3 minute read
Racing returns to Eagle Farm this week for a quality 10-race card. Unfortunately, the wet weather that saw the abandonment of both of Queensland’s metropolitan meetings last week has returned and a rain-affected track looks inevitable.
For more racing and sports previews, visit the Ladbrokes Blog.
We've provided our thoughts on each race to help you find a winner.
RACE 1 - 12:33PM: Benchmark 70 Handicap (1000 METRES)
Xtra Gear (11) ventures north for Joseph Ible following a solid effort in a stronger race at Rosehill.
The five-year-old mare raced on speed over 1100m and fought bravely to finish 1.5 lengths third.
That race has proven to be a good form reference with the winner Gold Revolver subsequently winning on the Kensington track and the fourth placegetter Tellez romping in at Doomben on Wednesday.
Given that she is five weeks between runs, she's had a tick over trial which she won by 8.3 lengths.
Robbie Dolan can use her natural speed to lead or settle handy from the inside barrier.
1 Unit – Xtra Gear (11)
RACE 2 - 1:08PM: QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap (1200 METRES)
Pareto (10) lines up to make his debut following an impressive trial at Doomben over 840m.
The David McColm-trained Pierata gelding showed electric speed to lead all the way for a 4.8 length win in good time.
Unfortunately, he comes up with a wide gate, but he has the early speed to cross for Kyle Wilson-Taylor.
1 Unit – Pareto (10)
RACE 3 - 1:43PM: Class 3 Plate (1820 METRES)
Thesecondatportsea (7) has come back this preparation in fine style.
The Jack Bruce-trained daughter of Churchill won by a neck first-up over 1350m at Doomben before storming home to win over 1600m here two starts back.
She drew wide last start over the Eagle Farm mile, and it proved costly as she was forced to settle too far back but to her credit, she hit the line hard to finish 1.3 lengths fourth.
The way she's been running on strongly suggests the rise to 1820m fourth-up is ideal.
She maps to get a great run for Damien Thornton.
1 Unit Each Way – Thesecondatportsea (7)
RACE 4 - 2:18PM: Benchmark 75 Handicap (1300 METRES)
Evocator (2) produced an excellent first-up performance to win over 1200m here last start, but all credit must go to jockey Tahlia Fenlon.
The apprentice settled at the back of the field before weaving a path up the inside to get her mount over the line for a neck victory.
The five-year-old gelding will strip fitter second-up and will appreciate the rise in distance.
A genuine speed will suit, and he maps to get a great run from barrier 2.
2 Units – Evocator (2)
RACE 5 - 2:53PM: No Metro Wins Handicap (1400 METRES)
Goldeeluck (6) ran considerably well when resuming at the Gold Coast on QTIS Jewel Day but it's best to think of that run as nothing more than a hit out given the state of the track.
The Tony and Maddy Sears-trained four-year-old gelding impressed last start when rounding them up with ease on the turn at Toowoomba before dashing clear to win eased down by 2.5 lengths with a further 2.5 lengths to third.
He'll strip fitter third-up and the slight rise in distance will suit.
Angela Jones takes the ride and has an amazing 33% winning strike-rate when combining with the Sears stable.
1 Unit – Goldeeluck (6)
RACE 6 - 3:28PM: 3YO Quality Handicap (1200 METRES)
Flag Hall (3) impressed in his first-up demolition job at Ipswich.
The Lee Freedman-trained gelding led over 1100m before extending his lead the further they went despite being shut off in the closing stages to win by 3.8 lengths.
He has since been back to the trials where he effortlessly cruised around to keep his fitness up.
He'll strip fitter second-up and will enjoy the run of the race for Boris Thornton.
1 Unit – Flag Hall (3)
RACE 7 - 4:07PM: Benchmark 68 Handicap (1400 METRES)
Brave Maso (12) looked in need of the run when resuming over 1200m here last start.
The Nat McCall-trained daughter of Cable Bay settled handy and loomed in the straight, but fitness gave out and she was unable to go with the leaders, finishing seventh by 1.9 lengths.
This is an easier class race and with Bailey Wheeler's claim, she will carry just 1kg more than last start.
The rise in trip suits second-up and she maps to get a lovely run from barrier 3.
1 Unit Each Way – Brave Maso (12)
RACE 8 - 4:47PM: Open Handicap (1820 METRES)
Red Top (13) did something that was near impossible last start and that was win from the back at the Gold Coast on QTIS Jewel Day.
The Tony and Maddy Sears-trained son of Top Echelon savaged the line over 1800m on a day the track favoured leaders to run down Daytona Bay for a head win.
Daytona Bay won at its next start to frank the form.
With Cejay Graham's claim, he will carry just 52kg and is drawn to get an economical run.
1 Unit – Red Top (13)
RACE 9 - 5:27PM: Class 6 Handicap (1600 METRES)
Brookhaven (4) has always had an abundance of ability, but he now looks like he is set to show his talents more consistently.
The Chris Munce-trained Speith gelding looked to be in a spot of bother last start over 1400m here but once clear he rocketed to the line to win by two lengths.
The way he powered through the line suggests that the rise to a mile third-up will suit.
He's drawn wide, but if Damien Thornton can get cover in the run, he'll charge home down the outside.
1 Unit – Brookhaven (4)
RACE 10 - 6:08PM: Class 6 Handicap (1200 METRES)
Bubba's Bay (1) has thrived since arriving in Queensland for Kris Lees three starts ago.
The four-year-old mare impressed two starts back when bolting in by 3.3 lengths over 1200m at Doomben.
Last start she raced on speed over this course and distance before duking it out with Princess Tenko in the straight for a head victory.
She loves racing here and should settle in a prominent position for Bailey Wheeler who claims 2kg.
1 Unit – Bubba's Bay (1)
