AU - Townsville - Race 9

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

OPEN

Turf

SOFT 5

25.2K

VIEW

Verdict

Open class to end the day and at least half a dozen win chances. SMART LEGEND (5) was runner-up fresh in a nice return then wasn't far away in town last time when eighth at Eagle Farm. This is easier and at top now. Gets a chance to atone. ASTRA STAR (8) has been knocking on the door for a while, the latest placing in the Lord Mayors Cup at Rocky. Unbeaten this course and distance and should run well. OUTSMARTED (10) has had four runs for the new yard and is racing well including a win here over 6f two back. Winning rider back aboard and with the light weight should enjoy a soft run. ARMOUR FORCE (4) was a winner in easier grade last time but won only try course and distance and expected to be very competitive. RUSSIAN MINT (6) is having first try this longer trip but great record here and will give a sight.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up held ground to the line 2nd of 8 at Cairns Hcp on March 26 over 6 ¼f, on rain affected going, nose behind Armour Force with 127lbs at $6. Last start second last of 9 at Eagle Farm Cl6-Sw on April 18 over 7f, 3.5 len behind Ten Deep with 132lbs at $31. Capable of a better showing. Drops back to country class and gets chance to bounce back. 1st Pick 5 Smart Legend Jockey: Sean Cormack Trainer: Stephen Massingham J: Sean Cormack T: Stephen Massingham	232	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up held ground to the line 2nd of 8 at Cairns Hcp on March 26 over 6 ¼f, on rain affected going, nose behind Armour Force with 127lbs at $6. Last start second last of 9 at Eagle Farm Cl6-Sw on April 18 over 7f, 3.5 len behind Ten Deep with 132lbs at $31. Capable of a better showing. Drops back to country class and gets chance to bounce back.
8	Most recently 3rd of 7 at Rockhampton Mayors Cup on April 12 over 6f, slow going 0.8 len behind Pride Of Venus with 121lbs at $3.40. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 11 at Gold Coast Cl6-Sw on March 14 over 7f, on a slow track, 3 len behind Castillian carrying 129lbs at $9.50. Unbeaten course and distance and overdue for a win. 2nd Pick 8 Astra Star Jockey: Chris Whiteley Trainer: Kris Hansen J: Chris Whiteley T: Kris Hansen	121	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Most recently 3rd of 7 at Rockhampton Mayors Cup on April 12 over 6f, slow going 0.8 len behind Pride Of Venus with 121lbs at $3.40. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 11 at Gold Coast Cl6-Sw on March 14 over 7f, on a slow track, 3 len behind Castillian carrying 129lbs at $9.50. Unbeaten course and distance and overdue for a win.
10	Most recently 5th of 7 at Mackay Hcp on May 1 over 6f, 3 len behind Parade Ground carrying 119lbs at $3.80. The start before that was well back until straightening, raced back then made ground from the turn, won by a long-neck at this track Bm70 April 14 over 6f defeating Rhegion with 133lbs at $12. Racing well for the new yard and winning rider back aboard. 3rd Pick 10 Outsmarted Jockey: Wanderson D'avila Trainer: Darby Amos J: Wanderson D'avila T: Darby Amos	93	-	-	-	8%	12/1
Analysis Most recently 5th of 7 at Mackay Hcp on May 1 over 6f, 3 len behind Parade Ground carrying 119lbs at $3.80. The start before that was well back until straightening, raced back then made ground from the turn, won by a long-neck at this track Bm70 April 14 over 6f defeating Rhegion with 133lbs at $12. Racing well for the new yard and winning rider back aboard.

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