As we head towards the Magic Millions in January, the racing in Queensland will start to heat up each weekend in December. Doomben takes centre stage on Saturday with the running of The Group 3 George Moore Stakes meeting. With plenty of prizemoney on offer, will the interstate trainers and jockeys upstage the locals?
Doomben Race 6
#1 Spiritualised
Great race to kick off the quaddie!
I am really bullish about Spiritualised from the Tony Gollan camp. He has never missed a place, and he looks the likely leader despite drawing slightly awkward in barrier 8. I love his terrific turn of foot, and his trial leading into this first-up assignment was first class. He will be in the finish.
Johnny Rocker ran well first up at The Sunshine Coast behind a smart one. He is the logical danger to the favourite if he can handle the soft conditions.
Cool ‘N’ Ready looks over the odds after a solid campaign to date.
Suggested Bet: Spiritualised @ $2.60
Doomben RACE 7
#13 Hakkai Maru
Hakkai Maru can surprise here at double-figure odds. In a very open event, the mare by Maurice can make her presence felt when it matters the most. Jumping from barrier 1, with Jim Byrne aboard, she should get the ideal run in transit. She was still too good for them despite racing without luck last start. There is no reason why she can’t win again. There is nothing better than a mare in form!
Alburq will start favourite after recording two impressive wins this preparation. He will always need luck with his racing pattern, and I wonder if he is well weighted in this grade.
Petronius will be thereabouts after an impressive first-up victory.
Suggested Bet: Hakkai Maru @ $11.00
Doomben Race 8
#8 Contemptuous
Contemptuous looks hard to beat here. His fresh record is near perfect, he loves this trip and is drawn to get the ideal run. The jockey has a significant association with the horse and is undefeated at the track.
The consistent Garibaldi will start favourite despite a last-start defeat at short odds. I am prepared to bet around him with 58kg in this grade. This is his biggest test to date, and others look better placed.
Wisdom Of Water can be competitive from barrier 1. His form is better than it looks!
Suggested Bet: Contemptuous @ $5.00
Doomben Race 9
#10 ALAMIRA
Alamira looked a good thing beaten last start after falling out of the barriers. She savaged the line late from a long way back and only narrowly missed out on victory. The Pride Of Dubai filly from the Annabel Neasham camp looks talented and can upset the short-priced favourite.
Chinny Boom will start in the red after drawing barrier 1. She is highly touted, remains undefeated, and is expected to win again on Saturday. She could be the real deal. However, I won’t be investing at the skinny quote. Odds on, look on!
Sunshine In Paris will be thereabouts after an impressive winning debut in Canberra.
Suggested Bet: Alamira @ $13.00
