3 minute read

Landlocked should enjoy the trip

SR 3: (7) LANDLOCKED - This stylish Zabeel gelding is ready to hit a peak at his third run of his current preparation, stepping up to the ideal distance of 1600m after excellent efforts over shorter distances since resuming from a lengthy enforced spell. He did himself no favours last start by racing too keenly over 1350m at Rosehill when ridden closer than expected to the lead and is certain to perform better if allowed to settle comfortably over this more suitable course and distance.

SR 7: (1) KANZAN - Expecting sharp improvement from the classy mare at her second run back from a spell with obvious improvement to come from her resuming effort over 1200m at Rosehill when she had a difficult run from a wide gate. She is well placed in this grade from her favourable draw and with her exceptional second up record of three wins and two placings from five starts it's easy to see her taking a big hand in this average affair on a course where she boasts winning form.

SR 8: (5) EGO'S DARE - Looks to be on the boil for a big showing, coming into this at his third run of his current prep after eye catching efforts in two classy Group races at Warwick Farm and Rosehill. He boasts strong winning form under similar conditions at Randwick and has a significant jockey switch with winning rider Hugh Bowman back in the saddle. The obvious pace in this sprint should set the race up nicely for him to produce his swooping finish.

ONES TO AVOID

SR 4: (2) UATE - Good youngster from last season attracts plenty of attention at his first run for five months. Carries the weight penalty for his 2yo form and despite two trials he may still be lacking the match practice to get over the top of a good field from an awkward barrier.

MR 2: (4) GALAH - Has missed all the hullabaloo of the carnival so far and won nicely first up at Warwick Farm. Looks a candidate for races like the Carbine Club and Sandown Guineas and can use this as the obvious lead up. All form is on wet tracks to date but not sure that is the only reason he's won. Because of the barrier and opposition, we think we'll get decent odds about the son of Redoute's Choice.

MR 3: (1) DOWAGER QUEEN - One of the first chances to judge the Flight Stks form of Streama who was brilliant in one of the highest rating editions of that race in recent times. This is staying filly on her way to the Oaks and dodging the Thousand Guineas looks a smart option. She has a good patient jockey on her on her way to the Flemington features.

ONES TO AVOID

MR 8: (9) DECEMBER DRAW - Let's roll the dice. Got to show some at certain times. No question he is in the best form of the runners in the race. But strangely there is a twist for a European bred stayer. He has never run beyond the mile and a quarter. He'll be on pace which has not be the in running method leaving aside Descarado last year. Could it be another All The Good year.

EAGLE FARM - tips by Wayne Bristow

BR 1: (1) SNIPZU - Would only have to run anywhere up to the Gimcrack run at Randwick to go mighty close here. Many 2yos this season have shown waywardness, which you might expect, but at least we've seen her run well and be tractable. She can go forward from the nice gate and race with distinction.

BR 2: (4) HIDDEN KISSES - Got all the way to the Queensland Oaks and ran well that day given the winner won easily. She won first up over a similar distance to this one, coming from the rear and probably likes a little give in the track which is possible here. Gets back but it's a long run in and they got home down the outside last week.

ONES TO AVOID

BR 7: (2) PROST - Comes off two good wins, the latter by 3½ lengths. Punters like that but here he suddenly goes from 54kg to 58kg but drops 100m in distance. Half brother to a G1 winner but the further he gets into a prep, he hasn't been at his flashest. Not knocking the horse, but this doesn't set up well.

AR 7: (1) CATAPULTED - Classy sprinter with a superb fresh-up record who is very well weighted here at this scale. It's probably not a fast race with only seven rivals and his best more than capable against this field with only Eagle Falls any class edge.

AR 8: (8) EXALTED BLONDE - Handy galloper who looks well placed here. Fitter for the two runs from a spell and drawn for a good run. Jockey is on a high and she went well last prep without winning races. Could be value.

ONES TO AVOID

AR 4: (9) SHOWABITOFHEART - Nice maiden winner last time and stable have an excellent record here so will be all the rage. But there is loads of pace in this and plenty of other chances. Suspect she'll be over bet