Racing Preview – Sat 11 July

Weetwood Handicap – Toowoomba
There is an 8 race programme at Toowoomba with 2 Listed races. The Listed $150,000 XXXX Gold Weetwood Handicap over 1300 metres has a full field of 14 plus 3 emergencies. The topweight is nine-year-old Mitanni with 58kg.

The early market has Wasted Emotions as favourite at $3.30 following seconds at his last two starts. Next in the market is Rockpecker at $4.50, Voice Commander and Mitanni both at $6, Flaming at $9.50, Hard To Catch at $12, Danzylum at $13 and Bitabiff and Cocktail Supreme both at $16. Mitanni looked good winning 2 starts back and was finishing strongly last start over 1200 metres. Rockpecker is close to a win and Wasted Emotions has an excellent strike rate with 10 wins and 4 placings from 22 starts.

Jo’s tips: 1. Mitanni, 2. Rockpecker, 3. Wasted Emotions

Toowoomba Cup – Toowoomba
The Listed $100,000 XXXX Bitter Toowoomba Cup Handicap over 2100 metres has a full field of 15 plus one emergency. The early favourite is Nellie Got There at $3.80, just ahead of Regal Castanea at $4. Next in the market is Jussemi at $7.50, On The Up at $8, Little Stranger at $9, Tripitz at $13, then Palace Lover, Another Speights and Shale Shaker all at $14.

Regal Castanea won a 2000 metre race well two weeks ago and is capable of winning again. On The Up should appreciate the extra distance, and Nellie Got There has been performing consistently in similar races.

Jo’s tips: 1. Regal Castanea, 2. On The Up, 3. Nellie Got There

Macdonald Steeplechase – Sandown
A field of ten will line up for the $100,000 Dominant Macdonald Steeplechase over 3900 metres at Sandown Lakeside on Saturday. The topweight is Geeorb carrying 68kg who won well over jumps at Moonee Valley 3200 metres on 20 June.

The early market has Geeorb as favourite at $3.30, ahead of Brookton Mist at $4, Zagata at $4.80, Frenzilian at $5.50, Spirit of Alaton at $6.50, Judgement Justified at $12, and Magnastar at $18. Geeorb looked good last time, and can carry weight, Zagata has won 2 of his last 3 starts over the stee[ples, and Brookton Mist is showing promise as a jumper.

Jo’s tips: 1. Geeorb, 2. Zagata, 3. Brookton Mist

Don’t forget the Darley July Cup at Newmarket, Great Britain, where Scenic Blast is $2.25 favourite and Takeover Target is $7 in the early market.