Townsville Best Bets – Sunday, July 5 

MIND OVER MATTER (1) returned in great order here when winning by 2.33 lengths over 1000m, showing speed and proving far too good late.

He has really taken to racing in North Queensland since moving from New South Wales, winning all four starts in the region.

The Terry McGovern-trained gelding should only improve second-up and will appreciate the rise to 1200m.

He can cross from the outside barrier and find a spot in the small field, giving him every chance to continue his winning run.

PRINCE PIER (1) was good here last start when second beaten 1.38 lengths over 1200m, held up at a key stage before finishing off strongly late.

Prior to that, he was strong when second beaten a head over this course and distance after racing handy and fighting hard.

The Tommy Button-trained gelding looks more at home in North Queensland than he was in two starts with Matt Hoysted in Brisbane.

He will strip fitter third-up and should enjoy a nice run on speed.

LEAN EAGLE (4) returned from a short let-up in great order at Mackay when second beaten a neck over 1100m, recording the meeting’s fastest final 200m split.

Prior to that, the Steve Massingham-trained gelding had won five races in a row, including three over this course and distance.

He is a proven track specialist and clearly holding his form.

With that sharp return under his belt, he looks set to be right in the finish again.

THE PENSKE FILE (6) has been a touch disappointing in two runs this preparation, latest at Townsville when ninth beaten 4.18 lengths over 1609m.

Prior to that, he was plain at Mackay when eighth beaten 6.36 lengths over 1300m, but the rise to 2000m looks key now.

The Jennifer Hatfield-trained gelding won back-to-back races over this distance at Mackay to end last preparation.

He should race on speed and get every chance to return to form.