Best bet | Race 7 #13 Merimee

Merimee looks well placed to win this mile race despite the wide gate. She will get back from the barrier, allowed to find her rhythm before getting to the outside and storming home at the business end. She races well at this track, with two wins from five starts here and her only run at the mile was a second behind the classy Gypsy Goddess. A repeat of that should see her having too much class for this lot. She’s had a tick over trial since running second at this track behind Hachet first-up. She should be fit enough and winning.

Next best | Race 8 #2 Sir Rocket

Had no luck at a vital stage last start when beaten just over a length behind Snowzone. This is a much easier assignment and while he does rises significantly in weight, it’s clear he’s going particular well this campaign under his new trainer Rob Heathcote. His run first up was also a cracker in the Ramornie behind the airborne Ranges. From barrier two he should get tucked away on the fence and it’ll be a matter of the gaps opening for jockey Tegan Harrison. While his record at Doomben looks poor on paper, he’s ran well a number of times here without finishing in the top three.

Best each-way | Race 3 #5 Plenty

Now trained out of Rockhampton with Adrian Coome, this 7yo has produced a series of solid runs this campaign. They’ve all been in the country at Rockhampton, Townsville and Mackay, but they’ve suggested he’s ready to head back to town and be competitive. His run last start at Townsville was in a quality event, and his finish had to be seen to be believed. He rocketed home from last to finish third, and in another 20m would’ve won the race. From two runs at Doomben, he’s never had an impact, but they were both at the end of a preparation. Jim Byrne hops aboard and from a gate gate I’d be surprised if he doesn’t run top three at a good each way price.