Sunshine Coast horse racing preview, tips and best bets for Friday

Friday night racing returns to the Sunshine Coast with seven races on the card.

DUE DILIGENCE (5) is capable of significant improvement. Northern Pride (9) has been improved by two outings and will be prominent for a long way. EDDY STREET (6) will have Niki Beriman's ride and is fresh from a trial win. Sheer ILLUSION (11) choked down last start.

CADERAS (3) made her debut at the Gold Coast and she was green. Six Sides (12) got too far back here last start but was running on at Doomben. YASMEEN (16) drew poorly again but the Chris Waller/Jim Orman combination have an awesome strike rate. Mission of Love (8) came a long way back in the same race as Yasmen but hit the line strongly. Larry Cassidy can overwhelm them late.

Darryl Hansen will get his horses ready fresh for the Benchmark 0-58 Handicap (1000m) on Friday. DELUXE LEGEND (1) has taken time to mature but his recent trial win against Class 3 horses was strong. SMASHING PLATES (4) won first-up last preparation and with Tiff Brooker will be prominent for a long way. Just Verona (7) went too hard from a wide gate last start but has trialled well since. AGARN (3) is now second- up and from better gate can show what he's got.

Jim Orman rides LOOSE UNIT first-up from a good gate. SOOBLOND found 1350m at Ipswich too far and has had a trial since. CURRY LEGEND will have Tiff Brooker on the speed throughout. BETTER OFF SINGLE will be given every chance by Ben Thompson.

Rob Heathcote has dropped TRANQUIL BAY (9) back to provincial company after he found Saturday grade too much last start. Good Chats (2) hasn't been seen for nearly a year but was running in much stronger races than this last preparation. SACCA (10) has been getting plenty of racing and was only overhauled late in a strong Class 4 Plate last time. Apple Tart (6) was forced to trial recently and has developed some nasty barrier habits.

WICKED'N' LOVIN'IT (7) is the favourite in the Benchmark 60 Handicap (1400m) on Friday. Entrprice Bella (9) has had plenty of racing and missed a place for the first time this preparation in a Class 2 here last week. Secret Note (10) was held up at a critical stage last start. Boris Thornton stays on and will get all the favours from gate one. MIDNIGHT RAMBLER (4) will appreciate the 1.5kg claim for Marnu Potgeiter.

There is a small field for the Class 4 Handicap (1400m) on Friday. There is potential for a tempo to decide the outcome. MAJESTICS REQUEST (3) has the form on the board. Federal Agent (6) hasn't won for two years but he can give a sight.