Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

RACE 1

Racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday should be on near enough to a Good rated track, at worst the better side of soft. The day gets under way with a 2yo over the 1300m trip, interesting to see four debutantes (4, 5, 6 & 7) going to the longer trip at their initial racetrack appearances. (2) NAUGHTY NEIL was ok on debut at Doomben before a strong finishing winner at Ipswich, he may have only beaten a handful of rivals there however I liked the way he let down in the straight. (8) SPIRIT OF TORQUE keeps running on, back in trip not ideal however the big, long run home is. (1) EVER SO READY & (7) VINCELY next best, the latter is a definite market watch, trials have been good.

Numbers: 2 – 8 – 1 – 7

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

RACE 2

(12) LA BELLA BOOM is having her first run for well over a year having raced very consistently in her 2yo season. Her final run before the layoff was an unplaced effort in the Magic Millions when well in the market as a $6 chance. Well drawn, trialled nicely she can run a big race fresh however market moves will be all important. (1) COSMO CENTAURUS is a first up specialist & here he is at that stage of another prep, 3 from 3 to date he’s going to be launching late. (5) DAGGERS a newcomer to the Gollan yard has shown up at the trials & is another market watch.

Numbers: 12 – 1 – 5 – 11

Suggested Bet: LA BELLA BOOM EACH-WAY (if not a big market drifter).

RACE 3

Well I have to stick with (8) LOVEY DOVEY who is just busting to win a Saturday grade race & yes I’m sure I wrote those exact same words last week. There’s no doubt in the world she should have won on that occasion however just left her finishing effort a little too late & ran out of time to peg back the winner. Her sectionals were again very impressive & hers was clearly the best run in the race. (2) PLACID PEARL was massive odds when placed at Rosehill in Group 3 company last start, that’s got to stack up well here & she’ll get the right run from a perfect gate. (5) KUREDER not ideally suited dropping back in trip however does race well here.

Numbers: 8 – 2 – 5 – 9

Suggested Bet: LOVEY DOVEY EACH-WAY.

RACE 4

Small field however a difficult race with no leader at all on paper, maybe Bunker Hut takes it up? (1) ABOUT TO EXPLODE won here last start also in a race which was run with no tempo up front, I’d like to see him closer this time around though as although he got the money it was hard work having to reel off a solid sectional. (4) BUNKER HUT brings the NSW form, he’s a very consistent type well in with the claim, should he lead he’s going to take some running down. (1) RESTONICA next best.

Numbers: 1 – 4 – 3 – 6

Suggested Bet: Tread very warily, box up top 3 selections in exotics.

RACE 5

Happy to back two runners in this being (2) MAKE A CALL & (13) SAVEUR who both continue to race consistently. The former has struck a couple of sit/sprint races of late which haven’t suited him whatsoever, he needs the hustle & bustle of a big field to generate some tempo & should get that here. Liked the way (13) SAVEUR hit the line over 1600m here last start, in good hands she’s looking for the step up in trip which she gets today. Throw (3) ABSOLUTE SUNSHINE into exotics.

Numbers: 2 – 13 – 3 – 7

Suggested Bet: MAKE A CALL/SAVEUR TO WIN.

RACE 6

Keen on the chances of (3) SCAMPI to make it two straight victories in today’s Open handicap. He ran a couple of good races during the Magic Millions Carnival before freshened up to win same track (Gold Coast) enjoying a good run just off the speed. This race sets up very similarly & he again gets the claim rising only 1kg. (5) FLEETWOOD was scratched from an earlier race to run here, consistent & freshened up not sure if he goes back or forward? (1) GIVEMETHEBEATBOYS a market watch first up, hasn’t done much however runs have been in mostly Group 2’s, this race is a long way from that level.

Numbers: 3 – 5 – 1 – 6

Suggested Bet: LOVEY DOVEY TO WIN.

RACE 7

Tricky race. I’ve always had a good opinion of (2) CHO OYU who is only lightly raced for a 6yo suggesting he’s had his issues along the way. Whatever they may have been he’s showing no signs of them at recent runs & finished strongly to score last start suggesting 1600m shouldn’t be any concern here. (4) FACUNDO put in a very good run fresh however his past couple have been flat when called upon, first try at 1600m, perhaps he’s looking for it? The market suggests (7) ÉCLAIR AWESOME the only other chance in the race & I’m inclined to agree.

Numbers: 2 – 4 – 7 – 9

Suggested Bet: CHO OYU EACH-WAY.

RACE 8

I was quite keen on (4) AMUSEANTES last Saturday at Doomben however with her back marking pattern she drifted well back & then got into all sorts of trouble down the straight, she never gained a clear crack at any stage which suggests I’d be silly to jump ship even though she has been costly. The roomier & longer run home here should be very suitable. (1) TEN DEEP the toughest to beat, plenty of money around to say he could improve sharply last start & he did, claim helps for an in-form jockey. (5) CHEVAL CHIC not the worst & looks overs, worth including in exotics.

Numbers: 4 – 1 – 12 – 5

Suggested Bet: AMUSEANTES EACH-WAY.

RACE 9

Like the look of this final race which should be a strong betting affair. (1) SPANISH TREASURE is the obvious & has come up favourite however at very backable odds. In no way am I knocking his form however there are a couple going around who did catch my eye last start. (9) VIVIKA arguably wins first up with clearer running sooner, (6) THE POOL BOY ran home hard at the end of 1000m which was too short, back to 1200m suits a lot better. Could honestly back all three of them should a profit be possible.

Numbers: 9 – 6 – 1 – 2

Suggested Bet: Backing top 3 selections should market allow.

Market Market



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