Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for April 09.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Hawkesbury, Sandown Lakeside, Ipswich, Murray Bridge and Pinjarra.
HAWKESBURY: RACE 3 @ 2:00 PM
VIKTOR (1) progressed nicely last start at the second run of his prep, battling on well for third after being on the pace all the way in a Kensington maiden over 1300m. Placed third-up in town last prep over the mile. Ready to peak. Chris Waller's FULL HAO (7) wasn't fancied on debut last start over 1400m at the Kensington circuit but did a good job to work home into fourth. Can race closer from a better draw today and is open to plenty of improvement. Another Waller runner in EXISTENTIAL BOB (5) returned with a respectable effort over a similar trip at Wyong recently. McDonald opts for this mount which perhaps will see him shorter than deserved. NOT SO COMMON (10) will enjoy the step up in distance at the second run of the campaign and cannot be ruled out. DARK ARTS (2) gets to this distance for the first time but is fitter for two runs back and should give backers a sight.
SELECTIONS: Keen on Viktor.
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SANDOWN-LAKESIDE: RACE 4 @ 2:45 PM
I AM VELVET (4) resumes off a promising fourth in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes, and has won 3/6 overall and 2/3 fresh. She's looked sharp at the jumpouts and Williams sticks from the latest. Has superior peaks and is ready to rumble. HAPPY LINK (6) resumes and seeks the hat-trick off an impressive win on the Hillside at 64 level. She's placed 2/2 first-up and has been fitted with three jumpouts. Shinn replaces Williams, and a bold return is likely. CHANGING COLOURS (5) was spelled off an easy win at The Heath at this level and has warmed up with two jumpouts. x2 winning rider Lane sticks from the latest, and that's a decent push for her chances. Draws well and goes fresh. MADAM INSTRIFE (7) switched from the Hawkes yard and was disappointing on the Hillside first up, when well supported. She'd been backed off the map winning a Canterbury Maiden prior and will appreciate the step-up in distance. Brown steers from a low barrier, and quick improvement is likely.
SELECTIONS: Backing I Am Velvet to win.
IPSWICH: RACE 9 @ 4:03 PM
HERMANITA (5) grows a leg for jockey Fenlon who has four wins and five placings from 11 steers and again gets the benefit of her claim. Should push forward from the wide draw and will give backers a sight. TREPORTI (4) is a two-time winner over this distance range and gets some weight relief with Lang's claim. Top-three aspirations. OUTSMARTED (7) has won four of five overall and is racing with a lot of confidence. Hard to ignore. The well-related BEAUTANTES (1) (half to G1 winner Startantes) strips fitter second-up from the spell and may earn some minor money.
SELECTIONS: Hermanita to go back-to-back.
MURRAY BRIDGE: RACE 1 @ 01:15 PM
EMBELLISHER (7) has caught the eye in his two runs back without finding the placings. Will appreciate stepping out to the 1400m and gets the chance to take much closer order drawing the inside pillar. Ready. BRIMARVI ROSEMARIE (10) was scratched at the gate last start when firm in the market. Has been looking for further and now gets her chance. Watch for her charging hard late. LET IT RIDE (3) failed to fire a shot last start but was much better the start prior when missing by a neck at Penola. Looks better suited over this journey and draws well for Opperman. One to consider. I AM A FINE LINE (11) finds it tough to break through but has turned in some solid performances. Strips fitter on the rapid turnaround and carries a feather on her back with the 3kg claimer engaged. Not without her chance.
SELECTIONS: Embellisher the one to beat.
PINJARRA SCARPSIDE: RACE 4 @ 5:35 PM
MANGIFERA (11) was last at the raced 87 days ago where she was very impressive and the form out of that race has been very good. She's trialled nicely since that effort and this looks to set up nicely for her. She looks a nice filly on the way up and she can get the job done this time. KARNUP QUEEN (12) ran on strongly from the back of the pack under Faithfull first-up at Narrogin when only 1.9L off the winner. She may be able to sit closer from the barrier this time and she improved nicely second-up last campaign. She'll be hard to hold out if she can improve in similar fashion this time. BANG FOR BUCK (3) has trialled nicely in readiness for this and the form out of his most recent outing worked out well. The outside barrier is a niggle, but he's open to plenty of improvement and he won't be far away. HIGHLY SPOKEN (2) turned in a strong effort fresh and he's not out of this if he can repeat that effort. HELL'S CITI (1) is in the mix in recent form.
SELECTIONS: Mangifera can get the job done.
