Rockhampton Best Bets & Preview | November 27

Eight races are set for decision at Callaghan Park this afternoon, with the first to be run at 1:10pm local time. We're starting the meeting on a Soft 5, while the rail is out 3.5m the entire. Here's hoping we go on with the job after four winners at the last Rocky meeting.

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Race 1: 3YO Handicap (1050M)

Rinse and repeat from a fortnight ago here. Sunzora bolted in by 24L in his first trial (yes, 24L, don't believe everything you read on the internet [TAB App])... He backed that trial form up with a debut romp over this track and trip, finding the front and donkey-licking them. He can go on with the job at start two.

Race 2: Maiden Handicap (1500M)

It looks a pretty hateful race on paper, but I want to have something on Yorokobi. He started hard in the market on debut at Goulburn six weeks ago over 1100m but didn't beat a runner home. He had excuses there though, with the track too firm and pulling up with a slow recovery. The winner has since bolted in, franking the form. He now finds a track with cut out in weaker company and gets to 1500m which is what his breeding suggests he'll appreciate. With Butler on, you could have worse each way bets.

Race 3: Class 3 Plate (1050M)

This time two years ago I was backing Show Me Mercy to win the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas and any lead up race he was in, but then he had a long time off the scene and has somewhat gone off the boil. His first-up run was really pleasing, but he's yet to win this time in. He's very well placed in a race like this and looks hard to beat if he brings his best.

Race 4: Open Handicap (1100M)

The best horse in this field is Track Tale, and that's who I want to be with. She's a first-up jet and her bread and butter is this Rocky 1100m, so even with 60kg she looks hard to go past under Butler. Jump, lead, win.

Race 5: Class 5 (1400M)

There's no hiding the fact that I'm a bit of a sicko for Connewarre, but he always runs well here at Rocky and he's flying this prep, coming off two good fifths at Eagle Farm and a Dalby win three back. Provided the runs come at the right time from the inside alley, I expect him to be too good.

Race 6: Benchmark 55 (1100M)

The market says race in two between Flying Animo and Discovered Gold. I probably agree, with a slight lean to the latter, but I'm staying out.

Race 7: 0-55 (1300M)

I was hoping Santorini Summer would be a backable price, but I can't really get him this short, so letting this go through to the keeper too.

Race 8: Benchmark 55 (1600M)

It's a tricky way to end the day, but I can only see Jay Bee Ell (speaker) running well here. He was beaten narrowly last start over 1400m when closing hard from the back, being denied out of second by a muzzle hair to key rival Run Freda Run. He gets 0.5kg on her, while she goes from a low draw to a wide draw. JBL Speaker can settle closer now up to the mile and be hard to beat.

Living Breathing - R4 #2 Track Tale

Selections

Race 1: Senzora

Race 2: Yorokobi

Race 3: Show Me Mercy

Race 4: Track Tale

Race 5: Connewarre

Race 6: No Bet

Race 7: No Bet

Race 8: Jay Bee Ell