Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

Race 1

Racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday, weather fine/track good. Low numbers in this opening race where I’m very keen on the chances of (2) MURKADO who has hit the line strongly both starts this prep. The step to 1500m today is ideal & from the good draw he’ll land a favourable trip. (1) APOSTLE is the early favourite, backs up from Toowoomba last Saturday when narrowly beaten in the 1300m Guineas, trip a query imo. (5) WIN STAR broke the maiden last start, only narrowly though & will find this tougher.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 5 – 7

Suggested Bet: MURKADO TO WIN.

Race 2

(3) CAPTAIN MAVERICK is surely going to win a race eventually however you’ll need deep pockets to keep backing him, I’ve sided with him so many times I can’t feel the liners in those pockets anymore! I just have to jump ship now… (2) SOCIAL OUTCAST wasn’t far away last start & gets the claim here which brings him down in the weights (1kg), I’ll lean his way from the pole draw. Yes (3) CAPTAIN MAVERICK goes in however in all seriousness he was given a peach last start & still wouldn’t go past the winner. (5) DEMARCAY in the mix also, did beat both last start.

Numbers: 2 – 3 – 5 – 1

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

Race 3

Keen on the chances of (1) GLOBAL ECLIPSE to make it consecutive wins here. Two starts since coming from Victoria have resulted in a solid closing second behind Metaphorically who then went on to win in Saturday company & a tough win at Doomben sitting wide. That won’t be the case today drawn perfectly & rising to a trip he’s even more suited to. (4) GIAPPONESE was excusable at Lismore, prior run here a good one, does seem to race well on this surface. (12) SAVEUR could be getting close, no weight on the back meets the top tip a couple of kilo’s better for the last start 3.9 length defeat.

Numbers: 1 – 4 – 12 – 2

Suggested Bet: GLOBAL ECLIPSE TO WIN.

Race 4

Smallish field, still looms as a tricky race. I’ll lean to (1) LAST COMMAND who really should be right at his peak fourth run back. Not the best of luck at Doomben last start when held up he was entitled to finish closer, lack of speed on paper here is a concern however from the good draw he should find himself close enough to strike. (4) LIBERTY PARK won well fresh, bit of a surprise however no knock & will appreciate the rise in trip. They are a very, very even bunch, honestly it’s difficult to rule out any runner.

Numbers: 1 – 4 – 2 – 7

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

Race 5

Leading trainer Tony Gollan is very well represented here with 3 acceptors in the race all looking to hold definite winning chances. At the value I’m leaning to (4) DARK ARTS on an each-way basis. Likely peaking at his third run back this afternoon I thought his Gold Coast effort was a solid one running home ok in a race not run to suit tempo wise. (3) STRADA VARENNA was nailed late in the same race, in good form & gets the 3kg claim for Bella Youngberry. (1) FIRST MISSION fires fresh, not the strongest of types though.

Numbers: 4 – 3 – 1 – 5

Suggested Bet: DARK ARTS EACH-WAY.

Race 6

(11) SCRIPTED is a very consistent mare however she can find her share of bad luck. Without doubt she should have won multiple times up here last prep however things just didn’t pan on more than one occasion; her recent racing has been in Sydney where she’s again been consistent without winning. I’ll side with her however would want $3 or better. Sydney visitor (3) KOMODO DRAGON is lightly raced, in good form & well drawn, definite threat. (6) MIDNIGHT SPIRIT in the mix whilst although I’ve liked (4) LIM’S SHAVANO’s two efforts this prep I have a real concern up to 1400m.

Numbers: 11 – 3 – 6 – 4

Suggested Bet: Box up to 4 selections in exotics.

Race 7

No leader on paper in this race which will make things interesting early on. I’d expect Ryan Maloney will be looking to steadily cross on the widely drawn (2) BRINDAVAN & hopefully trail the leader whoever that ends up being! Very consistent he’s better than these & only needs a fair run to confirm that. (4) BOYS NIGHT OUT was a much better effort last start, best he’s put in for some time, he could be on the way back & his best would give this a shake. The consistent (5) CUNNAMULLA FELLA should figure from the favourable draw.

Numbers: 2 – 4 – 5 – 6

Suggested Bet: BRINDAVAN TO WIN.

Race 8

Going with some value here putting the NSW visitor (9) SPACEBALLS on top. Thought her first up effort at Canterbury was a solid one making ground & she does generally take a run before hitting her straps, second up record is a good one yet to miss a place (includes a win). Maps well for leading jockey Ben Thompson. (3) MOONAN QUARTZ ticks plenty of boxes & looms as the logical threat, having a saver wouldn’t be a bad idea. Keep the ex-Victorian (7) MISS MARANDA safe, new yard, 5 weeks off & no official trial (ex-Moody/Coleman).

Numbers: 9 – 3 – 7 – 1

Suggested Bet: SPACEBALLS EACH-WAY.

Race 9

Expecting a solid tempo here with plenty of on-paced runners in the race. Hoping that plays into the hands of last start winner (5) TOWN CRIER who scored this track & trip zooming home from well back in the field near enough to last in fact. He’s a versatile type who can be effective both back & forward however I’d expect today will be around midfield with plenty to offer when those leaders tire. (1) STEADY READY is the class act in the race, can never be overlooked whilst last start winner (4) POLYGLOT is an 1100m specialist, back down to 1000m here could be a concern.

Numbers: 5 – 1 – 4 – 7

Suggested Bet: TOWN CRIER EACH-WAY.

Race 10

Cannot see any reason at all to suggest the flying (5) GRAM won’t add to his ‘picket fence’ & make it 7 straight victories here. Up to 1110m for the first time last start he was very impressive in the run to the line increasing the margin on his rivals, can’t see 1200m being a problem & from the favourable draw he’ll land a soft run. Stablemate (8) TEN DEEP resumes & is effective whilst fresh, won both lead-up trials looks ready to fire. (1) MEAN APPROACH backs up off the narrow win at Toowoomba last Saturday, ultra consistent, can never be overlooked.

Numbers: 5 – 8 – 1 – 9

Suggested Bet: GRAM TO WIN.




Recent Articles