The racing starts to heat up north of the border as the weather cools down. Group racing returns to Eagle Farm for the action-packed Queensland Guineas meeting this Saturday. With the Victory Stakes sharing the feature spotlight, it’s a nice preview of what to expect in the coming weeks. The Brisbane winter carnivals are getting stronger each year, and 2023 promises to be the best on record!
Eagle Farm Race 6
#18 Yasuke
I am very bullish about Yasuke from the Chris Waller camp. The lightly raced Maurice colt was game in defeat last start, and he is now ready for the mile. I suspect Saturday is a trial for the Queensland Derby, and with the right run in transit, he should be too strong over the concluding stages. Not gaining a start as an emergency is the primary concern.
Sunfall can run well despite drawing off the track. The Zoustar gelding sprouted wings on his Brisbane debut, and I expect him to continue on an upward trajectory for his new stable. He strips fitter and will eat up every inch of the 1600m. I expect him to figure in the finish if he can find cover from the wide alley.
Sabalenka is a must for all broader multiples and exotics. The Swiss Ace mare has savaged the line at her past two outings, and she has been crying out for this distance all preparation. The 54kg is a luxury, and the Robert Heathcote factor must be respected. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market moves.
Suggested Bet: Yasuke @ $4.00
Eagle Farm RACE 7
#3 Palladas
Palladas produced an eye-catching run first-up from a spell. The I Am Invincible gelding strips fitter, and his record at the distance must be respected. From a middle gate, he can sit closer to the speed, and if he gains a clear passage on straitening, he can mow them down late! The apprentice claim is advantageous, and I expect his quote to shorten significantly before the barriers open.
Antino will start odds-on favourite after winning five out of his first six career starts. The Redwood gelding was impressive on his return from a spell, and he is starting to become a fan favourite amongst the punters. The primary concerns are the wide barrier draw and his record at the trip.
Substantial looks ready to peak. The Siyouni gelding has been good in both Australian starts, and he should get all the favours on Saturday from the perfect inside draw. The former international has a sensational record at the distance, and I am confident this has been a long-range targeted event.
Suggested Bet: Palladas @ $11.00
Eagle Farm Race 8
#1 Private Eye
Private Eye can bounce back here after a disappointing last-start performance in the T.J. Smith. The Al Maher gelding is easily the class runner of the field, and he will relish the drier conditions expected on Saturday. His record at the distance must be respected, and he always runs well third-up from a spell. If he can stay in touch with the leaders during the race’s middle stages, he will gobble them up late.
A Case Of You will have supporters after a luckless first-up performance in Group 1 William Reid. That form reads exceptionally well for this event; his previous international performances have been first-class. His record at the distance is exceptional, and I expect the Price and Kent stable to have him fully wound up for this Group 2 feature.
Paulele was ok fresh over an unsuitable distance. The James Cummings four-year-old races extremely well at 1200m, and his record second-up is near perfect. I am unsure if barrier two is an advantage for the talented backmarker.
Suggested Bet: Private Eye @ $2.35
Eagle Farm Race 9
#4 Brosnan
Brosnan looks over the odds. The Snitzel colt is ready to strike, dropping in trip after a small freshen-up. His run in the Phar Lap stakes was sensational after covering more ground than the early settlers, and he meets easier opposition on Saturday. He should get cover jumping from a middle gate, and if he is presented at the right time, he can make his presence felt. His winning record is the primary concern.
Kovalica will start favourite after a near faultless start to his racing career. The Ocean Park gelding has won four out of his six races and produced an eye-catching third on resumption. He savaged the line late and broke every watch and clock on course. He looks destined to win a Group 1 over the coming winter months and may prove too classy for this field. The wide barrier is the primary concern.
The Vowels is a winning machine. The Better Than Ready gelding is building a nice picket fence next to his name, and he deserves his shot at this level. The length of his preparation and the wide barrier are the biggest obstacles.
Suggested Bet: Brosnan @ $13.00
