We head back to Queensland this Saturday with a cracking nine race card at Doomben. We get to see some super competitive race across the afternoon, including The Buffering and The Nudgee Stakes.
Billy Bestford is back once again to bring you his best bets and race previews for all the key races.
Doomben Racing Tips: Saturday December 31st
Race 1
(2) Rubiquitous drops in grade after a good 3rd at Stakes level behind Sneaky Five and Shooting For Gold. Will strip fitter for that and has a very good record here at Doomben. Think he’s got the class to get away with this and worth finding out at $7-$8.
Don’t think there is anything to say (6) Hold On Honey can’t win again. He’s been flawless since arriving north, winning his last three convincingly as he works through the grades. With race fitness he will be tough to beat but just against at the price.
(10) Way To The Stars comes up from Sydney and could be worth saving on. He started $2.50 in arguably a stronger race than this last start and has shown plenty of talent in his career. Inside gate for a horse who leads over this short trip will see him every chance in running.
(13) Inasec is a good fresh horse and gets in here with just 50kg after the claim. Trust Gollan has her ready to fire and expect she runs very well.
(2) Rubiquitous
$8.50 (0.5 unit)
Race 4
(13) Ayahuasca was impressive winning first up for Tony Gollan over this track/trip. She rises in grade for this but I think she looks well placed with just 54.5kg and Kah jumping on. She’s been competitive in better races down south and can make it 2/2 since arrive in QLD.
(7) Renouf was a horror show first up in a similar race to this when he probably should have won. Went through the line under a hold and finished 4th just 1L off the winner. He’s a good 2nd up horse and could be worth something on.
(1 Lasting Kiss is a mare in top form and she will be looking to make it three wins in a row today. She can measure up.
(2) Fleetwood Maca drops in grade after two good runs behind some good horses. Back in trip here will suit.
Also Backing: (7) Renouf - $9 (0.5 unit)
(13) Ayahuasca
$2.05 (3 units)
Race 7
(8) Brigantine is the best horse in the race in my opinion and with the aid of Jmac from a low draw I’m happy to put him on top. He was very good in a Silver Eagle two back and was getting warm very late last start. Up in trip looks a tick for him now and I think he can settle a bit closer today and be too good over the concluding stages.
(4) Ucalledit is in career best form coming into this winning four of his last five. He toyed with his rivals at Eagle Farm last start. Big step up here and not sure he’s weighted to win this.
Think (1) Taksu could be overs. Forgive his first up run when off the track in a listed race. He’s much better 2nd up and this looks easier.
(5) Zethus ran well in the Falvelon Sprint last week. Gets Kah in the saddle here and can win on best efforts.
(8) Brigantine
$3.00 (2 units)
Race 8
(1) Kiku won the Theo Marks first up last time in work and she tackles this race fresh off a two month break. McDonald comes north to ride and I think she might have a class edge on a few of these. This race looks full of speed so there should be a nice tempo on for her to sit back and have the last shot at them.
(2) Juan Diva dropping back to 1200m will suit off the back of two good runs finishing 2nd on both occasions. Has won 4th up previously and should land up near the speed and has her chance to break through today.
(4) Najmaty is ready to show something 3rd up after being well-beaten down in Sydney in two runs this prep. On best form I think she is right up to these and she looked very good last time she came to QLD.
(5) Salateen can improve 4th up. She has won twice from four runs at this stage of a prep.
(7) Sneaky Paige is super consistent and rarely runs a poor race.
