Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

RACE 1

The Sydney based Ryan/Alexiou stable originally accepted with both COMMANDING ARTIST & ELEGANT ARTIST who are owned in the same interests. They have since scratched the latter to run down south leading COMMANDING ARTIST a short priced favourite. I’ve got him on top as the opposition aren’t strong however I wouldn’t be taking a short price. MISHANI CROWN is consistent & beat all bar ARABIAN SUMMER at the Gold Coast, 1200m looks the concern. DREAM SMART an improver.

Numbers: 1 – 4 – 7 – 6

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 2

Happy to have something on BEDFORD SQUARE in this 2400m test as she did place here over the trip last start & although her wins are well spaced she is never far away. With no weight she should at least finishing in the first three. DENILIQUIN nailed IOWA right on the line at the Gold Coast, the latter is better off at the weights however I’d suggest DENILIQUIN is still the one to be with over this longer trip.

Numbers: 9 – 4 – 2 – 1

Suggested Bet: BEDFORD SQUARE EACH-WAY (small bet)


RACE 3

Going with BOLD COMIC who did catch the eye late in the Gold Edition which was won by Abounding who of course landed the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas last Saturday. I’d suggest he’s more talented than his runs have shown so far, the additional trip certainly looks favourable. RINGERS REWARD comes out of the Vo Rogue, looks close to a win & FORTUNEER who rises in grade has plenty of upside, a lot to like about both her wins.

Numbers: 1 – 2 – 4 – 7

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 4

Happy to back the resuming BLUE SPINEL on an each-way basis. She is only lightly raced from the premier stable & really hit her straps last prep winning 3 of her 5 starts with a 4th placed finish the worst result. She’s trialled well & lands a good gate to get the right run. FUKUBANA a chance should he run (wide gate), winner here on debut straight to a stronger race second time around in Sydney. RING OF STEEL returned to his best form last prep, drawn to lead again & will take running down.

Numbers: 3 – 11 – 5 – 7

Suggested Bet: BLUE SPINEL EACH-WAY


RACE 5

Waller trained stablemates MOKTAFFY & FLEUR DU MONDE the two for me here & I’ll be having something on both. Could go either way however at the better price I’ll lean to MOKTAFFY who is a winner here over this 1800m range & was scratched from Doomben on Wednesday to be kept for here. FLEUR DU MONDE did beat MOKTAFFY two starts back, good run the latest when copping a decent whack in the early part of the straight. CLYDE was unlucky last start & can figure with luck from the awkward draw.

Numbers: 10 – 14 – 4 – 6

Suggested Bet: MOKTAFFY/FLEUR DU MONDE TO WIN


RACE 6

Wouldn’t be taking too short a price however SUBSTANTIAL’s Sydney form is likely better than what’s on offer here, the concern is he’s not an on-paced runner however from the inside gate I’m convinced Ryan Maloney will be looking to take full advantage & find a prominent position early on. At odds I thought ALCYONE could improve as this is a lot easier off the first up run & he does generally come to hand quite quickly. BETTCHA THE CROWN is the only pace in the race, should things pan out that way he could take some catching.

Numbers: 12 – 7 – 11 – 3

Suggested Bet: SUBSTANTIAL TO WIN ($2.50 or better)


RACE 7

BLACK ON BEAUTY has only had the one prep for Tony Gollan which resulted in a first up placing followed by consecutive victories. Only lightly raced she’s got plenty of upside & has trialled well in quality company. I’m a wrap for EMPEROR however he just keeps giving away these impossible starts, from the wide gate today that’s likely the case once again. AMITY GAL a likely improver from the good gate, just didn’t jump at Ipswich & was never in the race, most unlike her.

Numbers: 9 – 5 – 10 – 6

Suggested Bet: BLACK ON BEAUTY TO WIN


RACE 8

TRIBECA STAR is yet to win out to 1400m however his 1400m effort at Kembla on heavy ground two starts back suggest he can tick that box here. Nicely drawn I’d suggest he won’t be far away in the run & generally finds the line strongly. STORM THE FORTRESS is yet to win this prep however she hasn’t been far away; well-drawn she too looks nicely placed. SIGOURNEY not hopeless, two terrific Toowoomba wins & sound the latest.

Numbers: 12 – 10 – 16 – 14

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 9

I’ve got TICK TOCK QUEEN on top as her form is in far better races however, she is fresh & may need the hit out? The positives are the good gate & tidy recent trial placing, if she’s close enough at the business end of the race she’ll be in the finish. Had DEHORNED UNICORN drawn a better gate I’d likely have him on top as I do like his recent form in Sydney, completely out of luck the latest. Similar story NAVAS TWO who was held up badly his latest, Ipswich finishing burst the run prior was impressive.

Numbers: 14 – 4 – 10 – 3

Suggested Bet: TICK TOCK QUEEN TO WIN (if not a market drifter)


RACE 10

I’m all about FREEDOM RALLY in this closing race, the punters will swarm to him & I wouldn’t be surprised if he started quite short. His last start effort to split the smart pair Tamerlane & Zoustyle in The Buffering stacks up very nicely in this field & although going to the mile for the first time I don’t see that being an issue with a quiet ride from the good gate. Noted SHOPPING ESPRIT running on well in the same race, will lap up 1600m. EAGLEMONT next best.

Numbers: 9 – 6 – 3 – 12

Suggested Bet: FREEDOM RALLY TO WIN

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