Saturday preview: Nathan Exelby breaks down the main races at Doomben

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for a winner at Doomben on Saturday.

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for a winner at Doomben on Saturday.

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Track: Soft (5). Weather: Mostly sunny, 29 degrees

RACE 5

In the run: Tani Tei En and Clang’s Victory likely leaders. Hopefully Tegan Harrison can have Bourbon Road into a nice spot right there as well.

Take note: Bourbon Road wound up nicely late first up over 1110m, a trip well short of his best. Now goes to 1350m, which he won easily at second up last prep. This is easier than the first up assignment.

Did you know: Rock Spark was unfancied in betting but was awesome first-up, running the quickest last 200m of the night and 1.6 secs quicker than the other 1200m event on the card. Obviously much harder here, but he’s come back better.

Early money: Bourbon Road $10-$6.50, Rock Classic $15-$11, Cruising Speed $17-$15. Binary opened clear favourite but now shares the top line at $6.

Nathan’s tip: BOURBON ROAD $6

Nathan’s danger: ROCK SPARK $9.50

RACE 6

In the run: Chariot Of Gold bounces out to lead and then confronts likely pressure from Hotel Drive and Divine Service. Would think Divine Service will press on here after being slow away and wide last time.

Take note: Angel Dancer has gone to a new level this preparation. Big first-up win at Toowoomba, which attracted some smart money next time out at Doomben and the Michael Nolan-trained mare ran right up to it. This doesn’t look much stronger and she has a fitness advantage on key rivals.

Did you know: Sea Red has won twice fresh and has a 50 per cent strike rate around the Doomben 1350m. Needs speed/pattern to suit backmarkers, but capable of reeling off a big finish given the right conditions.

Early money: Angel Dancer is one of the better backed runners of the day, in from $4.80. Divine Service has admirers again, firming from $5.50-$5.

Nathan’s tip: ANGEL DANCER $3.40

Nathan’s danger: SEA RED $5.50

Angel Dancer has gone to new level this preparation. Picture: Darren England

RACE 7

In the run: Flamboyer the natural leader. Brettan, Hi Son, Adorabeel all handy. Will be interesting if Damian Browne pursues similar go forward tactics on Akavoroun this time.

Take note: Akavoroun hasn’t won for more than 1000 days, but showed signs of his past life when battling on strongly last time. Key point here is that he gets 3kg weight relief down from 59kg, so should be able to give an even bigger kick here.

Did you know: Flamboyer has produced career bests at his past couple and now tackles 1600m for the first time since he was a 3yo, where he missed the place at both attempts. Obviously a lot stronger now and has less recent convictions than these.

Early money: Flamboyer easily best backed, in from $5.50. Money also for Feltre ($9-$8.50) and Steel Zip ($15-$11).

Nathan’s tip: AKAVOROUN $5.50

Nathan’s danger: FLAMBOYER $4.20

RACE 8

In the run: Quite a few go forward. Seq The Star lands the fence. Oberland should be able to cross to a nice spot. But they are likely to be crossed by Colinelle, who will have to press the button from out wide.

Take note: Oberland looked average last start when others did better off harder runs in transit. Prepared to forgive that and trust the big first up rating, where he spreadeagled midweek rivals.

Did you know: Steve O’Dea has prepared seven winners from his past 14 runners. Colinelle was a dominant winner fresh at Caloundra. Looks likely to see out the 1200m and give a big sight from the front.

Early money: Man Of His Word has a touch of class in this field. Will be giving away a start, but can charge home and has been backed from $18 to $9.50 in parts.

Nathan’s tip: OBERLAND $4

Nathan’s danger: COLINELLE $7

Originally published as Saturday preview: Nathan Exelby breaks down the main races at Doomben