BEST BET – R1 #6 GEE TEE TEE
Always wary of betting early on these big days, but happy to go with Gee Tee Tee at Doomben as he will be on pace or leading here second-up off a break. He has the pace to use that middle draw and take up the lead or sit just off a hot tempo if they want to go silly in front. While he’s never won here at Doomben, he’s been right in the finish in two starts here, with a second and third at this track. He was luckless last time out when first-up, going down to Cardiff and Embrace Me. Before that he ran second at this track to Command’n’Conquer (now in Hong Kong) and he beat the flying Racecourse Road who ran in third. I feel this is an easier race and the cut out of the ground is no concern. He’s only missed a place once from six tries on soft going. Keen.
NEXT BEST – R3 #3 LOVE TAP
Very interested to see what Love Tap can produce here first-up. He was an eye-catcher last spring, culminating in tasting his first defeat at start five when running fourth at Group One level over 2000m. I thought he trialled well over the unsuitable 900m in preparation to kick off his Queensland campaign here over 1350m.He should lead from the nice draw with Nash Rawiller on board. If he’s anywhere near ready, I’m sure he’ll be way too good for this lot. Interesting that he’s nominated for both the Stradbroke and Q22, suggesting they are leaving the options open for his best distance this preparation. The slight query is that he’s back from injury so I hope we get a better price on raceday.
BEST EACH WAY – R5 #6 MAOTAI
Hot race and a huge step up for Maotai who comes into this off winning an Ipswich maiden. But it was the manner (and time) in which he knocked over that maiden victory that has me keen on his chances here. He nearly broke 34 seconds for the last 600m and looked to have plenty in reserve. Admittedly, not many horses go from a maiden to winning a G2 at their second start, but this son of Not A Single Doubt has real presence about him. If he jumps cleanly again here, he can lead and give them something to run down.