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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for December 20.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Canterbury, Gatton, Oakbank, Lismore, Devonport Synthetic, Goulburn, Yarra Valley, Gold Coast and Cranbourne.
CANTERBURY: RACE 3 @ 7:00 PM
ICONIFY (5) specked in betting on debut when ran on late for a promising fourth over 1300m at Hawkesbury three weeks ago. Looks a progressive colt who will relish this extra trip from the middle draw. Hard to hold out. SHE REX (9) nice filly who's yet to draw a decent barrier in three runs. Covered ground on the speed when a tenacious third over 1250m here on November 29. Goes close if she can get across early without any trouble. CALIFORNIA BLUES (4) has fitness on his side and no excuses tonight on the quick back-up. Drifted back early and chipped away late when second over 1600m at Hawkesbury on December 8. Can race a little closer here and has genuine each-way prospects. CANTARITO (6) had excuses in two career runs and will appreciate the extra distance. Snagged back early and never in the contest when seventh over 1300m at Randwick Kensington on December 6. Look for her launching late.
SELECTIONS: Iconify to win.
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GATTON: RACE 1 @ 12:47 AM
LUCKY EXCHANGE (1) was not disgraced in a tougher field at Eagle Farm 6 days ago and won't lack fitness here. He has to lump 65kg but in this grade, as long as the track is not too wet, he will be right in the finish. BORN TO BE ALIVE (8) led for a long way at Ballina 10 days ago before being beaten by a short-head on a heavy track. Hard to beat. MADALSA (9) won't mind a heavy track after finishing runner-up at Ballina just over 3 weeks ago. Bubba Tilley keeps the faith and so do we. DECARBONISE (6) is heading the right way with his form and will relish the step up to a middle distance for the first time this prep. Each way.
SELECTIONS: Lucky Exchange to win.
OAKBANK: RACE 2 @ 2:40 PM
STECARA (12) has been super of late without breaking through. Put the writing on the wall last start when captured late after showing good early toe. Has fitness on her side and is the one to beat. TERRITORIAN (8) was an eye-catcher fresh at Balaklava, then again left himself too much to do last start when closing off nicely into the frame. Should be nearing his peak now and draws his best gate yet. Main danger. GARCON RENARD (7) only warmed to his task late on debut at Gawler. Blinkers go on to help him focus. Has a tricky draw to contest but is a likely improver. GLACIES HEART (10) is mixing her form but her best figures measure up. Worth keeping safe in exotics.
SELECTIONS: Stecara to win.
LISMORE: RACE 5 @ 3:34 PM
The original eighteen becomes six which makes this far easier for CORVALIST (1) who should control this race. Has led for the judge but been cut down late in his two runs this time in work, most recently missing in a photo over 1200m at Coffs Harbour. That followed a 44-day let-up so he strips fitter and will give backers a great sight. RUSTIC TZAR (4) did a bit wrong last time so his effort to finish second in a 1012m maiden at Ballina had merit. Cherry ripe now after two runs back from a spell and is worth following. RAINBOW LASS (12) showed ability in the maiden campaign, finishing just outside the placings on each occasion. Nicely in after the claim and is well placed to run boldly first-up from a 21-week spell. MONARCH EXPRESS (13) was friendless in betting but found the line impressively to grab fourth on debut over 1012m at Ballina recently. Suited by the small field and has plenty of natural improvement to come. Not keen on the chances of the other two runners.
SELECTIONS: Corvalist to lead all the way.
DEVONPORT SYNTHETIC: RACE 3 @ 3:38 PM
LIKEAKALIX (5) threatened both race starts before winning a Maiden here heavily bet. He maps for a soft run and should appreciate the step up in trip. Fitter he can take the next step. TUSKEGEE (12) is busting to win and there was only a whisker in it here last time. He draws wide but the longer distance is likely to suit and he gets in well with the 3kg claim. CORSA VELOCE (9) has been mixing trips but is hard-fit and will be better at the mile. Has a wide barrier to manage but the 2kg claim is handy. MOORLANDS MISS (10) brings a first-up Maiden win on the turf and went well here prior on debut. Fitter and keep onside.
SELECTIONS: Sticking with Likeakalix.
GOULBURN: RACE 4 @ 4:00 PM
MISS PIERA (5) showed plenty early doors and resumed well-supported at Newcastle without luck. JVO replaces the 3kg apprentice and the Baker yard is flying. She sets a decent standard at best. SHH BOOM (6) debuts and owns an easy Albury trial win. She looks set to race well. HOT LUCI (7) and QUEEN OF THORNS (9) are debutants in a top Sydney stable. Both have been well-trialled and the betting will also be key with them. LADIE'S SECRET (8) resumes in easier and the well-bred filly will have taken natural improvement. The in-form Day rides and she has to be kept very safe.
SELECTIONS: Backing Miss Piera.
YARRA VALLEY: RACE 8 @ 5:30 PM
TREVENSON (3) has only had the five starts for a win and three minors with the 'worst' finish to date his last-start fourth placing. That was in a Class 1 at Moonee Valley, though, and although beaten more than 5.5 lengths that day, he will find this much more to his liking. TARZI CALLING (2) has been up for a long time and has been a regular in races of this class and gets the draw to give him every chance, especially after the 2kg for Logan Bates.AEECEE SUPREME (9) resumed with an encouraging run but being yet to place in 8 starts on good ground is a worry. AIRCLASH (4) is another who will be better for a good return outing.
SELECTIONS: Trevenson to win.
GOLD COAST: RACE 1 @ 5:08 PM
JUNGLE JET (1) was a touch disappointing last time out but go on the whopping 15-length victory over this distance range two back. Drawn to get all the favours for Jones from the inside alley and a bounce back to form would not surprise. The well-related NOCTILUCENT (2) (half to G3 winner Dracarys) shed the maiden tag here at the latest effort and is sure to have derived a stack of confidence from that victory. Winning hoop Lerena sticks in the saddle and should be going very close again. LASQUETI BOOM (10) also hails from a handy family (half to G1 winner Lasqueti Spirit) and will strip fitter third-up from the spell. Gets Melbourne Cup-winning rider Dolan on board and rates a genuine top-three candidate on best form. FORT DENISON (4) has been racing consistently of late and looks ready for the 2200m now. In the mix. NICODEMUS (8) next in line in a wide-open affair.
SELECTIONS: Jungle Jet to return to the winners' stall.
CRANBOURNE: RACE 3 @ 7:15 PM
EGERTON (6) has just found one better at both starts to date, starting favourite at Caulfield Heath last time out when second to Yes Lulu, who won the 3 & 4yo Magic Millions race on Saturday. That form looks very good. PICK 'N' MIX (11) is a filly by Turn Me Loose on debut for the McEvoy yard who looked good winning a recent Ballarat trial by a good margin. She draws well and looks set for a big debut. HIGHFALUTIN (1) three-year-old colt stepping out for the first time. Place claims with the blinkers on. LONDON JEWEL (10) is also on debut for the top stable. Watch for any major market moves.
SELECTIONS: Egerton to win.