Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for August 24.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meeting are today held at Goulburn, Narromine, Moe, Swan Hill, Port Augusta, Kalgoorlie and Hobart.
GOULBURN: RACE 7 @ 4:00 PM
Cracking edition of the Goulburn Cup even after we lose a bit of the depth with morning scratchings. THE NOVELIST (5) returned from a let up in a much easier contest when pulling out plenty to hold on in the heavy (10) going, defeating War Eternal over 1300m at Rosehill. Will come out fast and the 1400m shouldn't pose a problem. Gives them plenty to run down. ESTADIO MESTALLA (1) tough gelding who doesn't know how to run a bad race. No issues with heavy going for him and he must have a great shot. The ground won't bother WOOTTON VERNI (7) either. Shaped well in his first local prep but promises to be much more. Certainly had the stable raps on him from day one and this looks the start of a spring prep where there will be lofty goals on the horizon.
SELECTIONS: The Novelist to take catching.
As a FREE Racing and Sports offer, below is the Goulburn Computer Card.
NARROMINE: RACE 4 @ 1:45 PM
SAINTLY SANDS (8) looks ready to win after two excellent runs back at Tamworth including a close second there two weeks ago. Step to the mile is ideal and drawn well so should take plenty of beating. JUST ON FIRE (5) started favourite in a similar sort of race at Dubbo two weeks ago and was a little disappointing when finishing midfield. Previous efforts entitle him to another chance. CASTRO (10) is very interesting second-up. Always back last time after being slow away but can be much sharper for that hit out and from a better position in running he can get involved. DOWN THE KOOKA (2) and A BOY NAMED SOO (1) next best.
SELECTIONS: Saintly Sands to win.
MOE: RACE 4 @ 2:25 PM
OMAMORI (6) has built nicely into his debut prep and again looks a strong chance. Brown takes over and if they roll forward again he will prove very tough to beat. OKAY ZOOMER (5) has been freshened after finished a close sixth on the synthetic last month. Tick-over jump-out suggests he's come on nicely and the inside alley will assist over the longer trip. Looms a threat. CLENCH (2) is still figuring it out. Only missed by a lip two back and then had some excuses last time. From a smart stable and should appreciate the rise in trip. Don't take lightly. ASK YOUR MOTHER (1) has struggled to threaten so far but still has upside and could sneak into the frame.
SELECTIONS: Omamori to win.
SWAN HILL: RACE 6 @ 4:05 PM
Maher-trained CHILLY CHARLIE (1) brings strong relative provincial form, and he's the one they have to beat. He races forward and drops plenty in grade. He should relish the firm surface, and it's hard to risk the yard. PULVERISER (2) has placed this grade as favourite his last two. Has to come back to the mile, but he can be in the finish regardless and is seen as the main danger ahead of STEEL IMPACT (8) who presents at peak for Maher and finds easier. The in-form Coffey rides, and an improved effort is on the cards. LICHESTER (11) peaks and will likely push forward. She's going well enough to consider.
SELECTIONS: Backing Chilly Charlie to win.
PORT AUGUSTA: RACE 4 @ 3:10 PM
There are average maidens, then there is this race. On paper, the form of most of htese is modest at best but connections of one of these horses will be celebrating. There's a goood chance it will be CRACKEN GOOD TIME (1) who is a 17-start maiden. Most of is better form has been in recent starts in stronger races at Murray Bridge and Gawler. If he handles the dirt, he will go very close. A good draw and Fawke on are positives. DARK HELMET (6) is another long time maiden that has had plenty of chances. He can have one more here in a modest race. TUFF OPERATOR (5) is placed seven of 26 so there is ability there. If he can hold a spot from the inside gate, he can run a cheeky race with no weight. Including OLD MATE BLUEY (3) and NORMIE NO SHOW (2) in wider plays.
SELECTIONS: Backing Cracken Good Time to win.
KALGOORLIE: RACE 5 @ 5:15 PM
HEAVY METAL (4) justified the short quote when breaking the maiden here two back, then hit the line strongly last start when rising sharply to this company. In good form and should go close again. PRAY FOR LUCY (8) showed plenty of intent last time when pushing forward from a wide alley to find the front but tired late. Back in trip here and gets his chance to break a long run of outs. BIG PLAYER (3) has been sound in his two runs back off a long break without impressing. His best figures read well and is entitled to plenty of respect third-up. FIENDISH (6) hasn't managed to get his head in front for some time but has ratings littered through his form that puts him up to the mark. Worth including for exotic players. STEPCHILD (2) returns and is winner fresh. Best of the rest.
SELECTIONS: Heavy Metal to win.
HOBART: RACE 5 @ 2:50 PM
ISLAND WARRIOR (7) threatened here twice and then delivered an easy CL2 win from the pace. Peaks now and has weight relief this grade. He is ready to go on with the job. BLONDE STAR (3) is also fourth-up and brings a CL5 win from Launceston. It was a tough effort after settling last in the field and the premier hoop stays aboard. He will come hard again. SHY GUY (2) just missed in the same racing and is holding his form well. He can control the race and is sure to take passing. FIGHTING FOR GOLD (5) is heading in the right direction and has won a trial by a space since he last raced three weeks ago. Finally draws a low barrier and is good enough. DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE (4) will appreciate the longer trip and his best Victorian form would give him a hope.
SELECTIONS: Backing Island Warrior to win.
