Doomben Best Bets & Preview | April 22

The carnival is right on our doorstep now, and there's a few likely types stepping out at the races on Wednesday for what will be an eight-race card at Doomben. The rail goes out 9.5m for the entire circumference, while the track is rated a Soft 5. The 2YOs kick off the meeting at 12:33pm.

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Race 1: 2YO Handicap (1110M)

The opening price for Dolly Boom would have been juicy, but that didn't last long as she was hammered into $1.65 as of Tuesday afternoon. She produced an eye-catching debut in the Magic Millions Debut when third behind Toorak Jewel and Blue Diamond runner Lady Moscato, while beating home subsequent Percy Sykes winner Cherry Bomshell. She's won her trial ahead of her second prep and looks to get the right run from gate four. Expect a little drift, so wait if you're backing her.

Race 2: Maiden Plate (1650M)

Big Tech ran an okay race here four weeks ago behind Koolibah who franked the form by winning at Rosehill in a hand canter, before he was held up in the straight at Ipswich last start when back to the mile. He now stays at 1650m, and while he has drawn wide, there's not much speed, so he can slide forward and slot in under Maloney, putting him within striking distance.

Race 3: Maiden Handicap (1350M)

Kris Lees and talented apprentice Benjamin Osmond combine with Woodrow who looks primed to break his duck at start six after two good seconds here over 1200m this time in. First-up, he was beaten by Saint Aldwyn who won again subsequently, while second-up he was narrowly denied by Chantilly who looks talented. He now gets to 1350m third-up and maps to get a gun trail, which should see him prove too good.

Race 4: Benchmark 68 (2060M)

I thought this is anyone's race, so I could easily have a small ticket on Watermelon who gets the services of Ben Thompson. He races consistently well and will have no issues running the 2060m, especially with only 58.5kg on his back. He had a tough run on speed last time out at the Gold Coast last but stuck on gamely, so with less pressure in this, he could prove a knockout hope.

Race 5: Benchmark 68 (2050M)

Hopefully Watermelon wins the prior race and upgrades the form of Mosamour who won that race on the Gold Coast stylishly. The Waller-trained 4YO settled last and won by 1.4L pulling away, which is no easy feat at the Goldy, and now she drops 2kg from that effort. She'll settle much closer here from the inside alley under Thompson and should prove too good again.

Race 6: Fillies & Mares Class 1 (1350M)

On debut, Hidden Future was beaten by Ready For Aimee who started $5 against Fabulantes last start and was only nailed late which is good form for this. She then went to Ipswich and won her maiden at start two over this trip and then was tested in the City To Surf before a break. Her two trials have been solid, so I'm happy to side with her at big odds under McMurray in a race like this.

Race 7: Colts, Geldings & Entires Class 1 (1350M)

Staying out here; there looks a stack of hopes.

Race 8: Benchmark 68 (1200M)

Superhero was going great guns earlier in the prep before having cardiac arrythmia two back. He then went to a Saturday BM70 and wasn't disgraced behind Glass Of Rose and subsequent winner Ten Deep. He comes back to the midweeks, and comes back to 1200m which might be more his go. If his best rocks up, he's in this up to his eyeballs.

Living Breathing - R3 Woodrow

Selections

Race 1: Dolly Boom

Race 2: Big Tech

Race 3: Woodrow

Race 4: Watermelon

Race 5: Mosamour

Race 6: Hidden Future

Race 7: No Bet

Race 8: Superhero