The Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes is the feature event this Saturday at Eagle Farm. Can anyone beat the short-priced favourite from the Chris Waller stable? The Magic Millions Quality and The Lough Neagh Stakes will also provide the punters with an essential form guide as we move closer to January’s Magic Millions on The Gold Coast.
Eagle Farm Race 5
#3 Tradition
Kovalica will start long odds-on favourite. I am happy to bet around $1.55 and look for some value. Admittedly his form is excellent leading into this event, but he may need some luck early from barrier 8. Odds on, look on!
I expect Tradition to be in the finish after putting two impressive wins together. The distance will suit, and he should get the perfect run from barrier 2. The Jim Byrne factor is essential, and he will hit the line late.
Noah ‘N’ A Deel looks the best chance from the local contingency. She won well at The Sunshine Coast two starts back before chasing home Kovalica at her latest.
Suggested Bet: Tradition @ $6.00
Eagle Farm RACE 6
#6 Street Dancer
I am surprised Street Dancer didn’t open up favourite for this event. He produced a brave and determined win last start in a quality field. This event doesn’t look any more challenging, and he is drawn to get a great run. He can win again.
Bartholomeu Dias will start favourite after running well in The Ingham. His track and distance record tells me he will be thereabouts, and I expect late money to come for the Annabel Neasham runner.
Pancho looks ready to win after two impressive Queensland runs this preparation. The son of Dissident looks well drawn, well weighted, and perfectly placed in this event.
Suggested Bet: Street Dancer @ $5.00
Eagle Farm Race 7
#6 Ucalledit
Ucalledit has been crunched since markets opened up. He is drawn to get the perfect run, and I expect him to make it three wins on the trot. He is ready to take the next step up in grade and is well-weighted against his main opposition. He is flying this campaign.
Holyfield opened up favourite in early markets. His win first up was great, and his placing at the Gold Coast last start was solid. I am not convinced he will run a strong 1400m carrying 60kg.
Emerald Kingdom must be included in all wider exotics. He will lead them a merry dance on top of the speed, and he may prove tricky to run down.
Suggested Ucalledit @ $3.40
Eagle Farm Race 8
#1 Spiritualised
Spiritualised will need to jump and cross them early from an awkward barrier. If he can do this, he will be extremely hard to beat. He will be fitter for having a run under his belt, and I expect him to look like the winner at the 200m. He is tough enough to fight off the challengers late.
The undefeated Golden Boom could destroy his opposition if he can reproduce his last-start heroics. His time was blistering, and he was strong at both ends of the race. The step up in the distance won’t be an issue, and he is likely to start odds-on.
Steady Ready can run well again from an inside draw. If he can stay out of the early-speed battle, he is the one to beat.
Suggested Bet: Spiritualised @ 5.50
