Coaches’ votes roll in

Top Ravine a draw

MACKAY Turf Club will be treated to a spectacle today as Group 2 Autumn classic placed Top Ravine lines up in the Caneland Central Miss Turf Girl Class 6 Plate over 1560m.

Also placing at Australian racing headquarters in Flemington, the Redoute’s Choice gelding was a mere two lengths off Godolphin-trained Tally in the early stages of his career.

The Shane Sigvart-trained Top Ravine will join an exclusive list of North Queensland winners with Group-race form and class, including Group 1 raced Ragazzo Del Corsa, ex HK Galloper Straight Gold and Our Boy Malachi, who went on to be one of the country’s premier sprinters.

Top Ravine has drawn the outside gate in a field of six, and shapes as the likely leader. The five-year-old will be well complimented by one of the best in the business in Justin Stanley.

Boomers feel the love

AUSTRALIA coach Andrej Lemanis says the Commonwealth Games squad is feeling the love from their Boomers brethren in the NBA.

The likes of Ben Simmons, Joe Ingles, Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova and Aron Baynes and the rest of Australia’s contingent in the NBA were unavailable for selection for the Gold Coast as the world’s best competition is approaching the playoffs.

Ingles sent a special message to the Boomers before the Commonwealth Games got under way.

“(Ingles) spoke about – not only wishing us luck – but how fortunate the group was to be able to play for their country on a stage like this and to enjoy the experience,’’ Lemanis said.