#Sam Collett

The big track at the Sunshine Coast takes centre stage in Queensland on Saturday with good depth in most races. BEST BET HILLCREST AVENUE (Race 2 No. 9) NEXT BEST GREEN REIGN (Race 4 No. 4) VALUE BET TAPILDOODLEDO (Race 3 No. 3) Quaddie numbers are: Race 6 - 5.9,11 Race 7 - 2,4,6,9 Race 8 - 5,8,10,16 Race 9 - 6,9,11 144…

The Summer Carnival is upon us with the Listed Keith Noud the feature and whilst Doomben plays to front runners, on a good surface with the rail true all horses should get their chance. Mares in form have been good to me of late and I have gone overboard here. BEST BET: SALATEEN (Race 8 No 8) NEXT BEST: EKATERINA (Race 6 No 4) VALUE BET: STRATEGIC…

Ipswich has been getting plenty of racing and with the rail out between eight and 10 metres that will make it tough for those drawn in the boondocks. The tight track favours front-runners and with a bit of light rain around to take the sting out of the ground I want to be on those that can make their own luck.

The third midweek in a row at Ipswich and we can expect an upset or two on the tricky track with weather likely to play a part. The tight track favours front-runners and with the rail out between four and six metres I want to be on those ridden by in-form jockeys that can take luck out of the equation. BEST BET: SOLAROSA (Race 1 No 6) NEXT…

Leaders dominated last week at Eagle Farm and with rail going out to four metres much of the same can be expected. Once again, there are southern raiders coming up in search of good ground but previous experience on the track is advantageous. The talented 3kg claimer Angela Jones is currently leading the Queensland Metro Jockeys premiership and I…

Good gates and luck in running have proved vital the recent midweeks at Ipswich and I am expecting much of the same again. The tight track favours front-runners and on a good surface with the rail out between six and eight metres, I want to be on those that can take luck out of the equation.

Some interesting Southern invaders muddy the waters but previous form on the track proved a good guide at Eagle Farm last week and I expect much of same for this big 10-race card featuring the Queensland Cup. They were coming from everywhere to win last week and on a good surface with the rail out two metres there will be few excuses.

Good gates and luck in running often make the difference at Ipswich and I am expecting much of the same again. The tight track favours front-runners and on a soft surface with the rail out half a metre I want to be on those that can take luck out of the equation.

WITH relatively small fields in all but two races and the rail true, all horses will get their chance on the roomy Sunshine Coast track. Recent form should stand up and I will stick with stables in form and horses ridden by the better jockeys. Race 1- QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap 1000m The senior rider versus an apprentice debate gets another run…

Pink Ribbon race day is always a big occasion though with track renovations underway field sizes have been reduced. A prospect of fair weather will help though on this tight circuit I will be looking for those that can make their own luck and aren't going to get caught in traffic.

Another off-season meeting brightened by some talented ones resuming. With fine weather forecast a good track is likely for Eagle Farm and with the rail out seven metres all horses will get their chance. With no standouts on the card I will be avoiding the short-priced ones and looking for value runners from in-form stables.