Race Overview
 
TOOWOOMBA   22 February 2025
NUM TIME COMMENT
1 05:19 THANK YOU LIFE & LONG MEMBERS Class 1 Handicap 1300m
The race lacks early speed so doubt they will go too hard. SWITCHBLADE (5) didn't run on at Ipswich on a wet track but the 2.3L defeat at Doomben prior stacks right up. Peaks and tough to beat if things go his way. RUBAAHY (9) was back to form beaten 2L here 6 days ago. Will carry a feather at this level with a 3kg claim atop and has decent claims. MYSTERY POWER (6) bucked at the start on the same day and was out of contention. He was tracking well prior and has an inside barrier and a handy 3kg claim. HONGKONG HARMONY (10) has switched barns and resumes off a Taree Maiden win. He's placed 2/2 fresh but the 2kg claimer has to manage a sticky barrier.  SUGGESTED PLAY: With Switchblade.
2 05:55 BLACK TRUCK & AG BENCHMARK 58 Handicap 1100m
Plenty of pace with Kickatinalong and Jenchick Boom leading from Gazza's Diamond. KICKATINALONG (8) trialled well and then belted the Gatton Maidens by 2.5L on debut. Led in that and will skip across again. Fitter and is capable of taking the next step. JENCHICK BOOM (6) resumes for the premier metro barn and would win comfortably at best. She has been off the scene for 419 days and that's the query. Brings two Doomben trial outings and maps for the run of the race. BUCKALTIUS (1) was plainer second up but will use the inside barrier and a much better effort is likely. FIRST PEOPLES (15) went better than it appears on paper last start and has to be included from the soft draw.  SUGGESTED PLAY: With Kickatinalong.
3 06:28 SHERRIN RENTALS Class 3 Handicap 1625m
Moderate tempo with By By Bean leading the way and a few others keeping in touch. HAYSIRI (3) spikes his figures and impressed winning easily at Gatton and then tackled stronger than this at Doomben beaten just 2.5L. Finally draws an inside gate and is well-placed to bounce back. NORTH CHANNEL (1) is third-up and the former Victorian can show his best stepping up to the mile. Needs a good ride but comes back in grade and the 3kg claim brings him right into it. NAUGHTY WORDS (4) found the grade a bit rich at Gatton but won nicely at Warwick prior at this level. Has the rail and 3kg claim and is sure to go well. DON'T DISS AROUND (2) is hard to catch but this suits better and he will appreciate jumping from an inside gate.  SUGGESTED PLAY: Backing Haysiri.
4 07:03 SHEPPARD EARTHMOVING BENCHMARK 58 Handicap 1890m
A race that lacks early pressure. Tricky. MEDICAL AUTOCRAT (2) just missed at the Sunshine Coast as favourite and then went back placing well-fancied. Comes back in grade with a handy 2kg claim. He can bounce back. LUPINE (9) ran his best race placing here over 2150m and is on a quick backup. Gets in light with the 3kg claim and should go close. DECARBONISE (4) has the rail on a quick backup and is back a level. Stanley takes over and he also deserves consideration. BILPA MOREA (6) drops back sharply in grade and can run a race from the inside draw.  SUGGESTED PLAY: With Medical Autocrat.
5 07:40 CARPET ONE TOOWOOMBA QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Handicap 1100m
Without a great deal of early pace evident Upstart Lover may lead the way over Day To Remember. CEEKAY'S CHOICE (9) peaks for the premier metro stable and brings a lip defeat from Warwick. Has been briefly freshened but she draws a cruel gate. TOO MANY THOUGHTS (5) went close here over shorter and will be better for it. Maps well on a quick backup and the 3kg claim brings him right into it. GOOD GIRL POLLY (10) draws out but performs fresh and is good enough. Keep onside. LINWAR (7) caught the eye late first up at Ipswich and with natural improvement, he can get into the finish from the soft draw.  SUGGESTED PLAY: Going with Ceekay's Choice.
6 08:13 1EQUINE - FOR THE EQUINE ATHLETE BENCHMARK 70 Handicap 1000m
Moderate pace with Hodgson taking up the running ahead of Shows A Sign and Smiling Zac. SHOWS A SIGN (5) finds easier company and this shapes up as a winnable assignment. He has been kept on the fresh side and is likely to race forward. Won here four back by 6.3L. CELESTIAL HARBOUR (6) resumes and is proven fresh. She's trialled well and has the inside barrier and handy 2kg claim. A winning hope. HODGSON (1) was outgraded at the Gold Coast but the form prior stacks up. He's been freshened and will get every chance with Stanley aboard. SMILING ZAC (3) resumes in much easier with a 3kg claim. Usually needs one but has to be kept onside.  SUGGESTED PLAY: Leaning to Shows A Sign.
7 08:44 HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA Maiden Handicap 1890m
A solid tempo on the cards with Rumbling Boy taking charge. Tricky. POW NOW (10) peaks and missed 1L at Gatton over a mile last time. Maps for a soft run and she can break through. BETTER BELIEVE IT (7) disappointed last time over longer but her Doomben effort prior reads well for this contest. Has the inside barrier and will appreciate the shorter journey. THUNDER SHANGHAI (5) found more like her best in the Pow Now race at Gatton. She can make the finish on that effort. JUSTICE SERVED (1) is racing well below his Victorian best but might be ready to show more.  SUGGESTED PLAY: With Pow Now.