Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for July 17.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meeting are today held at Kembla Grange, Grafton, Cranbourne, Ipswich and Bunbury.
KEMBLA GRANGE: RACE 2 @ 12:40 PM
ZELJKO (8) stepped up to the mile and was ridden closer to the speed last start at Hawkesbury but found one better. Expect that run, the second of the prep, to top him off beautifully for this. VALENTIAGO (9) lined up for only the third time when beaten just over a length in a 1350m Wyong maiden recently. By Dundeel so getting to this distance for the first time should see further improvement. WA WA WA (5) is on trial at this trip but his two efforts this campaign have been encouraging, the latest over 1300m at Hawkesbury where he worked through the line nicely. Should give a good account. MAMA JOY (6) was safely held first-up over 1350m at Wyong. Lightly raced filly who will take a lot from that run and can do better out to this distance. AUTUMN HEIR (1) caught the eye late at Moruya last start. Top four chance with a similar effort today.
SELECTIONS: Zeljko is ready to win.
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GRAFTON: RACE 7 @ 4:05 PM
BEAR ON THE LOOSE (5) comes here in peak condition and won't find a Half Yours in this field. Stalked the speed and given every chance when no match for the classy Half Yours to run second over 2400m in the LR Caloundra City Cup at the Sunshine Coast. Will take control early and could prove hard to run down. QUIETNESS (7) both Australian runs have been excellent and worth noting he's undefeated in two starts over this trip. Held a forward position when a gritty second over 2100m in the LR Tattersall's Gold Crown at Eagle Farm. Can slide across from the gate and figure prominently. ZOOLOGY (8) stretches out to 2350m for the first time from the inside gate. Has further improvement to come after putting away a good field over 2000m at Doomben. Looks ready for this stiffer test. Keep safe. BELVEDERE BOYS (1) has a sense of timing third up with Shinn booked. Gives every indication of running the trip after powering late when second over 2000m at Rosehill in the LR McKell Cup. Respect.
SELECTIONS: Bear On The Loose to take stopping.
CRANBOURNE: RACE 2 @ 1:30 PM
Tricky with debutants engaged from leading stables. GENTLE STEEL (5) has race fitness. Won a trial before being well supported at Sale on debut, beaten 1.9L on a heavy 8. The track may not be so deep today and she's worth another chance. Expect debutants to feature. The debutant AFTERBERNA (13) is in the premier yard and Jamie Melham is a key jockey booking. Has been well prepared and a bold run is anticipated. BINGI (10) debuts for a sharp stable and has looked good in the lead-ups. Ben Melham is engaged and that's a decent push for his chances. Maps for a soft run. WEIGHTLESS (9) is well seasoned and forgiving her latest, isn't without claims.
SELECTIONS: Gentle Steel has the race fitness/experience.
IPSWICH: RACE 4 @ 2:17 PM
TRUMP CARD (5) has gotten better with each run this time in and looks to be building up to another victory. Has placed two from two around this circuit and is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley. Should be right there when the judge calls a halt. METCALFE (7) has a win and a placing from three spins around this circuit and will be cherry-ripe now fifth run from the break. Include in calculations. DEMARCAY (1) had been plying his trade in harder NSW contests before just missing the placings over this track and trip last time out. Top-three credentials. The well-related BETTER DRAW (6) (half to 2xNZ G1 winner Madison County) was a touch disappointing at the latest effort but go on the solid Gold Coast win two back. Worth another chance. PROCLAIMER (8) is a last-start winner who shouldn't be slept on.
SELECTIONS: Trump Card to get a well-deserved victory.
BUNBURY AW: RACE 2 @ 4:27 PM
Tricky. BELLA VIOLETTA (6) found one much too good first-up. She showed enough her first preparation on dry tracks to suggest this is winnable. Draws well and a leading hoop stays aboard. AMAMUS (2) resumed at Northam and needed it. Has the blinkers on for the first time and the step up in distance suits. His best would have him in the finish. SWIFT STREAKER (1) improved sharply at Northam second-up. He sped along under a 3kg apprentice and was caught late. Has a senior rider aboard today and can be ridden more economically. Has claims on the quick return. DISCO KICKS (4) stepped up to 1800m here last time and folded up from the speed. Likely had an excuse and brought threatening form to that. Better suited back to this trip and the blinkers are on again.
SELECTIONS: Leaning to Bella Violetta.
