Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

RACE 1

Racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday with 4 Listed races on the card as we move into winter carnival mode as of next week. Not sure about the weather, what was going to be fine is now looking a little damp with between 3-15mm forecast, monitor closely however should the showers arrive they will be the first in at least 3 weeks. The day gets underway with a BM78 where leading trainer Tony Gollan holds a strong hand with nos.3 & 5, I’m with one of those being (5) SAVAGERY VIBE who has been a model of consistency this prep, just found one better last start & I don’t mind the drop back in distance. (3) BLUE SPINEL can be hard to catch, she’s lumping plenty of weight here however the key to her is a favourable draw as she only has a short, sharp sprint, she gets that draw today. Don’t rule out (1) BENGAL DIAMOND who was in career best form prior to the break.

Numbers: 5 – 3 – 1 – 11

Suggested Bet: Follow the positive market leads.

RACE 2

It’s the Gollan yard who again dominate early markets in this race with (8) DAGGERS & (3) BUNDELLA figuring prominently. The former was very well supported at his first start for the stable & although finding one better he was very strong to the line late, the step up in distance looks ideal. (3) BUNDELLA is in a purple patch of form winning three on the trot, scratched from a race later in the day he draws ideally here for Chelsea Baker who will use her 3kg claim to advantage. (7) ESTRONDO back to 1200m will be closing off well as will (11) WINSOME STAR who returns from down south.

Numbers: 8 – 3 – 7 – 11

Suggested Bet: DAGGERS TO WIN.

RACE 3

(12) MOULIN MISS has been posted a short quote in early markets & whilst I have her the top tip I’d prefer a little more meat on the bone. The light weight, inside draw & trainer/jockey combination are all ticks however she will find this tougher than the first up win here in midweek company. (1) PRE EMINENCE is a very honest, consistent galloper who has won first up at his past two preps, the wide gate here is the concern, should he slot across early he’ll prove hard to beat, should he not than it could be curtains posted deep. (4) MANOLO BLING needs it dry which may not be the case?

Numbers: 12 – 1 – 4 – 2

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

RACE 4

(6) ÉCLAIR AWESOME has gone up a good price for a mare racing in very consistent form dropping in grade. Although yet to win here she has placed 2 of 5, one of which was two back when arguably she wins with better luck. The weight rise could be the reason for the inflated odds however on an each-way basis I’ll stick with her. (13) SIR WINNIE will race up on speed, another who is in great form & being only lightly raced has plenty of upside. (3) CAVALRAY MAN really hit the line hard first up as did (17) CAPTAIN MAVERICK, both can be included in wide exotics.

Numbers: 6 – 13 – 2 – 3

Suggested Bet: ÉCLAIR AWESOME EACH-WAY.

RACE 5

First of our features this afternoon is the Listed Calaway Gal for the 2yo fillies. I’m keen on the chances of the very consistent (1) ESPERANZA who comes into the race off a break having beaten all bar Swift Dragon in the Gold Coast Jewel last month. I’d suggest if not for being trapped wide she wins that race & note the form from it has been strong however her run prior rates even higher beating all bar a subsequent Group 2 winner (Cherry Bomshell – Percy Sykes Stakes). (6) THE AUTUMN AFFAIR will be odds & is well worth including in everything, also comes out of the Gold Coast race last start when running on well after being held up. (8) OLIVONI’s maiden win at the same track recently was dominant however this is a big step up from maiden company.

Numbers: 1 – 6 – 8 – 9

Suggested Bet: ESPERANZA TO WIN.

RACE 6

Interesting Open Handicap. (1) HATCHET in my opinion is the best horse in the race; he’s been off the scene for 7 weeks though & I can’t find a trial. From the inside draw he could get the perfect smother & once clear charge home right over the leaders. I haven’t got him on top however I’m very wary & he’s a big market watch. I’m leaning to (6) ABOUT TO EXPLODE who is in cracking form, he gets into a race with more pace this afternoon which will suit, his last couple have been in slowly run affairs yet he’s managed a win & second. (4) RESTONICA is flying whilst (2) SHA OF GOMER should improve second-up.

Numbers: 6 – 1 – 4 – 2

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

RACE 7

Tricky looking Listed Mick Dittman with plenty of speed highly likely, that may be the only given in the race! I’ll side with (1) EARN TO BURN who we haven’t seen for a month or so, he’s very effective when on the fresh side & from the draw I can see Ryan Maloney letting the speed go early however still in as striking position once they hit the straight. (8) SYLPH lays claim to the best maiden tag in the country, she’s run so well in stronger races than this, just how much start she gives away concerns me here however look for her to be motoring late. (5) AKAYSHA brings solid form lines from down south, will be well fancied.

Numbers: 1 – 8 – 5 – 11

Suggested Bet: EARN TO BURN EACH-WAY.

RACE 8

The Listed Princess Stakes is for the 3yo fillies looking to get to the Oaks a little later down the track. There’s plenty of interstate form however it’s a little mixed, I keep coming back to the Sunshine Coaster (2) SMEXY who I thought may have needed one more run second-up. Well, I was wrong, she let down with a big dash to go home right over her rivals & should lap up the additional 250m today plus she’ll strip even fitter. (5) BURN THE SKY didn’t run the 2000m out at Randwick & is better placed back to the mile here, drawn ideally for an in-form Ben Thompson. (10) SHE MOVES TOO is one at odds from the right yard racing well enough to place at odds.

Numbers: 2 – 5 – 10 – 1

Suggested Bet: SMEXY TO WIN.

RACE 9

We wind up the day with a very open looking Listed Brisbane Handicap where dual Group 1 winner (1) ANTINO returns off a two-run autumn prep which was cut short. How forward will he be for this, if anywhere near his best he’s got absolute panels on this opposition. I may end up with him on top however at this stage I’ll lean to (4) MISS JOELENE each-way, her second-up record isn’t as good as her first-up however she was so dominant two weeks back. (8) MARGOT’S DEEL accepted for 2 races on this card plus Randwick, looks like she’s going around here & I can assure you she’s in with a winning chance, busting to get to the mile.

Numbers: 4 – 1 – 8 – 10

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

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