Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Doomben

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Doomben, headlined by the $650,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup, on Saturday.

3 min read

May 20, 2016 - 6:00PM

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Doomben, headlined by the $650,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup, on Saturday.

Track: Good (4)

Weather: Mostly sunny, 27C

THE EARLY OIL: FLEMINGTON

STABLE WATCH: ROSEHILL

HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS

Race 5: BRC Sprint

1350m, Qty G3, 2.41pm

In the run: Charmed Harmony always runs along at a strong clip. Coolring was effective from the front at the Gold Coast. From the good gate, Religify can slot in behind them.

Take note: Religify matched motors with Federal at level weights three starts back and that form ties in with Artlee. Strong win under the big weight last time and now drops to near the limit.

Did you know: Trubia ran quicker time than the Weetwood horses (including Coolring) when he was a brilliant first up winner at Toowoomba. Had things against last time from a wide gate with the big weight. Jim Byrne is the beneficiary of Michael Cahill reluctantly choosing Artlee over Trubia.

Early money: Artlee $3.40 to $2.90 with UBET; Trubia $17-$10; Bachman $10-$9; Sure And Fast $16-$12.

Nathan’s tip: Trubia $10

Nathan’s danger: Religify $6

Nathan has ignored Artlee as he does a quick back up in the BRC Sprint. Picture: Liam Kidston

Race 6: The Roses

2000m, 3YO F G2, 3.21pm

In the run: Imposing Lass will cross from the wide gate and Self Esteem will come with her again. Look To The Stars was on speed at Caloundra and it worked, so she won’t be far away again.

Take note: A few others like Flakenberg and Dawnie Perfect were running on at the Gold Coast, but in the last 100m, Imposing Lass was holding them all very comfortably. Trying to be the first Bracelet winner to double up in this.

Did you know: Ambience is already a Group 2 winner at this trip and has placed in both the major Oaks. She has the score on the board and is drawn best of the main hopes.

Early money: Imposing Lass easing and Ambience has now joined her and Falkenberg at $5.50 after opening $7.50.

Nathan’s tip: Imposing Lass $5.50

Nathan’s danger: Ambience $5.50

Imposing Lass (middle) proves too powerful in the Gold Coast Bracelet. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

Race 7: Doomben Cup

2000m, SWFA G1, 4.01pm

In the run: The Team Hawkes-trained Messene is a natural leader and stablemate Leebaz can just slot in behind. Noble Protector will roll forward to be prominent from wider out. It’s Somewhat has the speed to cross if they wish to.

Take note: Noble Protector was shaded by Our Ivanhowe in a Cranbourne trial last week, but looked to have more in reserve. Only other run this trip in Australia was when second to subsequent multiple G1 winner Contributer.

Did you know: The record of Hollindale winners in this race is 10 from 25 and six others have come through the race to claim this. Hauraki came wide on the turn and peaked on his run there. Blinkers go on to help him focus better and is James McDonald can weave a trouble free path, he’s hard to beat.

Early money: Spiritjim $14-$11, but has been money for quite a few. Volkstok’n’barrell popular around the $5.50 mark.

Nathan’s tip: Hauraki $3.60

Nathan’s danger: Noble Protector $9

Race 8: Fred Best Classic

1350m, 3YO G3, 4.36pm

In the run: Tim Clark will have to press the accelerator to get Takedown across early. Fiery Heights to go with him. Outside of them, there’s a lot of backmarkers, so the opportunity will be there to ride some others more positively.

Take note: Rageese won with a leg in the air last time. No doubt this is significantly tougher, but did give weight to and easily beat Demonstrate (unlucky in SA G2 since) two starts back. Darren Weir is to be respected in anything he contests at the moment.

Did you know: Counterattack failed to place in three Doomben runs last year, but little doubt he’s far superior now. Just needs luck from bad draw. Stablemate Sir Bacchus also flopped in Qld last prep but back with wins in strong figures at latest two in Sydney. Draws well, but best has come when back in the field. Strong pace suits.