DOOMBEN PREVIEW with Chris Scholtz – May 18

Best Bets and selections from CHRIS SCHOLTZ for all races on the Doomben Ten Thousand program in Brisbane on May 18.

Best Bets

RACE 2 – (9) WEIGALL TIGER: It didn’t work out as expected for this smart improver when he resumed as a well fancied favourite over 1300m at Eagle Farm but there was still a lot of merit in his effort to finish third in a quality 3YO field. Easy winner when second up in his last prep and dropping into a BM78 with a claim Brisbane’s leading apprentice is a good fit. Maps to enjoy a soft run behind the pace.

RACE 8 – (1) I WISH I WIN: Elite sprinter with a super record in G1 events from 1000m to 1600m. Should have won the TJ Smith (1200m) at Randwick on April 6 when having his first start since his luckless second in The Everest over the same course in the spring. Clearly races best when fresh and rates to win off those performances.

For Value

Race 7 – (11) XTRAVAGANT STAR: Showed her class when she came north last month to win over this course and distance under 59.5kg before switching back to NSW for a creditable fifth in the Listed Hawkesbury Rush where she was severely disadvantaged racing in the poor ground on the rail. Meets the Rush winner Parisal on 4.5kg better terms and can exploit her 7kg weight advantage over her per distance (four wins) on a heavy track.

Selections

RACE 1: (6) RISING PACIFIC; (14) Sunset Soiree; (12) Starzam; (9) Tenzing

RACE 2: (9) WEIGALL TIGER; (2) Sunfall; (7) Warby; (6) Space Tracker

RACE 3: (6) GOLDEN DECADE; (5) Razors; (10) McHale; (2) The Instructor

RACE 4: (2) SPIRIT RIDGE; (6) Deny Knowledge; (1) Knights Order; (5) New Endeavour

RACE 5: (11) GRINGOTTS; (4) Territory Express; (12) Sneak Preview; (6) Knight’s Choice

RACE 6: (5) ANGEL CAPITAL; (3) Bittersweet; (11) El Morzillo; (12) Rich Dottie

RACE 7: (11) XTRAVAGANT STAR; (1) Parisal; (5) Chinny Boom; (18) Blue Spinel

RACE 8: (1) I WISH I WIN; (7) Espiona; (6) Chain Of Lightning; (5) Bella Nipotina

RACE 9: (15) AUTUMN ANGEL; (3) Tannhauser; (8) Port Lockroy; (4) Gold Bullion

Why They Can Win….

RACE 1 – (6) RISING PACIFIC: Prep has been timed to peak. Course and distance winner suited from good draw with in form rider.

RACE 3 – (6) GOLDEN DECADE: Proven wet tracker with strong course and distance credentials. Can improve off his classy first-up win.

RACE 4 – (2) SPIRIT RIDGE: Well placed to improve off good first-up effort in the Wagga Cup. This is no harder.

RACE 5 – (11) GRINGOTTS: Brings winning form that has him ready for black type success. Weight advantage over main rival is a big factor.

RACE 6 – (5) ANGEL CAPITAL: Impressive debut, displaying a classy turn of foot. Appeals as a big improver.

RACE 9 – (15) AUTUMN ANGEL: Oaks winner rates to beat the colts under the set weights scale.