GOLD COAST WRAP WITH UBET’S NICOLE THOMAS

WINNERS ■ Granola State (Race 2)

Granola State got a serious case of the blows and drifted from $5.50 to $16. One punter was supremely confident, locking in $2200 at $8. Despite the betting drift, it was a markedly improved effort compared to his last run. He raced three wide without cover for the entire trip and still won.

■ Rhyme Nor Rhythm (Race 8)

The money was spot on in the last race when Rhyme Nor Rhythm got the job done in fine style. Punters steamed into the $6, shortening him to $3.40 in the biggest plunge of the day. He settled third, popped off the fence and easily put paid to his opposition.

LOSERS

■ Brinkmanship (Race 1)

Punters’ hopes were high with Brinkmanship in the first as the two-year-old was the anchor to a string of multis at $1.70 (backed in from even money). He led early, got taken on, copped a bump and weakened right out of it to finish last. Trainer Helen Page will assess his recovery and then make a decision on his preparation.

■ Birdy O’Reilly (Race 3)

It was a graveyard for favourites at the Coast and Birdy O’Reilly was one of the most brutal beats for punters. Investors who took the $1.80 about the first starter watched on in horror as she was hard-ridden early and never looked likely.

NEXT TIME ■ Foxy Affair (Race 2)

It was a hard-luck story again for Foxy Affair at his second race start. His price reached as high as $9 before a truckload of punters jumped on and he started $6. The promising gelding jumped awkwardly, had nowhere to go in the straight and couldn’t be ridden out. Definitely follow.

■ Sweet Caviar (Race 3)

Despite Sweet Caviar blowing from $3.80 to $4.80, plenty of punters took the $5 offered early. Her chances were dashed when she missed the start and came out lengths behind the rest. She railed up well, still came fifth and deserves another chance.

■ Round Mountain Gem (Race 4)

There was no shortage of money for the mare, shortening from $11 to $7. She got posted four wide facing the breeze and stuck on well for third. It was a huge run in a race where they clocked a fast time.