Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for October 23.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Warwick Farm, Geelong, Eagle Farm, Strathalbyn and Belmont.
WARWICK FARM: RACE 4 @ 4:00 PM
ANOTHER COGNAC (6) started this prep in a positive way at the midweeks then stepped up to Saturday company last start time and struggled over 1100m at Rosehill. The winner of two from two at the Warwick Farm 1000m. Big chance to set the record straight. KIRIBATI (5) was poorly into stride before making late ground to finish fifth last time out over 1100m at Hawkesbury. Very hot and cold this prep but his best form measures up so at the weights he isn't a bad bet at odds. DEHORNED UNICORN (2) is back from a three-month spell. Didn't come up last prep but at his best is a strong Saturday-class galloper. Won a recent trial so things look brighter this time in work. MABEL (3) flies when fresh and this is her trip. Don't leave her out. PISANELLO (8) resumes for Godolphin. Raced well last prep on rain affected tracks. Has come up very short in early markets which isn't appealing, but he is certainly a chance.
SELECTIONS: Another Cognac is ideally placed to score.
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GEELONG: RACE 5 @ 3:00 PM
OXFORD BLUE (3) is a promising staying type who hit the line well on debut behind subsequent dual Group winning filly Too Darn Discreet over 1500m. He then went to Sale over 1740m, got a soft lead but came away late for an easy win. He'll relish the 2200m and can stake his Victoria Derby claim. LAVALIER (1) comes through the right form races, well backed in the Derby Trial two back when fifth before a sound effort in the Super Impose at Flemington last time. He's some query at the 2200m but has the class. HOT TOO GO (4) has been close up at his past couple and stuck on well with a gap to third at Seymour. Can figure.
SELECTIONS: Keen on Oxford Blue.
EAGLE FARM: RACE 6 @ 5:28 PM
HATASU (7) resumed further improved winning a sprint at Doomben. It was a big effort and she followed that with a 1.6L defeat here over a mile at this level. Fitter again and maps for a soft run. Needs this trip now and Orman is a key jockey booking. THE IRISH (3) resumed in the same contest beaten by a similar margin. He was expected to need it and will have taken benefit. He's proven second-up and the extra metres should be ideal. CONNEWARRE (6) and BIG TICKET BOY (4) are both racing well and also have claims. The latter has a 3kg claim and has come up as the early favourite.
SELECTIONS: Backing Hatasu.
STRATHALBYN: RACE 7 @ 5:05 PM
FALAISE (2) warmed nicely to his task over the concluding stages fresh and then followed it up with an eye-catching finish last start in a tougher grade. Peaking now and is expected to take some stitching. FLAMBARD (3) looked to be nearing a win before turning in a poor one last start at Murray Bridge. Strikes an easier assignment this and is a track and trip winner. Can bounce back sharply. CAPTAIN JOOLIAN (1) progressed nicely second-up when chasing gamely into the placings. Further improvement is anticipated third-up. Winning chance. CHARM SLINGA (7) was well below his best last start but had been ticking along nicely prior. Expect him to settle back early before letting rip in the lane. Don't dismiss. PULAMBI (12) next best.
SELECTIONS: Falaise to win.
BELMONT PARK: RACE 6 @ 5:52 PM
EARTHSTORM (13) contests the easiest race she's been in today. She was only 1.9L off the winner in a blanket finish first-up in Saturday grade and finished close behind WA's Champion 2YO Bustling in the Karrakatta last campaign. The wide draw is no issue as she's shown she can run on previously. Can get the job done today. HOUSEWIFE (16) jumped favourite 1000m on debut and disappointed on that occasion. She's again trialled well coming into this and Pike has been with her the whole way through. Maps well and can go close. THE AGENCY (6) found one better last start when first-up at Bunbury and he rates highly off that effort. He was placed second-up at this track and trip last campaign and he maps beautifully today. Can make his presence felt. TACTICS (5) has shown plenty of class in his career thus far and can feature if he gets some luck from the barrier. MAIN ACT (9) showed enough first-up and won't be far away.
SELECTIONS: Earthstorm can get the job done today.
