Race-by-race preview and tips for Coffs Harbour on Friday

3 months ago 11

By John Schell

July 31, 2025 — 4.24pm

Selections based on a soft track.

Race 1

7. Star Ambition had won two trials in good style before resuming from a spell with a dominant win at Grafton during the carnival. He jumped well and took up a forward position in that event and raced clear to score impressively. A repeat of that would have him winning again. 3. Buck Pharoah was back in winning form when scoring at Port Macquarie two starts ago. He failed to fire at Grafton when last produced but can improve on that here. 1. Markwell Dreamer comes into this on the back of a last-start placing at Dubbo and warrants respect, while 4. Zoom Outcome is a last-start Taree winner that is capable on his day.
How to play it: Star Ambition to win.

Racing returns to Coffs Harbour on Friday.

Race 2

2. Impending Fortune has only had three starts and finished second in the past two of them at Muswellbrook and Moree. He’s drawn well here and should get the run of the race. 3. Piedi Veloci finished second at this track two starts ago and was fourth in his three runs either side of that. 4. Beautiful Jo has been midfield in both runs since resuming and can get into the minor money. 13. Ol’ Mate Coop has been placed in four out of five starts and looms as one of the chances.
How to play it: Impending Fortune to win.

Race 3

1. Barazin has had two Queensland runs since resuming from a spell and while unplaced in each of them, he hasn’t been disgraced. He is suited by the step up in distance here and has the class to take plenty of beating. 4. Twigman was a Gold Coast winner in June and comes into this after a last-start fourth at Eagle Farm. Aaron Bullock takes the ride here. 7. Cenotes was safely held at Grafton last time out, but has the ability at his best to make an impact. 6. Sherriff Cody has been placed in his past two Grafton starts and has claims.
How to play it: Barazin to win.

Race 4

12. Head Of The River is a filly on debut after three trials. She’s drawn ideally here and has shown enough ability to be difficult to hold out. 13. Mrs Goldberg is another filly having her first start in this. She won her only trial at Deagon and has a form trainer and jockey. 10. Jasira battled on well for a second at Muswellbrook last weekend and warrants respect on that effort. 7. Morebar was midfield in his only trial and could run well on debut.
How to play it: Head Of The River to win.

Race 5

2. Point Out was placed at Tamworth before a last-start fourth at Grafton when not too far from the winner. He can make an impact in this company. 4. Yalla was a Grafton winner in May and wasn’t beaten at the Gold Coast last time out after leading. 11. Dupont has been racing well with a couple of recent second placings, while 7. Two Aye is handy at best but still needs to lift on her latest effort to be a factor in this.
How to play it: Point Out to win.

Race 6

9. Sammy Conquers All relished a drop in grade to score a strong win at this track two starts ago. He backed that up with another strong victory on the Kensington track at Randwick. He’s drawn wide here, but has the talent to overcome that. 3. Two Ya Got has been placed in two in a row at the Gold Coast since scoring at that track and bears close watching again. 5. Slippin’ Jimmy is a last-start Mackay placegetter from a good stable. 6. Bring Me Kash was midfield at Grafton in the Kirby and is worth thought on that effort.
How to play it: Sammy Conquers All to win.

Race 7

5. Time Quest was down the track in the Big Dance in November and then sent for a spell. He’s had two runs since resuming for a sound seventh in the Civic Stakes and an 11th at Randwick against handy opposition. He looks set to peak now and this looks within his grasp. 6. Zouatica finished second at Rosehill before a last-start fifth in the Narrandera Cup. He’s handy at best and has the advantage of gate one. 1. Sibaaq followed up some good Brisbane form with a close-up last start placing in the South Grafton Cup. 4. The Three Hundred won the Winx Guineas when last produced and should give a bold sight in front.
How to play it: Time Quest each way.

Race 8

7. Wild Sensation maintained his consistent record when following a second at Nowra two starts ago with a strong victory at Scone at his latest start. He can go on with the job in his current mood. 8. Beebee broke his maiden in good style at this track when last produced. This is tougher but he shouldn’t be underestimated. 14. Wahine Galaxy was placed at the Gold Coast last time out and looms as a contender, while 12. Shore To Happen has shown enough to be rated a chance.
How to play it: Wild Sensation to win.