Acres Away returned to win a similar race in Mackay a couple of weeks ago, and I am only expecting him to improve second-up this afternoon.
The Top Echelon gelding has made just three appearances at the races since debuting, but he has stamped himself as one to watch by winning twice and filling the minors on the other occasion.
He should get every chance in this small field and I am confident he can kick us off with a win.
Molongle Surprise has been knocking on the door of a race win since resuming and gets a great chance today in Townsville.
The Bel Esprit gelding finished third in a couple of 1000m dashes here in April and May, and he was last seen finishing off well to only just miss over the same route.
He has been freshened, sent back to the trials and might not be offered a better opportunity to win than this.
Armour Force is the one for me in the penultimate race at Townsville today.
The son of Fastnet Rock has won three of his five starts back this time, and he flashed late to beat home a few of these key rivals over this route last time out.
He steps out today in peak order and I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish again.
Former Victorian He’s Xceptional has improved for two starts since arriving in North Queensland, and I give him a great chance of striking at Townsville today.
The Xtravagant gelding was a great horse for the Busuttin & Young yard, particularly earlier in his career, winning at Listed level most notably.
He’s drawn a peach today and can record his first win for the stable.