Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for August 26.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meeting are today held at Newcastle, Ballarat, Grafton and Home Hill.
NEWCASTLE: RACE 2 @ 1:20 PM
VIA FLAMINIA (12) excellent debut from the low draw when a close-up third over 1250m here. Trained on the track and looks one of the leading chances despite drawing out. RIDGEBACK (1) another who stuck on well in the heavy conditions at his first race start when second over 1300m at Kembla Grange. Doesn't have to improve much from the low draw to go one better. THE MAGIC MAN (11) placed at this track and comes here in peak condition fourth up. Was a month between runs when a fading fourth over 1200m at Wyong. Fitter now and can take a hand in the finish. WINNING RULET (8) Winning Rupert mare resuming after the two mixed runs in her first prep. Looks to have come back stronger, judging by her solid trial win over 800m at Kembla Grange. Worth thought.
SELECTIONS: Via Flaminia to overcome the wide gate.
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BALLARAT SYNTHETIC: RACE 2 @ 2:30 PM
SHE'S A BEAUTY (10) found more like her best, beaten narrowly here over 1400m. Coffey rides today, and the extra metres suit. On song, she wins comfortably. SHE THINKS AHEAD (9) has been racing well on the turf and has the blinkers on for the first time. She rates well enough to get into the finish at healthy each-way odds. COSTALOTTA (12) raced a $1.9F here second-up but lacked finishing dash. Has an awkward gate to manage, but she has extra fitness and gets another chance. CALL ME PHIL (1) crossed from a wide barrier and was nabbed late here over 1400m. He has to manage the outside barrier today, but presents on a 7-day return and will give a sight. FLAVIUS (3) is a likely improver in a leading metro stable.
SELECTIONS: Backing She's A Beauty.
GRAFTON: RACE 4 @ 2:55 PM
MAPLE DOOR (1) comes back a few levels today after attacking the line when a sound fourth over 1600m at Eagle Farm in BM65 grade. Claim helps again and due for a change of luck. MELTDOWN (2) scored a determined maiden win two back, before going back from the gate when a disappointing eighth over 1350m at Ipswich. Looking for the trip and this is much easier. OUR ORATOR (3) just over a month between runs when battling sixth over 1675m at Ipswich. Fitter now and has a good record with Busuttin's claim. Keep safe. ANDROS (1): Recent form sound. Most recently 2nd of 7 at Casino Mdn-Sw on August 18 over 1400m, on heavy track; 0.9 len behind Beautiful Jo carrying 59kg at $9. HOTZINO (7) has returned a more consistent mare this campaigning has a good record over this track and trip. Gets her chance from the low draw.
SELECTIONS: Maple Door to finish over the top of them.
HOME HILL: RACE 1 @ 12:52 PM
Former Victorian BREECHES (5) is having her first run for the new stable but had been knocking on the door with consecutive runner-up finishes down south and should find this assignment much more to her liking. Only needs some luck navigating from the wide draw to be playing a major role in the outcome. AZCONPETE (1) was a touch disappointing last time out but the two runs prior to start the campaign were good enough for a race like this. Has placed three of five over this sprint journey and looms as the main danger. DON'T TOUCH (6) is facing the starter for the first time but has shown ability at the trials and won't need to be a superstar to be competitive against this lot. Respect any market moves. THE GENERAL TALKS (3) is first-up but has placed when fresh before and can run a race while fresh.
SELECTIONS: Breeches to shed the maiden tag.
