horse who gets every chance here. Like the 3kg claim and always gives a kick. Will look the winner and maps better than main rivals
LITTLE BEGINNINGS has good ability and in leading stable. Is tactically versatile but will still need luck from the wide draw. HIGH BLUE SEA will find this easier and is fitter 3rd up. Could be the improver.
BATTLEFIELD may need the run but I am a fan. Has a good turn of foot on his day and in a sneaky good stable. Beware any market moves and support for him.
TALTARNI FIELDS has been in form, settle on speed and gets every chance. Is a winning hope here.
On Top: 1-TALTARNI FIELDS
Hardest To Beat: 7-HIGH BLUE SEA, 8-LITTLE BEGINNINGS, 2-BATTLEFIELD
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GIBBO’S BEST BETS
Race 1 #4 DRACENA
Race 3 #10 SURPRISE HONEY
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TWO FLOGS LINKS: (spotify and apple)
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