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Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for February 08.
Australian thoroughbred Tab meetings are today held at Wyong, Wagga, Gatton, Wodonga and Pakenham.
WYONG: RACE 6 @ 4:20 PM
ART VOLANT (1) improving with racing and no excuses today from the good draw. Sat outside the lead when a fighting third over 1300m at Newcastle on January 27. Blinkers go on and has a distinct fitness edge over these. NETTLES (8) raced with mixed fortunes last time in and resumes from a five-month break. Held ground to the line when fifth over 1100m at Nowra on September 17. Should be forward enough following two recent trials. Finds a soft maiden to kick-off here. CROSS YOUR HEART (4) filly by Deep Field out a Snitzel mare on debut for the John O'Shea yard. Has shown enough in recent trials and will need a bit of luck from the wide gate. WEEPING WOMAN (10) showed good early speed on debut before folding up late when over 1000m at Kembla Grange on January 20. Strips fitter now and improvement expected.
SELECTIONS: Art Volant to win.
As a FREE Racing and Sports offer, below is the Wyong Computer Card.
WAGGA: RACE 1 @ 2:10 PM
ZONTAWAH (6) only warmed to his task late here on debut, coming from well back and making solid inroads to finish midfield. Sure to have come on with that run under his belt and should take plenty of beating. SHEZA SNAKE (7) performed well above market expectation last start at Benalla when beaten narrowly. The booking of Kayla Nisbet is a good push for her chances. Can run well again. ARCADIA POWER (1) never looked likely when resuming off a long break at Albury. The rise in trip on the short turnaround should suit. Much better run anticipated. DUSTY'S REWARD (2) has struggled to threaten of late but had produced efforts earlier in the prep that would see him be very competitive if he can replicate. Don't take lightly.
SELECTIONS: Backing Zontawah to win.
GATTON: RACE 4 @ 2:47 PM
THREE GONGS (7) finished third when resuming last start over 1200m at Ipswich and won his only other start in country NSW. Fitter with upside and should enjoy the longer trip so has strong claims. WEST CORK (5) pushed forward to lead last time and boxed on for a 1.2L third over 1680m at Ipswich. Has the pace to overcome the draw. Leading contender. DUE DILIGENCE (3) settled back and ran on last start but found one better over 1300m at Coffs Harbour, beaten only 1.2 lengths. The extra 100m should suit. ROCONONO (4) was prominent from the outset last start at the second run of the prep and finished less than 2L away over 1350m at Doomben. Proven third-up so can progress further.
SELECTIONS: Three Gongs has upside. Backing to win.
WODONGA: RACE 7 @ 5:00 PM
BIRDIES GALORE (4) missed 1.3L at Wangaratta first-up and then went back and was beaten a nose. She has more to give and is back a few steps in grade. Draws to advantage and Duffy replaces the 3kg apprentice. The one to beat over the longer sprint. LADY SHALAA (12) resumed in good order narrowly beaten at Hamilton. She is sharp second-up and also has more up her sleeve. Has had a tick-over trial and the winkers go on for the first time. LORD SUNDOWNER (1) was okay at Wangaratta and went close at Seymour prior. Loves this track and trip and the 2kg claim is handy in this grade. The awkward gate needs managing. SMART POPPY (13) has been around the mark and will settle back and come hard.
SELECTIONS: Backing Birdies Galore.
PAKENHAM: RACE 7 @ 8:45 PM
BAREFOOT TORA (8) was a stylish maiden winner here last start at very short odds. She ran 2nd to Group 1 winner Dunkel last time in over 1800m and with Lane sticking, she'll be very popular. MISSPOKE (11) has been sound in two runs back from a spell, placing in both, and should be ready to peak now up slightly in trip. In the mix. WEALDSTONE (16) can improve back in grade while HOLLANDIA (7) was better last time and will be hitting the line.
SELECTIONS: Barefoot Tora to win.