First thing that has to be mentioned is the tight nature of the Gold Coast track - very few runners can win from outside the first half dozen barriers, certainly over 1000-1200.

For a map of the track click here: http://www.ozeform.com/site/racing_info/trackMapsResults.aspx?trackName=Gold%20Coast&State=QLD

However, when there is a 2YO who is simply a class above their rivals, they are very difficult to beat anyway.

In the 2YO race, I think Pulsator can win. Last start his saddle slipped - which makes it pretty much impossible to win, as the weight is carried on the neck, not the back. His win in the Strawberry Hill Slipper was the best individual 2YO performance I have seen this year outside I Got Chills. By Show A Heart, who swam, so should be able to handle wet ground.

However, he is not my recommended bet.

I would be backing Super Savings for the place. Winning on debut in September, he came to Melbourne and was flattened at the start in the Maribyrnong before finishing well to finish 5th. In the Strawberry Hill he was disappointing, but I think he is better than that. From barrier five, is a good place bet at about $3-$4.

In the 3YO Fashions Afield will win. I hope you got that $2.40 while it lasted.

R1 - MM Maiden Plate.

Ordinary provincial maiden, except it is worth 100K. If you must have a bet, back Rasmussen the first emergency. Beaten a lip at first start at Eagle Farm and freshened for this. Trained by Gillian Heinrich, who we will come back to later.

R2 - If the track is slow or worse (quite possible), lay Raelene.

R3 - "Stayers" Cup. An 1800m race is not a stayers race. Back Grand Lover the place - shocking field. Havana Wind should be too strong for them - but if it's wet, well. Spinning World's aren't known to appreciate moisture.

R4 - I will say nothing but this. I hope none of my readers would have such contempt for their money that they would back Little Chloe. Ever. In 19 starts, has started longer than 10-1 on three occasions. She has won the grand total of 1 race. Eventually you would think people would get the message that she isn't any good.

R5 - 3YO Magic Millions. As above.

R6 - Cool Front is a good honest horse and from barrier two will be very hard to beat. $4.40 on TAB Fixed Odds isn't a bad price.

R7 - 2YO Magic Millions. As above.

R8 - All Bar One. When he's good, he's great, when he's bad, he's awful. Over the 1000m here he will be very hard to catch. Bold front runner, so if there is a speed battle he could get in trouble. That said, does any other horse in the race look like they could beat a genuine group horse in Strikeline by 6 lengths, entirely on her merits (I know, I was on her).

Sandown

Pretty disappointing card with only 58 acceptors for the 8 races. Only one really worth backing.

R7, no.2: Leveller

Ryan cost her the race last week by conceding the lead to Expensively. Gets 1.5 Kg on her for being beaten a tick over a length. Nikolic on. Should be hitting peak fitness third run in.

Best of luck punters.