Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

RACE 1

Tough race to open up a big day at Eagle Farm even allowing for the smallish field. I’ll lean to the consistent CONNECTICUT who was run down late here last Saturday, back down in the weights he should roll forward in a race which looks like being run only leisurely. NORTHERN DECREE had been finding the line strongly prior to the last start win so perhaps it shouldn’t have been all that surprising? Step up in distance should suit.

Numbers: 7 – 9 – 1 – 4

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 2

Keen on the chances of SHEZADANDI who had absolutely no luck here a couple of weeks ago. Basically held up the entire straight she looked to have something to offer & gets in nicely at the weights today with Baileys Wheeler’s claim which note is likely closer to 1kg than 2kg as he rides around 52kg. Well drawn as well she should get her chance. BAK DA MAN beat her home this track & trip two back, closed off well when back to 2200m last start is a definite danger. VAGUER is suited to 2400m.

Numbers: 10 – 7 – 6 – 4

Suggested Bet: SHEZADANDI EACH-WAY.


RACE 3

JEMOMA ALPILAGE has caught my eye all 3 starts & I’m more than happy to stick with her this afternoon. Strong to the line her first two outings she then raced wide here the latest sticking on very well to hold a placing. Perfectly drawn with Duric to ride this is her chance. OVERFULL was heavily backed to win on debut before placing at Doomben, resumes with a trial under her belt from a good draw. PARETO looked good winning a Doomben trial last month, early money suggests he’s ready to go.

Numbers: 12 – 4 – 7 – 5

Suggested Bet:  JEMOMA ALPILAGE EACH-WAY.


RACE 4

EVOCATOR rattled home between runners to score here first up ridden a treat by apprentice Tahlia Fenlon. Just too far back the latest at Doomben he again ran on however the long run home here suits him a lot better as does the additional 50m. There looks good speed in the race which will suit. SCENTIFY has placed in Group 3 & Listed company, recent form not as good however drops in grade. POETIC CHARMER loves this track, clearly races best here & closed nicely first up, she’ll be charging down the outside, hopefully with EVOCATOR

Numbers: 2 – 5 – 8 – 1

Suggested Bet: EVOCATOR EACH-WAY (small bet).


RACE 5

I’m very likely going to be on my own here tipping MAGIC CHARLEE however it’s that kind of race where a ‘roughie’ may well prevail & although there has been some early money for him, I still feel he’s over the odds. Definite excuses last start he ran well prior & from a good draw with the claim is worth a ‘throw at the stumps’. SUNFALL can run a race fresh, usually does, trialled & drawn well. Include NED’S GULLY who didn’t have a lot go his way in a stronger race last start.

Numbers: 5 – 12 – 6 – 10

Suggested Bet: MAGIC CHARLEE EACH-WAY (small bet).


RACE 6

First of our feature races this afternoon is the Listed Mick Dittman Plate for the 3yo’s. I’m with the resuming SKIRT THE LAW who performed well in Melbourne during the spring however missed the summer carnival with an issue. Loved her recent trial leading throughout she ran slick time & had plenty in the tank. We haven’t seen ABOUNDING since her win in the Magic Millions Guineas back in January, the 1000m is short of her best however her class will carry her a long way. Poor gate for PARTY OF TWO being a leader, trial was excellent though.

Numbers: 7 – 6 – 8 – 3

Suggested Bet: SKIRT THE LAW TO WIN.


RACE 7

1000m dash with plenty of speed should they all go around. Good race, I’m with the very promising BLUE SPINEL who only had the two starts last prep winning both before Tony Gollan decided to put her away with the winter carnival in mind & this is her kick off point. She’s become very strong at the end of her races & draws well to track that good tempo. I’ve got plenty of time for SHALAA’S MOMENT who is unbeaten this prep coming from off speed with a big finish on each occasion. Tempo will also suit her. No knock VODKA MARTINI who is also extremely promising & her trials have been good.

Numbers: 9 – 12 – 5 – 15

Suggested Bet: BLUE SPINEL EACH-WAY.


RACE 8

I’m leaning to JIMMYSSTAR however won’t be taking the short price on offer in early markets. Impressive first up, plenty of chat about his second up defeat & he was completely luckless the latest. Not raced for 6 weeks & rises to 1600m, a trip he’s yet to race over. Stablemate GRINGOTTS impressed winning first up, 1600m no problem for him, may end up being the more attractive bet at the better odds? DUNE FORTY FIVE didn’t fire fresh which is unlike him, he can bounce back without surprising.

Numbers: 5 – 11 – 6 – 8

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 9

We wind up the day with the Listed Princes Stakes which is an early Oaks lead-up for the fillies. I’m with MISS JOELENE who has returned in good order this prep winning & running second, the impressive part about both runs was her finishing burst off soft tempo’s, she’ll relish the mile just needs some early luck off the wide draw. Waterhouse/Bott send AMAZONIAN LASS north for her first up run, Group 2 winner last prep has form all around the VRC Oaks winner & ATC Oaks runner up Zardozi. Local filly EXOTIQUE MISS is flying, does have to back off from last week & drawn the carpark.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 2 – 13

Suggested Bet: MISS JOELENE EACH-WAY.

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