Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

RACE 1

Racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday where the rain has returned, we’ll likely go around on a soft surface however that’s not a given, we could go either way as this track does dry very quickly. The opening race is one of the tougher ones on the card, I’ll lean to (5) THANKYOU HENRY who did give the impression at his latest run to be now looking for further, unfortunately he doesn’t get that today however he hasn’t raced for over 3 weeks so I’m hoping that will freshen him up, his form is certainly good enough of late. The Neasham/Archibald trio (7) TUNED, (10) MISS HELLFIRE & (16) MAYNE must be respected on recent efforts.

Numbers: 5 – 7 – 10 – 16

Suggested Bet: THANKYOU HENRY EACH-WAY.


RACE 2

Absolute lottery for the mostly very inconsistent stayers, if you like one here don’t let me sway you against! (7) CHASSAGNE bobs up when least expected & I didn’t mind the run last start, although well off the placegetters she was finding the line very late & 2400m certainly won’t prove any concern. (2) GALIFIANAKIS does buck the inconsistent trend in this race having won or placed at his past 3 starts, rises in weight which is partially offset by Emily Lang’s claim. Chances to 3, 4 & 6 (DILLIAN) who does look a little short for my liking in a race such as this.

Numbers: 7 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 6

Suggested Bet: Box up first 5 selections in exotics.


RACE 3

Extremely open race, opening market had the favourite over $5.00 which isn’t any surprise. (8) DAYTONA makes the step up to 1400m which is a distance he’s been successful over in the past, the way he’s found the line of late gives every impression he’s looking for the step up. (15) QUOTHQUAN is a consistent galloper who can give away decent starts at times, from the inside draw today he will park closer, will he end up buried with nowhere to go in the straight? Maybe, however if a gap comes look for him to be driving through it. Can find a place spot for (14) CENTRESTONE however there’s a ton of other chances.

Numbers: 8 – 15 – 14 – 9

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


RACE 4

(3) NAVYONTHEHIGHWAY has come up shorter in the markets than I’d hoped for however I’ll stick as she has a very consistent record & strike rate. She was in good form at the beginning of her last prep before tacking stronger company here & interstate prior to heading for a break. No trial, market to date has been solid, let’s see what happens closer to race time. Should this track again play to the swoopers out deep the Gollan pair (2) BRERETON & (7) HURTS SO GOOD must be included, with the rail in a different spot this week I hope that’s not the case though. Include nos.4 & 6 as the other main chances.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 7 – 4

Suggested Bet: NAVYONTHEHIGHWAY TO WIN (small bet).


RACE 5

First of our feature races today is the Listed Calaway Gal for the 2yo fillies. I like one from the trials being the John Sargent trained filly (13) LISTEN SWEETHEART who switched right on when the blinkers were applied at her second trial. She led & when challenged found another gear without being overly pressured. (1) HI BARBIE the main danger, she did a good job to win on very heavy ground at her debut before issues second up & then definitely a pass mark in the Magic Millions. (2) HA’PENNY HATCH & DRAGONNE ROUGE are undefeated, must respect that whilst I’m not underestimating the Waterhouse/Bott runner (5) HEADBANGER.

Numbers: 13 – 1 – 2 – 3

Suggested Bet: LISTEN SWEETHEART EACH-WAY.


RACE 6

The Listed Mick Dittman sees a wide draw here for the resuming (1) COSMIC FIRE however I’m a fan & he’s been versatile at his runs to date. He sat off speed winning first up last prep before closing from near last second up to beat all bar the smart Arabian Summer, he than parked on speed to win before heading off for a rest. Liked his recent trial win in slick time. (3) BENZOU came with a big run to win fresh, ridden forward last start he was beaten by the very smart Boomtown Boss who has since again won impressively (last week). Certainly no knock (9) HEARTS ARE BETTER.

Numbers: 1 – 3 – 9 – 8

Suggested Bet: COSMIC FIRE EACH-WAY.


RACE 7

The Listed Princess Stakes is for the Oaks hopefuls. The lightly raced (6) MERIDIANA impressed winning her maiden on debut down south & was immediately thrown into something harder tackling Group 3 company. Whilst she missed a placing there (4th) her effort from last was a good one just peaking late. I’m convinced I’ve seen a turn of foot at both runs however it may only be a short, sharp one at this stage. (1) HARLEM QUEEN brings the Group form, close up in three consecutive Group 1’s at the end of her last prep she’s the measuring stick here. (10) PINITO looks to be crying out for this trip & is in top hands, must include.

Numbers: 6 – 1 – 10 – 5

Suggested Bet: MERIDIANA EACH-WAY.


RACE 8

I’ll stick with the consistent (7) MISS JOELENE in the Listed Brisbane Mile off a strong first up win recently. Just like her lead up trial she was very strong to & through the line & she’ll get a start on a couple of her main rivals here which will be advantageous. Her second-up record isn’t as good as her first however I’d be surprised should she not run well. (2) PORT LOCKROY is a Group 1 winner, he hasn’t been far away both tuns this prep which have also been in Group 1 company, massive drop in grade today however I’m just worried how much start he may give away. (1) JUST FOLK & (5) WILLIAMSBURG best of the rest.

Numbers: 7 – 2 – 1 – 10

Suggested Bet: MISS JOELENE EACH-WAY.


RACE 9

We wind up the day with a very competitive looking BM90 where I’m looking for market support for the first up (11) POETIC DRAMA who can pull out a big run fresh. She did race well at the beginning of her last prep; in fact she raced well all the way through bar one sub-par run where there were valid excuses. (14) WARBY was aided by a soft run in behind the speed last start, expect similar here from the good draw, he’s a chance again. (1) COIN TOSS a market watch, (2) MILLANE is always around the money.

Numbers: 11 – 14 – 1 – 2

Suggested Bet: POETIC DRAMA EACH-WAY (small bet, market support needed).

Market Market