#Steph Thornton

James McDonald and Jamie Kah highlight the Doomben meeting with big fields in most races and plenty looking to stamp their Magic Millions credentials. The weather has been mainly fine but there is always some give in the surface at Doomben and with the rail out four metres I am staying with the class animals that can travel near the speed and make…

A midweek wedged between Christmas and New Year often provides the unexpected and market leads should not be ignored. With the rail out seven metres on a good track all will get their chance and staying with the better stables and in-form riders usually proves profitable.

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…

The winter carnival reaches its zenith with Stradbroke day at Eagle Farm and with the track playing fairly all horses will get their chance. Recent history shows that with the rail out four metres they can come from anywhere to win but on big days staying with top riders and trainers is usually profitable. Race 1- Oxlade Stakes (Two-Years-Old…

Back to Doomben and with fine weather forecast a good track is likely. The track always plays to on-pacers and with the rail out 5.5 metres I will be looking for those that can make their own luck. A pair of European imports have my attention and I am also expecting the Maher/Eustace juggernaut to continue. BEST BET: HILLCREST AVENUE (Race 5 No…

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.

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.

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.

After a spate of Ipswich and Doomben midweeks it is back to the wide-open spaces of Eagle Farm. The firm surface can bother a few but with the rail out 10.5 metres all horses will get their chance and I am keen on a few dropping back from Saturday grade. BEST BET: GEMELON BOLT (Race 5 No 1) NEXT BEST: THIRD TIME ROUND (Race 7 No 12) VALUE…