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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for July 18.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Cairns, Kembla Grange, Pakenham Synthetic, Northam and Grafton.
GRAFTON: RACE 7 @ 4:05 PM
DENY KNOWLEDGE (3) is weighted terrifically for this and has turned in some strong performances this campaign against some talented types. Gets a key jockey booking in Blake Shinn who has been in red-hot form. Expect him to take the mare forward from the wide alley and prove very hard to reel in. SPIRIT RIDGE (1) is a grand old horse who rarely puts in anything but his best. Deservedly carries the top weight and you can bet he'll be making his presence heavily felt again. The 60.5kg could just prove telling late. TOURISTIC (7) was an eye-catcher last start in the LR W J McKell Cup at Rosehill over 2000m. The winkers come off for the visors and he looks like he'll eat up the extra trip. Gets the chance to settle closer from the better draw and is among the main chances. LUNCIES (2) disappointed as favourite last start but is one of the few that has proven himself over this distance. Talented type on his day and must be considered. BONNY EZRA (5) next best.
SELECTIONS: Deny Knowledge to win. Saving on Luncies.
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CAIRNS: RACE 6 @ 2:22 PM
SUPER TWENTY THREE (5) was a beaten favourite fresh up at Townsville but did travel 4 wide throughout that day and understandably struggled to run home. He then ran on late there for second 11 days ago from a wide draw and after landing a superior gate third up in this, he is ready to win. BLOOMIN' RIPPER (7) has been in good form on the picnic circuit and let down nicely to score at Oak Park 12 days ago. She has been placed on this track in the past and won't mind an extra 250 metres to travel this time. Stick with her. Can win. BRADSHAW (6) only got going late when resuming at Townsville 11 days ago and she did improve with racing during her initial prep. She strips fitter and can figure in the finish this time. AMMAND (1) loomed up before the final turn last start and then peaked on his effort before finishing well back without being punched by his jockey. That was his first hit-out in 6 weeks so he should be a lot sharper this time. He drops down in class. Each-way value.
SELECTIONS: Super Twenty Three to win.
KEMBLA GRANGE: RACE 6 @ 3:10 PM
FRENCH MARINE (9) comes out of a strong race after sitting on the speed before fading late to finish fourth over 1250m at Canterbury on July 3 in BM72 class. Senior rider engaged and will relish this easier contest from the good gate. RAHNI FACTOR (5) has a good record over this track and trip and back in class after struggling when eighth over 1100m at Canterbury on the heavy (9) track on July 3. Worth another chance with the claim on the improving track. HEADSTOCK (10) resumed in good order two back with a solid fourth here, before failing to get into the contest when ninth over 1300m at this track on June 20. Drops 2.5kg from the good gate. Has genuine each-way claims. ALL MACHIAVELLIAN (7) saves his best for his home track and back in trip from a better gate. Snagged back to last from the wide draw when a plugging sixth over 1400m at Newcastle two-and-a-half weeks ago. Expecting more today and go on his win three back when assessing his prospects.
SELECTIONS: French Marine to win.
PAKENHAM SYNTHETIC: RACE 7 @ 3:30 PM
CABLE DANCER (1) looks nicely placed in this. He's placed at his past two starts, good in a much stronger BM78 at Mornington two back before finishing within a length of the winner at Ballarat Synthetic last time out. Drops in grade again for this and rates highly from an ideal draw. STATE SQUAD (2) presents third-up having run fourth in both runs back from a spell. He stepped sharply up to this track and trip last time and should be fitter now. MODERNISSIMO (3) is going well without winning. He could improve on firmer footing and has an each-way chance. SAVEADATEFORME (5) has been racing well and is in the mix from the inside gate. MYSTIC HIGH (11) next best.
SELECTIONS: Cable Dancer to win.
NORTHAM: RACE 4 @ 3:52 PM
FOXY RASCAL (3) rattled home from the rear on resumption to be just 0.7L away over 1200m at Bunbury. The slight rise in trip looks to suit, as does the softer barrier, allowing him to sit closer in the run. Returned in good order and can go on with the job now. WESTERN POWER (2) has had a few turns now but did trial well leading into this. Pike hops in the saddle with the Blinkers off and ear muffs on. Drawn to hold a position and it wouldn't surprise to see him come out on top. MEDIA DEAL (6) jumped a 20-1 chance on debut over this course and distance and caught the eye when running on strongly at the finish. Suspect he may end up back in the ruck once more, but if he has improved off the debut effort he'll take plenty of holding out. COUNTESS OF KENNA (12) was solid over the sprint trip first-up and can improve now out in distance. QUEENSLAND DIESEL (1) just missed here 45 days ago on resumption and has to be included.
SELECTIONS: Backing Foxy Rascal.
