Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for March 17.
Australian thoroughbred Tab meetings are today held at Coonamble, Yarra Valley, Grafton, Gatton, Townsville and Geraldton.
COONAMBLE: RACE 1 @ 12:55 PM
HAMMOON SUMMER (7) signalled a win isn't far away with a solid finishing third at Dubbo when resuming. Has found a winnable race and has top Sydney rider on board. Hard to beat. SPORTS PAGE (5) hasn't done lot wrong and is fresh here since an even fourth over a mile at Warren in December. Sure to show up. CHARACTER WITNESS (4) has the chance to improve here on an even effort last start at Dubbo and could be placed. FAST 'N' EZY (1) has some hope and CAPITALIA (3) may place.
SELECTIONS: Hammoon Summer to win.
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YARRA VALLEY: RACE 2 @ 1:55 PM
CAPRICORN STAR (10) debuted in a Pakenham future stars series race over 1200m and wasn't beaten far by Rampant Lion. That form looks very strong for this and with natural improvement she should go close. CLEVER ILLUSION (5) has been around the mark of late and draws better than last start when hitting the line well at Wangaratta. The two runs prior read well for this. Good chance. JESSUP (1) has found it hard to break through with 9 minor placings from 11 starts, notching up another last start. Maps for every chance here and a win wouldn't surprise. TREV THE DRILLER (2) next best.
SELECTIONS: Capricorn Star to win.
GRAFTON: RACE 4 @ 3:00 PM
FRIEND IN NEED (10) placed in three runs from four starts and has been plagued by wide barriers of late. Resumed over an unsuitable trip when a plugging sixth over 1000m at Ballina on March 1. Look for her motoring late. BLING EMPIRE (9) had no luck from the wide draw second-up when a tiring eighth over 1600m at Wyong on February 22. Inside gate helps and can turn it around against this lot. GOLDEN COPPER (7) fitter after two runs back and desperate for this distance now. Showed speed from the wide draw when a close-up fourth over 1175m here on March 7. Inside gate helps and looks good value.
SELECTIONS: Siding with Friend In Need.
GATTON: RACE 4 @ 2:50 PM
VANCOUVER QUEEN (8) went forward when resuming last start over 1000m at Sunshine Coast Poly and held on well for third, beaten 1.5 lengths. Should be improved and blinkers go on. Nicely placed to play a pivotal role. FASTLING (6) returns after a spell of five months. Worth noting he filled a minor placing when returning from a spell last time in work. Strong chance to kick the campaign off on the right note. SUNIKI (7) scored at her most recent appearance, getting home by 3.5 lengths over 800m at Esk as favourite. That continued the good form this campaign, with two wins and two minor placings from six starts. Expect a bold showing. MR BROSE (4) is suited up to a distance where he owns a good record. Can be competitive.
SELECTIONS: Backing Vancouver Queen for a second-up win.
GERALDTON: RACE 5 @ 3:35 PM
BONDI'S FUTURE (3) won impressively here first-up and has held his own in town since that victory, finishing just 0.2L off the winner at Belmont last start. Hard to knock his form this campaign and he would just have to repeat his latest effort to be getting the job done here. CHARLIE JANE (5) stuck on well on the Pinjarra Scarpside course last time out, only beaten 1.5L. Was tried at this trip two back at Bunbury and the form out of that race has been superb. Wide draw is an issue but he's right in this if he's at his best. THE SLAP (1) will get back from the draw as per his usual pattern, but he has been running on well this campaign. Loves this track and out to this trip for the first time appears to suit. Can play a major role. TRADED CROWN (8) just missed at this track and trip last start and warrants plenty of respect. FUEL THE FRIAR (13) will find this tougher than recent efforts but should appreciate the rise in distance.
SELECTIONS: Backing Bondi's Future.
