Eagle Farm hosts the new and improved Gateway meeting this Saturday. The winner of the $250,000 feature event gains direct entry into the 2023 Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. A capacity crowd is expected on course to witness this great initiative created by the Brisbane Race Club!
Eagle Farm Race 6
#1 Juan Diva
Juan Diva is the obvious choice here after narrowly missing victory last start. She was brave facing the breeze, and she never shirked the task. Her run first up at Flemington was ok, and with the benefit of having two runs under her belt this preparation, I expect her to peak Saturday. 1300m is a slight concern.
California Surreal can run well despite being up significantly in grade. She is well weighted and drawn and looks to have plenty of upside. The four-year-old mare by I Am Invincible will be hitting the line hard.
Centrefire will be competitive if she is left alone in front.
Suggested Bet: Juan Diva @ $2.50
Eagle Farm RACE 7
#7 Sneaky Five
Sneaky Five was huge fresh! She left her run from the tail of the field too late and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. She was a good thing beaten. She will be fitter second up, and her trainer Tony Gollan has his stable flying.
The resuming Shooting For Gold will start favourite. He has an excellent first-up record, always runs well at Eagle Farm, and has drawn ideally in barrier 1. The 59kg is the primary concern.
I expect Rubiquitous to run well fresh. He is undefeated first up and has been absolutely smashed in early betting.
Suggested Bet: Sneaky Five @ $6.00
Eagle Farm Race 8
#5 Antino
I am pleased to be with Antino. He absolutely toyed with his opposition last start at Doomben, and he looks ultra-talented. The undefeated son of Redwood may need some luck from barrier 14. However, he has the class and versatility to handle most situations. Trainer Tony Gollan could be in for a big day!
Me Me Lagarde looks well placed here. She was super at the Gold Coast, and the drop in grade on Saturday is a significant advantage. 55kg is perfect, and I expect her to storm home late.
Vaccine has had good early market support. The Jim Byrne factor can never be underestimated at Eagle Farm.
Suggested Bet: Antino @ $4.00
Eagle Farm Race 9
#10 Kingston's Here
Kingston’s Here looks ready to win after a luckless and frustrating campaign. With a change in fortune, I expect him to savage the line and be in the finish. The beautiful grey gelding by Rich Enuff is building an impressive career record, and I expect the money to come for him late in betting.
Sir Rocket looks like the class runner. He always runs well fresh, he has an outstanding record at the distance, and he is from the powerful Heathcote stable. Eagle Farm is the unknown.
Palladas will be thereabouts from a good draw. I am still determining if he produces his best performances fresh, and he is unplaced over 1200m for six attempts.
Suggested Bet: Kingston’s Here @ $6.00