TAB On The Punt: Nathan Exelby previews the meeting at Sunshine Coast

Stockman is the best horse in a thin Caloundra Cup and should be too good for his rivals, according to Brisbane racing expert Nathan Exelby.

Stockman is a dominant favourite in the Caloundra Cup. Picture: Getty Images

Sky Racing and Brisbane Racing Club’s turf expert Nathan Exelby runs his eye over Saturday’s meeting at Sunshine Coast.

BEST BETS

Indispensable, R1 No.1 – $5

He’s been luckless in two Queensland runs now. Did a power of work racing wide at Ipswich, yet was still finding the line. Back to Caloundra, he draws out again but that should be no issue and like the fact he’s won on a Heavy 10 track in the south. Also gets important weight relief into a race that looks no stronger than last time.

East Asia, R2 No.11 – $2.70

Struck trouble last time but still managed to find a way to get over the top of them at Doomben. Is already a winner on a Heavy 10 track and going to 1400m on the big track will pose no concerns. Should have plenty of time to wind up and get them down.

Stockman, R7 No.4 – $1.80

A shame Mirage Dancer came out, as black figures prior looked a gift. Now into his right price and given his wet track credentials and proven ability to see the trip out, plus strong formlines through Brisbane Cup winners, Knights Order, he should be way too strong for these.

MONEY TALKS

Race 1: I Could Do Better $7-$5, Warp Speed $4.80-$4.40

Race 2: East Asia $4.40-$2.70, Steinbrenner $17-$12

Race 3: Miss Hipstar $6-$4.80, Sequesay $4.40-$3.40

Race 4: Jami Lady $7.50-$5.50

Race 5: Dusty Tycoon $5.50-$4.60

Race 6: Tamilaide $7.50-$4.60

Race 8: Niccanova $10-$5, Coventina Bay $14-$9

Race 9: Plenty $41-$17

THE QUADDIE

R6: WINX GUINEAS (1600M)

I think Not An Option ($16) looks a good gamble in this race. He was an eye-catcher first-up in Australia then didn’t stretch out at Eagle Farm second up. Rather than press on, Tony Pike (who won this race three years ago with The Bostonian) took him back to the trials, where he hit the line really well. Like him getting onto a heavy track and his run in the Champagne last year suggests the trip won’t be a concern. Also keeping side with Our Playboy ($9). He was luckless at Ipswich and likes wet ground. Unproven over the trip, but no convictions either. Dzsenifer ($7) was stiff at Ipswich, while Tamilaide ($4.60) had little luck at Doomben and is a superior wet tracker, but he’s short enough into a stronger race here.

Selections: 4 Not An Option, 2 Our Playboy, 9 Tamilaide, 11 Dzsenifer

R7: CALOUNDRA CUP (2400M)

This is a thin race now with Mirage Dancer and Parry Sound coming out. Stockman ($1.80) picks himself coming out of solid races in Sydney. Looking for others, Flash Aah ($7.50) is clear second pick for mine. He’s had a great prep and kept battling on solidly at Ipswich. 2400m is new territory for him, but we know he handles the ground and likes this track. Wu Gok ($5.50) has been a great wet-tracker, but his last two on heavy ground have been awful and 58kg is a challenge. Cellarmaid ($13) handles the wet. Looked a chance last week, but didn’t quite finish off, so 2400m is a little query. Happy Go Plucky ($9) just continues to put in and can see him doing the same again here after gutsy win at Ipswich.

Selections: 4 Stockman one out. 5 Flash Aah second elect.

R8: GLASSHOUSE HANDICAP (1400M)

Keen on Coventina Bay ($9). Liked her run in the Dane Ripper on the slower part of the track, then got back to last and had too much to do last week, but last 100m was OK. Totally different circumstances here on wet ground … she’s six from 11 back home in the wet, including a Heavy 10 success. Had trialled super at this track prior to going to Eagle Farm. Plenty of other hopes if she’s not the one. Charleise ($7) is going super and can handle wet ground; King Of Hastings ($13) is unknown in it, but this is a nice race for him at his best; Niccanova ($5), Emerald Kingdom ($9.50), Snitch ($10), Profit ($9) other logical hopes.

Selections: 4 Coventina Bay, 8 King Of Hastings, 6 Charleise, 12 Profit

Derulo can salute in the last race at Sunshine Coast.

R9: BENCHMARK 80 Handicap (1200M)

Derulo ($5) was one of the north’s best two-year-olds last season but didn’t fire in first prep in the south. Switched stables to Kacy Fogden, who seems to have him back on track based on the strong last-start win at the Gold Coast. Ran slick time there, which won’t help, but does underline that he’s in a good spot now. Struck a heavy track once up north and won by nearly seven lengths. L’Cosmo ($4.80), Dreamreacher ($10), Jetski ($6) and Renouf ($9) all come through the same race here on June 18, where L’Cosmo had the best of it. He’s also well-equipped to handle the heavy track, so he’s on top from that quartet, just ahead of Renouf, who was a big winner on Soft 7 ground earlier this prep.

Selections:

11 Derulo, 8 L’Cosmo, 13 Renouf, 6 Dreamreacher, 9 Jetski

AWAY FROM HOME

The Astrologist (Flemington Race 4, $4) fought off all the challengers to win over 1100m at Flemington last time and now faces similar rivals with a few new names thrown into the mix. Going to 1200m poses no concerns and with the last start win under the belt, think he can go on with it now. In Sydney, Tycoonist (Race 1, $2.50) has been knocking on the door for a while and has seemingly found a suitable race.