Rockhampton Best Bets + Preview | October 9

Seven of the best out of Callaghan Park this afternoon, with a fairly strong betting card on our hands. We're starting the program on a Soft 5, with the rail out 0.5m the entire. Race 1 goes at 1:34pm AEST.

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Race 1: 3YO MAIDEN (1100M)

Viking Sun went super here two starts ago when second, before going just as well last time in a strong 3 & 4YO Handicap at Mackay. He comes back to maiden grade now, draws to sit off the speed and have the final shot at them. Provided the debutant from the Taylor yard isn't a jet, Viking Sun looks the one to beat.

Race 2: Class 3 Plate (1050M)

There looks good speed here, with a number of go-forward runners lining up, so I'm looking at two that can just drop in behind them and have cushy runs. One of those is the race favourite Kathy's Rose, who was a good last-start winner at Townsville. The other is newcomer to Central Queensland in Athletica who was Listed placed as a 2YO in just his second start. He's since had a preparation in the Northern Territory, and comes here off a 96-week break. His one public trial was likeable, so he could make his presence felt if he is fit enough first-up.

Race 3: BM65 (1200M)

Woodstock Rock is hard to catch for me, so I want to dodge him again, especially at the odds-on quote. Let's Dance Jandy is a winner here, and despite the outside barrier, Tilley should be able to find the one-one with a positive early ride. He comes out of a fast 1000m at Dalby second-up where he peaked late, so now third-up, out to 1200m and a senior jockey on, he should be hard to beat.

Race 4: 0-55 (1050M)

It looks a race in two, and that's what the market has identified too. Unfortunately for us, they've found the right one in Discovered Gold. Expect him to keep firming and Ruby Sevens to get out. Super Slick goes into exotics.

Race 5: Maiden (1100M)

Having something on two horses here again. Three Tees brings some of the better form lines from last prep, behind the likes of Addicted To Julia & Kai Mondo, while his tickover trial win was good enough to see him competitive in a race like this, especially after the 3kg claim. The other is Office Politics, who although was beaten by Ruby Sevens at Thangool last start, he had to carry a big weight and wasn;t suited over 800m. He could do something up to 1100m second-up off a decent break.

Race 6: BM65 (1600M)

Pepperdine looked back to his best last start at Mackay, leading and bolting in. He's a five-times winner here at Rocky, and although drawn wide, Wiggins will stamp him urgent and find the front. With a lot of out of form horses coming through bad races, he clearly looks the best winning chance on the program.

Race 7: BM55 (1300M)

Darling Clementine arrives here on the quick back-up after being beaten a lip six days ago here over 1200m. She jumped awkwardly there and then got off the fence in the straight only for the winner to slip up underneath here, so a better steer in the straight probably would have seen her win. I'm not overly keen, but she looks hardest to beat.

Living Breathing – R6 #1 Pepperdine

Selections

Race 1: Viking Sun

Race 2: Kathy's Rose & Athletica

Race 3: Let's Dance Jandy

Race 4: Discovered Gold

Race 5: Three Tees & Office Politics

Race 6: Pepperdine*

Race 7: Darling Clementine