Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

RACE 1

Racing in Brisbane on Saturday comes from Eagle Farm where the track will be rated good. We get underway with the running of our first 2yo race of the season which is always an exciting time on the racing calendar. Although drawn awkwardly I have to be with (4) LADY OF FIVE who has won both lead up trials in dominant fashion. The latest was in very slick time for such an early season youngster. (1) COURTHEZON won his trial at Warwick Farm in good style, logical danger should there be one whilst 3 & 6 have also trialled well enough to figure in the placings.

Numbers: 4 – 1 – 3 – 6

Suggested Bet: LADY OF FIVE TO WIN.


RACE 2

(4) OUROBOROS loses the scratched Synergy In Motion as his pace rival suggesting he’s going to prove very hard to beat here. He needs a dry surface to produce his best which is why his record around here is a good one as this track is the firmest we have in the south-east & he’ll just roll along in front doing his own thing. (7) SIMPLY EXCELS didn’t jump well fresh yet still beat all bar the winner, expect to see him within striking distance this time around. (6) SHELSTEIN finally broke through at the Sunshine Coast, plenty of weight however gets the right gate to box seat.

Numbers: 4 – 7 – 6 – 9

Suggested Bet: OUROBOROS TO WIN.


RACE 3

Sunshine Coast trained mare (12) ARABIAN ROSE has been in stellar form on her home track of late & looks well up to tackling stronger grade today. She’s run right away with successive 1200m & 1400m races suggesting the mile is well within her capabilities. She maps close in a race low on speed (on paper). (13) ROCK THE SUNRISE continues to race consistently, yet to win at 3 outings this prep however a breakthrough looks close. Thought (7) INDY ROSE WARRIOR found the line quite ok first up, a winner up to 1800m the mile will suit her.

Numbers: 12 – 13 – 7 – 5

Suggested Bet: ARABIAN ROSE EACH-WAY.


RACE 4

Looks a suitable race for the third-up (1) HA’PENNY HATCH who hasn’t had things pan out in his favour both runs back from a break. The latest was a train wreck racing wide all the way at Toowoomba, he was entitled to be beaten further than the just over 3L margin. 1400m suits & he should land a softer run this time around. (2) VOODOO LASS won at the Gold Coast in what was always a tricky race to sort, should she hold that form she’s a chance here. Maiden performer (7) QUEEN JEDDAH certainly not without at least a place chance.

Numbers: 1 – 2 – 7 – 8

Suggested Bet: HA’PENNY HATCH TO WIN.


RACE 5

6 of the 9 acceptors in this 3yo race resume suggesting the market leads will prove very important. I’m hoping there’s money around for the newcomer to the Tony Gollan stable (3) FORGOTTEN SPIRIT. Although still a maiden all 3 outings have been in strong 2yo affairs, the latest in this year’s Magic Millions when outclassed however definitely not disgraced. Liked her recent trial, she ‘should’ be ready to go. Stablemate (4) ROYAL MOVER got it done digging deep when it counted on debut, second placed horse has since won which is positive. (5) BOURBON COUNTY is yet to be beaten in either races or trials, the race win came on the Poly surface, don’t underestimate.

Numbers: 3 – 4 – 5 – 2

Suggested Bet: Follow any market support for FORGOTTEN SPIRIT.


RACE 6

Hard to tip against (8) LADY LUCIFER who is racing in career best form. She’s run her rivals into the ground her past couple & will carry no more weight here in what is ‘officially’ tougher grade. It’s probably more about tempo with her & I’d suggest she’ll have little trouble in crossing & from there Emily Lang can control the race once again. (4) ALDOLFITO is busting to win a race, his pattern is to get back & run on, he gets further here however I’m not sure that’s ideal as he had a couple of 1350m runs earlier this year without any success. (2) VIMINELE blew the start last time out, always wary however good enough to win should he bring his best manners.

Numbers: 8 – 4 – 2 – 7

Suggested Bet: LADY LUCIFER TO WIN.


RACE 7

Tricky race. I’ve landed on (10) SECOND SUN who had every possible behind the in-form (3) VALIMI last start & they lock horns once again. Whilst there’s no advantage at the weights for (10) SECOND SUN he just maps to land a very soft run from the rails gate & does drop from 60 to 55.5kg. (3) VALIMI still the clear danger, he’ll roll along up front which has been the winning tactic of late. (5) UNCOMMON VALOUR in the mix as is (4) CANBERRA LEGEND who can certainly mix his form!

Numbers: 10 – 3 – 5 – 4

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 8

The Listed Queensland Cup over 2400m will find a few out. The in-form (6) WALSH BAY is right in that category having yet to race beyond the 2000m of her last start Toowoomba Cup victory. She just keeps improving with every step though & the way she’s been finding the line I can’t tip against her making it 5 wins on the trot. (8) QUEEN AIR finished out of the placings in the same race, she had excuses though being trapped wide throughout, the run was a total forgive. Her prior run suggested she’s ready to win. The visiting southerners (1) NAVAL COLLEGE & (2) OUR ANCHORAGE may not be racing at their best however at this lower level can improve.

Numbers: 6 – 8 – 1 – 2

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 9

This race has been affected by scratchings & we may get a few more come out before they get under way. (4) ABOUT TO EXPLODE failed at Toowoomba after a devastating Doomben win the run prior smashing the sectional clock to gun down the winner. This track is his pet venue; he can bounce back. (10) FUKUBANA is very effective when fresh, well drawn he can figure in the finish. Definitely include (16) STREET CHASE who beat Hatchet in a small field here recently, Hatchet won dominantly at Doomben on Wednesday.

Numbers: 4 – 10 – 16 – 2

Suggested Bet: ABOUT TO EXPLODE TO WIN.


RACE 10

You wouldn’t see many more dominant wins than the one handed in by (6) TAVS in the Weetwood a fortnight back. He just exploded to the front early in the straight & increased his margin all the way to the line. Can he repeat? Yes, however from the wide gate he will go back & need luck. I’ll lean to the very consistent (7) AMUR on an each-way basis, just out of luck when held-up on the home turn last start he closed off well however the bird had flown. (11) BATTLEFIELD is back in winning form; the favourable draw should see him in a more prominent position early on.

Numbers: 7 – 6 – 11 – 13

Suggested Bet: AMUR EACH-WAY.

Market Market