Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for October 11.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Port Macquarie, Cranbourne, Sunshine Coast, Cloncurry, Morphettville Parks, Launceston and Canberra.
PORT MACQUARIE: RACE 8 @ 4:50 PM
RAF ATTACK (3) had to work over from a wide gate to lead then dug deep under pressure and only conceded late last start over 1900m at Rosehill. Very fit gelding who won the Group 3 Gloaming this time last year which underlines his quality. Will give them something to catch. REDSTONE WELL (1) thrashed his rivals in the 2400m Tatts Cup at Randwick before a plain performance at $3.50 in the Newcastle Cup last time. Back in trip and has 62kgs but his class will take him a long way. STEEL BLAZE (11) has had two runs this prep over shorter trips and failed to feature. Tackled the best three-year-olds last prep and returned some nice figures in the process. In the mix out to a more suitable trip today. TWIGMAN (7) has turned in a couple of nice runs this prep, the latest when narrowly defeated over 1800m at the Gold Coast. Facing a much stiffer test but is capable of sneaking into the frame. OUR BAMBINO (6) ran a nice race here in the Prelude last start and is ready to peak.
SELECTIONS: Keen on Raf Attack to earn his ticket to the Big Dance.
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CRANBOURNE: RACE 4 @ 7:15 PM
QUEEN AMANJENA (11) resumes having been well backed on debut in a strong maiden at Geelong, just finding one better on that occasion. She's been given time to mature and looks nicely placed to take this out. AUTUMN SLIDE (5) resumes. She showed promise in her maiden campaign and was good prior to a spell at Bendigo without much luck. She'll be running on late. BRUTALINA (9) debuted at Ballarat and ran well for second, beaten 1.5 lengths. Better for that and will be hard to beat. THE WESTERN FRONT (3) is a gelding by War Decree on debut for the Hayes yard who has jumped out well. Watch the betting. REGAL TYCOON (12) has placed in both starts to date and should take some beating again.
SELECTIONS: Queen Amanjena to win.
SUNSHINE COAST: RACE 1 @ 6:10 PM
CHAPARRAL CHASE (6) just ran into one better over this track and trip on debut when well in the betting and where there's smoke there's fire. Will have taken benefit from that day at the races and rates the testing material against this lot. BOOM CRUSHER (5) has hit the top five in all 11 outings to date and is yet to put in a poor one. A must for the multiples. CHIARO DI LUNA (9) failed last start but go on the three placings before that poor effort. Worth another chance.
SELECTIONS: Chaparral Chase to break through.
CLONCURRY: RACE 6 @ 5:44 PM
Another even field lines up for the Class 6 1200 and there is bound to be value galore for some in-form horses which will include our top pick ONCHAO (3) who did not like the kickback at Mount Isa last start but still managed to finish second. That can also be a factor on this track so he is likely to push forward early on and race in the clear. He is more known for running into the money but can get the job done here. RESTRICTIONS (4) can find 1200m at the top of his range but he can secure a cosy run early from the pole position. If he can be saved up for one sprint, then he could have the last say here. ENABLER (2) has changed stable after finishing third as favourite at Emerald 11 days ago. He is a genuine performer who will give another strong account of himself. Follow your money. MAGICAL SLIPPER (5) was fifth at Longreach last time out after breaking her win drought before that when scoring at Morven by a nose. She benefits from a 3kg claim and can bounce back immediately.
SELECTIONS: Onchao to win.
MORPHETTVILLE PARKS: RACE 5 @ 5:50 PM
OAKLAND RAIDER (1) was denied a head from resuming a winner here last start. Is sure to come on with that run under the belt and has a gun hoop in Toeroek sticking under the big weight. Bold showing is anticipated. HALLSTATT (2) has gone better than his form reads in his two runs back. Comes through some solid races and shoulders a handy record over this track and trip. Can give this a big shake. NOSIE BY NATURE (3) was only beaten 2.5L in his last when resuming at Morphettville. Gets in well at the weights with the claimer on. Don't dismiss. SWISS WISH (10) is racing well of late and has claims.
SELECTIONS: Going with Oakland Raider to win.
LAUNCESTON: RACE 1 @ 5:55 PM
THE PRAYER (12) switched from a Victorian yard and has threatened twice on the synthetic since. Was good at Seymour the last time she raced on turf. Stepping up to the mile shouldn't be a bother and she maps well. Tough to beat. IRISH STORM (2) is a former Victorian first-up. The lightly-raced gelding has been off the scene for 248 days but has been well-trialled and was sharp his latest. The gear changes suggest he's had issues but Pires' rides and that's a push for his chances. LYCO RECO (13) placed here two back and then did nothing on the synthetic. She's also lightly-raced and fitter can bounce drawn to advantage. TIDEFORD (4) resumed with a solid effort here over 1400m. He has placed 2/4 over the mile and will be better today. Gets back in his races and always needs a good ride.
SELECTIONS: Backing The Prayer.
CANBERRA: RACE 2 @ 1:30 PM
LA SIGNORA DANE (8) trialled well in town and then was too good for the Maidens here first-up. Has a key jockey booking today with 20% course striker Collett taking over. This isn't much harder and fitter she can go back-to-back. GRINS (2) resumes for a canny local barn and is a lightly raced improver. Placed close-up here at her only fresh outing and will race forward from an inside gate. Has a 1.5kg claim and a bold effort is anticipated. OUTSTANDING REWARD (4) has switched from a Victorian yard on an 18-day return. She must be pleasing and is much better than the form line suggests. Maps well and the blinkers come off. CONSTANTINOU (10) could sneak a place with some luck.
SELECTIONS: Backing La Signora Dane.
