A huge weekend of racing kicks off at Doomben with nine races making up the program on Saturday.
After a week of showers, we should be racing on something close to a Soft 7, and the rail out 0.5m across the track.
With the rescheduled Caloundra Cup Day meeting ahead on Sunday, we’ve run the rule over the entire meeting and offer our best bets below.
Savour The Dream shed the maiden tag in a good go for the line last month over 1200m in very similar conditions.
Bevan Laming’s colt was held up for a run along the rail approaching the 200m mark, before lifting over his final few strides to get his head down to score narrowly.
He probably could have won by more with clear air and is unlikely to find this much tougher despite the added 3kg with Jim Byrne taking over in the saddle.
Appears a very progressive type and with two runs under his belt over shorter, he looks ready for the 1350m trip now.
Plundering resumes for Annabel Neasham with the blinkers off again.
The four-year-old son of Shooting To Win was disappointing last time out on the Gold Coast earlier in March, finishing down the order after finding excuses down the straight with very little running room on offer.
His form prior does read nicely though, highlighted by a runner-up effort at Eagle Farm to the always-consistent Millane.
Loves a wet track and goes well fresh, so I’m happy to have him on top in a fairly open race.
Invincible Shield gets another look at Saturday grade following two impressive wins in succession last month.
The colt by I Am Invincible has gone to another level since Tony Gollan took over, drawing clear by over three lengths at the midweek’s under hands and heels just under a month ago.
Losing Craig Williams is the only real knock, but apprentice Angela Jones has plenty of options with barrier one at her disposal.
His recent trial win was another easy watch, and if he’s in the clear at the top of the straight, this race might be another notch on his belt.
I See You Coming is having his second run back for Tony Gollan after another eye-catching effort fresh at Ipswich on Cup Day.
By Tycoon Ruler, this smart five-year-old probably would have won if he timed his run a fraction earlier, beaten right on the line by Atmosphere after shifting out from the fence at the 200m mark.
Off that, the rise to 1200m presents no issue, while we’ve seen him handle wet tracks quite well in the past.
Has big scope for improvement and strikes a winnable race despite carrying a little extra weight now.
Brasco is tackling the mile for the first time.
Chris Waller’s gelding was always too far back to score three weeks ago over 1350m, running on late to finish midfield after drawing a similar gate on another wet track.
The son of Street Boss returned to the winner’s circle the start prior before being sent back to the paddock for four weeks, so he is open to big improvement on less of a turnaround this time.
Vlad Duric takes over in the irons and the pair should feature prominently up on the speed.
Lennic is an in-form mare chasing a hat-trick for Scott Morrisey.
The I Am Invincible four-year-old has been absolutely airborne since returning to work in May, last seen leading all the way to hold on along the rail in a brave dive for the line.
This is tougher again up to BM78 level, but with good early speed expected and soft conditions under foot, she looks capable of handling the slight drop back in trip.
Warby is a Group 3 place getter that looks close to another win.
The son of Hellbent raced at Ipswich a few weeks ago when runner-up to Oughton, a race he may have won if he wasn’t held up badly in the run for home over the same journey.
He’s drawn an awkward barrier with Vlad Duric maintaining the ride, but his record here at Doomben alongside his wet track form make him one of the top chances.
If he can settle handy, he’ll be difficult to beat stepping back to Class 3 level.
Madame Odette has the wide gate to overcome, but on recent efforts she still looks difficult to beat.
Tony Gollan’s mare was last seen racing at Ipswich three weeks ago over a similar journey, bolting in late from the tail of the field to finish second behind Cocobrew Express.
The bigger track suits and she has scored twice third-up in the past.
Would probably like it a little more on the dry side, but down in the weights with Damien Thornton steering, she appeals.
Crazy Train is worth a look each way coming off a decent effort in the Gai Waterhouse at Ipswich a few weeks back.
She hasn’t won in well over a year now, but Matthew Dunn’s mare did show some late toe off a wide run to finish just under four lengths off.
The step back from 1400m to 1200m was also an interesting decision that day, so I’m keen to see her back out over further with Andrew Mallyon taking back over.
She’s no stranger to cashing a cheque here at Doomben and gets in well at the weights in what is a much easier contest.