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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for January 8.
Australian thoroughbred TAB meetings are today held at Warwick Farm, Oakbank, Morninton, Ascot, Devonport Synthetic and Eagle Farm.
WARWICK FARM: RACE 2 @ 2:55 PM
RAILWAY MAN (3) was only clear over the concluding stages when resuming from a spell at Canterbury nearly 4 weeks ago and finished fourth. He is likely to be settled one off the fence this time and will have ample time to work into the clear to mount his challenge. Hard to beat this time. BELIEVE IN ANGELS (1) was bought out of NZ after winning 3 trials and made an encouraging debut at Wyong when finishing runner-up. He is bred to improve with more racing and from the pole position, he can go one better. OUR LITTLE STAR (5) finished sixth in the same race as the second pick when starting favourite and did not round off her effort as well as expected. Her connections will be hoping that the step up to 1200m will help and she is worth another chance. Follow your money. POMBIA (6) did not help herself by making a slow start last time out. She has a senior apprentice on board this time and with a better beginning, she can bounce straight back into the placings.
SELECTIONS: Railway Man to win.
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OAKBANK: RACE 2 @ 2:45 PM
TENTERK (1) resumes. Has found the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Looks to have come back in good order on the back of a close trial placing here in readiness. 2kg claimer reunites to get him in well at the weights. Leading player. SUPREME VALKYRIE (10) has been solid in her first two starts in town without threatening the winner. Should be hitting her straps now and is drawn to get the gun run. Big chance. SUMAMBISTARR (9) had the job ahead of her when turning for home when resuming here and did a good job to get going late to grab a minor prize. Drawn ugly but strips fitter and can give this a big shake. WADAANA (11) showed good tactical speed when returning at Strathalbyn but offered little in the lane. Better for the hit-out and wary of sharp improvement.
SELECTIONS: Tenterk to win.
MORNINGTON: RACE 2 @ 4:15 PM
TONKIN (10) resumes and looks the one to beat. She was heavily supported on debut at Bendigo off a very smart trial win and just missed on that occasion, beaten a nose as the $1.70 favourite. Expecting improvement this time around and she profiles a a likely winner. MR NUNEZ (4) is a colt by All Too Hard on debut for the Robbie Laing yard. He's been jumping out well, expecting a positive start. SIRENA (9) resumes having just found one better on debut at Pakenham Synthetic. Has claims. BOX OFFICE (1) ran well fresh behind a potentially handy one and will be fitter.
SELECTIONS: Tonkin to win.
ASCOT: RACE 1 @ 4:44 PM
DESERT WHISPER (2) set a strong clip in front when resuming here 18 days ago and faded late, finishing near the rear. Both of her career wins have been over this shorter trip and from the pole position, she will be very hard to peg back. On top at this level. ANOTHER LOVE (3) made all the running when winning her debut out of her class at Belmont and then was put aside after her next start there in a tougher field than what she meets here. She has had a tune-up trial and is expected to make a positive start to this prep. Hard to beat. NORTH FACE (1) has come back from his spell a lot stronger and broke through for a well-deserved maiden win at Bunbury 10 days ago over 1200m. He drops down to 1000m but has the winkers back on to help keep him sharp. Each way value. ZIPPY ZANY (7) did a lot wrong but was still too strong for her maiden rivals at Bunbury last time out. She cops a wide gate this time but can still figure in the top 3. Include in all combinations.
SELECTIONS: Desert Whisper to win.
DEVONPORT SYNTHETIC: RACE 8 @ 5:09 PM
The $125,000 Devonport Cup. CARTOON GRAVEYARD (5) spiked his figures when beaten just 1.3L in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas over a mile. Hard fit to run out the extra 280m and he tumbles 5kgs. He races forward and placed his only start here. Just has to hold the form to take beating. ASHY BOY (6) won this race last year and started as a short-priced favourite here second-up but disappointed. He's proven third-up and x2 winning rider Newitt is reunited. Gets the blinkers again and a much sharper effort is likely. KALIUWAA FALLS (3) won this track/trip at the back of his previous preparation and ran his best figure last start beaten 3L in the Tasmanian Guineas. Needs a good ride but hits this contest at peak and is an each-way hope. SWOOP DOG (2) just missed over 1800m at Longford in a return to form. He's won and placed twice in this race and looks primed to race well again. HYPE (1) would be some chance finding his best form.
SELECTIONS: Backing Cartoon Graveyard.
EAGLE FARM: RACE 5 @ 5:33 PM
DIABLO BOLT (2) couldn't have been more impressive saluting by a widening seven lengths when resuming and will have derived a stack of confidence from that dominant victory. Is two from two over this distance range and should get all the favours in running from the inside marble. Looks like the one they all have to run down. TEXAS FIREBALL (13) wasn't disgraced in Randwick Highway grade last time out and should find this assignment a touch easier. Ready to peak now fourth-up and can play a role in the outcome. ARTFUL GIRL (7) is a consistent conveyance who has hit the top four at her past eight outings. Has to be included in calculations. VAGUER (10) should be sitting right up on speed and will give backers a sight. MOSZUR (12) is next in line from the Vandyke barn.
SELECTIONS: Diablo Bolt to win again.
