MEKKA WEDNESDAY BM 72 HANDICAP
RACE 6
(1600M) Whispered ($5) is rock-hard fit and ran-on well to finish a close second at Doomben last start. That form is good enough to win here. Two Smokin Barrels ($4.80) has won at this track and distance and can challenge third- up fit from the good draw. Zamzara ($7) beat home Two Smokin Barrels last start and the blinkers come off. Mahussey ($7.50) ran second at the Gold Coast last start after a five-week let-up and back out to the mile suits.
SELECTIONS
1 Whispered, 13 Two Smokin Barrels, 14 Zamzara, 12 Mahussey
RACE 7 XXXX DRY CLASS 6
(1200M)
Axe ($2) has been flying this preparation including a last-start second in the Eye Liner. Gets in well under set-weight conditions. Gee Tee Tee ($4.20) had supporters but only battled in the Hinkler last start. Can bounce back down in class from the good draw. Totally Charmed ($8) won both starts last preparation and comes in off two solid trials. Look for him late. The Fire Trap ($21) resumes and has had some early market support at a big price.
SELECTIONS
1 Axe, 5 Gee Tee Tee, 3 Totally Charmed, 8 The Fire Trap
RACE 8 TAB BENCHMARK 85 HANDICAP
(1350M)
Ziemba ($5.50) was in the photo for second with Roman Aureus ($2.50) last start and meets him 3kg better here. The early money suggests Roman Aureus is the one following that first-up second behind Desert Lord when held up in the straight. Ready To Humble ($12) comes out of that same formline and copped a wide trip so expect significant improvement. At Witz End ($10) is a last-start winner at Ipswich and brings solid some wet track credentials.
SELECTIONS
9 Ziemba, 4 Roman Aureus, 11 Ready To Humble, 7 At Witz End
RACE 9 ASCOT GREEN 3YO HANDICAP (1350M)
Hard to go past Kingston’s Here ($2.30) but no spoil the price. He had Mass Destruction’s measure last start at Eagle Farm and the extra trip looks ideal. Fleet Dove ($8.50) was doing her best work late in the Gai Waterhouse last start when only narrowly beaten. Better Than Best ($9) goes in front of Redoute’s Image with a 2kg weight swing and will be fitter third-up. Redoute’s Image ($4.20) is looking to bring up the hattrick so cannot be dismissed.
SELECTIONS
7 Kingston’s Here, 1 Fleet Dove, 8 Better Than Best, 2 Redoute’s Image