Today's Horse Racing Preview

Welcome to our preview of today's runners around the country.

**🏇 Today's Runners: July 17, 2026**

**1:43pm – Race 4 – Doomben – Enterprise Private**

What a tremendous preparation he put together last campaign. For a relatively inexpensive purchase, he's been an absolute ATM for his owners and owes nobody a thing.

He resumes today after a decent spell over a trip that's close to his ideal, and while his first-up record is solid, these older stayers often improve sharply with a run under their belt. Add to that an awkward draw where he'll likely settle near the tail, and it makes life difficult.

I think I'm right in saying, "He's got a job in front of him bigger than teaching a cat to fetch," but hope begins at dawn and he is an old marvel, this bloke.

We'll be watching and cheering, but not rushing to the TAB.

Each-way confidence: 3/10

**3:25pm – Race 8 – Rosehill – Midnight Opal**

Another bargain buy who has already banked $488,000 in prizemoney, and today looks a great opportunity to push through the half-a-million-dollar mark.

He's one of those horses every owner loves—honest, genuine and he gives you everything he's got every time he steps onto the track. While he might be just a touch below his absolute peak, this race looks very suitable.

He's a bit like that old ute on the farm—it might have a few scratches and dents, but somehow it still gets the job done.

Each-way confidence: 6/10

**4:13pm – Race 8 – Doomben – Rising Pacific**

This bloke is a proper racehorse, having earned just shy of $400,000 already.

The key is the track. He absolutely loves firm ground, so conditions will play a huge role in his chances.

Back in Open Handicap grade, he drops into a race that looks much more suitable. If he gets his preferred surface, he shapes as a genuine winning chance and looks very hard to keep out of the placings.

As the old saying goes, "If the track stays firm, he'll be harder to hold out than a bloke shouting at the TV after three schooners."

Each-way confidence: 7/10

**🍻 Final Thoughts**

**Best Chance:** ⭐ Rising Pacific (7/10)

**Best Value:** 💰 Midnight Opal (6/10)

**The Watch-and-Cheer Runner:** 👏 Enterprise Private

Remember, there are only two certainties in racing: the photo finish will go longer when you've backed it... and your mate will always tell you he "was on it" after the race is over. Good luck everyone! 🍀🏇

Good luck to all the Connections, Jockeys, and Trainers.