Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Ipswich Preview

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

RACE 1

We’re off to Ipswich for their big Cup Day on Saturday which is always a huge occasion both on & off the track. Tricky race to open up the day, I don’t really want to take a short quote about the early top pick (11) ZOUSTROLOGY who was beaten here last start as an odds-on favourite. Yes, he did have to lump a big weight however the 150m rise in distance is concerning. (5) FASVARA draws poorly however gets out over further which should suit, he can hit the line & rates an each-way chance at much better odds. (8) MORE LOVE every chance last start, continues to race consistently though.

Numbers: 5 – 11 – 8 – 14

Suggested Bet: FASVARA EACH-WAY (small bet).

RACE 2

Should the track remain in the soft range (no drier) I’ll lean to the last start winner (4) SOSINO. I’m well aware he’s a horse who needs give in the ground, he’s yet to win, in fact he’s only placed at 1 of 9 dry track attempts with all wins coming on soft/heavy ground. He did bolt in last start having conditions to suit. (9) PISTON REBEL holds a very good record here, drops nicely in weight & draws favourably. The consistent (12) JUNE next best, 11 placings/2 wins pretty much sums him up.

Numbers: 4 – 9 – 12 – 6

Suggested Bet: SOSINO TO WIN (soft track only).

RACE 3

(13) BLUEPINOT has shown ability at times, that was certainly the case last start when winning at Doomben in midweek company. He picked up well when called upon in the straight & came clear of his rivals to score by almost 2 lengths, third up he should strip even fitter & gets a 6kg weight drop. (1) YES LULU hasn’t been far away her past couple in Group 3 company, plenty of weight however clearly stronger form lines. (6) DAGGERS continues to race well, just has to deal with a wide gate here which is of concern being an on paced horse.

Numbers: 13 – 1 – 6 – 9

Suggested Bet: BLUEPINOT EACH-WAY.

RACE 4

The 2500m stayers event held this day each & every year is never an easy task, this year it’s around $6 the field in early markets, so no different. (2) THE IRISH is racing in good form this prep & could be the safe way out. Strong to the line at Doomben winning last start he’s won up to almost 2400m which stands him in good stead for this 2500m contest. (1) RATTLE AND HUM should be ready to do something third run back; he’s won right up to 2600m plus which is a positive. (5) CHILLAXING & (4) CAPTAIN MAVERICK in the mix also, both unproven out to this longer trip though.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 5 – 4

Suggested Bet: Wide exotics best.

RACE 5

Keen to back two runners in this race being (7) ZOUBABY & (16) BALANCE THE BOOKS. The former hasn’t raced for a few months however has won a recent trial suggesting she’s ready to fire fresh. Stable mate (16) BALANCE THE BOOKS has run well her past couple without winning, wide gate ensures she will give a start however should they be running on in the earlier races there’s no reason she can’t figure in the finish. (6) SHOT OF WHISKEY & the very consistent (11) CINDERSEA in the mix also.

Numbers: 10 – 16 – 6 – 11

Suggested Bet: ZOUBABY/BALANCE THE BOOKS TO WIN (small bets).

RACE 6

Looks an ideal race for the Kiwi galloper (3) PLATINUM PANTHEON who has been close up at all three starts since crossing the ditch for our winter carnival. He finished very hard to beat all bar the winner last start & will lap up the longer trip today. (1) NAVY PILOT won well first up at the provincials in Victoria before a disappointing effort in the Fred Best, that however was a much stronger race & he can’t be overlooked on that basis. Wouldn’t be surprised to see (8) LOCKYER improve with the step up in distance.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 8 – 19

Suggested Bet: PLATINUM PANTHEON TO WIN.

RACE 7

The Listed Ipswich Cup is the first of our feature races this afternoon. (4) BELVEDERE BOYS put in a strong finishing burst two back to beat all bar the smart Middle Earth before finishing close up at Listed level last start on a very heavy track at Rosehill when not getting the clearest of runs. He will get back however look for him to be running home strongly late, hopefully right over the top of the leaders. (2) MISS JOELENE is as honest as they come, capable up to this trip she won’t be far away at the business end. (14) CAVALRY MAN drops nicely at the weights for this tougher assignment; he’s going well though & should be lining up for the hat trick here as he was very unlucky two back. (3) ENCODER a chance also.

Numbers: 4 – 2 – 14 – 3

Suggested Bet: BELVEDERE BOYS EACH-WAY.

RACE 8

The Listed Eye Liner is next & it’s always a good competitive race over the 1350m. I’m backing a couple of runners & both on an each-way basis being (2) CIFRADO & (9) BOOMTOWN BOSS. Let’s start with the former who is cracking form this prep coming with a big finish to win at the Gold Coast first up which most thought was a bit of a fluke. Nobody told him that though as he almost repeated the effort at Doomben in the Group 3 BRC Sprint going down by an eyelash. (9) BOOMTOWN BOSS just couldn’t get a crack at them two back before running on against the tempo his latest, although out of the placings on both occasions the runs have been good. (8) MELODY AGAIN brings some very strong form lines from down south, must include.

Numbers: 2 – 9 – 8 – 14

Suggested Bet: CIFRADO/BOOMTOWN BOSS EACH-WAY.

RACE 9

The Gai Waterhouse rounds out the big day & I’m keen on the chances of (16) SILVER WEDDING. Totally unsuited over 1000m first up she sprinted sharply charging past her rivals before coming clear to the line recording a 2.5 length win. She’s only going to be better suited stepping up in distance this afternoon. (8) ZOUPERB keeps on running good races, likely to be ridden cold here expect her to have one crack at them in the straight. (3) CIGAR FLICK is impossible to catch however we know how capable she is when in the mood, (20) LA ROJA a chance if able to gain a start.

Numbers: 16 – 8 – 3 – 20

Suggested Bet: SILVER WEDDING TO WIN.

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