Day two of Eagle Farm winter carnival features the running of the time-honoured Queensland Oaks. Renaissance Woman will start favourite in the Group 1 classic after a slashing run behind Golden Slipper hero Fireburn in The Roses. With the Moreton Cup and Spear Chief also on the competitive program, all roads lead to Brisbane this Saturday!
Eagle Farm Race 6
#3 Military Expert
Military Expert is poised to strike third-up from a spell. The son of Redoute’s Choice has impressed in both outings this campaign, and he looks dangerous jumping from barrier four. The 1500m is ideal at this stage of his preparation, and I suspect this has been his a long-range targeted event. The Annabel Neasham camp is flying, and he hasn’t been missed in early betting. He is ready!
Brigantine will have supporters after a stunning last-start win at Doomben. He should be rock-hard fit after two recent outings, and I expect him to peak on Saturday. He is ready for the step out in the distance, and the 54kg brings him into all winning conversations. The rise in class is his biggest obstacle.
Skyman is a must for all broader multiples and exotics. The Mukhadram gelding was brilliant second-up before racing without much luck last-start. His recent jumpout was first-class, and I expect him to be fully wound up after a bit of freshen-up. Over the odds!
Suggested Bet: Military Expert @ $3.80
Eagle Farm RACE 7
#2 Prince Of Boom
Prince Of Boom has been running exceptionally well at the top level. The Spirit Of Boom gelding will appreciate the significant drop in class, and he can lead them a merry dance on top of the speed jumping from an inside barrier. The early market support tells me he still has a peak run left for the preparation, and his best performance may be too good. I fear this race is an afterthought.
Quantico will start race favourite after being blocked at a crucial stage first-up at Scone. He should be fitter after his fresh performance, and his second-up form is exceptional. The I Am Invincible gelding has won an incredible five times over the distance, and he should get a great run in transit jumping from a middle gate. If he can stay in touch with the leaders through the race’s middle stages, he can make his presence felt late.
Gravina will be thereabouts despite jumping from the carpark. The Sebring gelding is racing consistently; his next win is just around the corner. He was game in defeat in the Luskin Star, and if he produces his best performance on Saturday, he is a winning hope. He seems to always find one or two better!
Suggested Bet: Prince Of Boom @ $4.00
Eagle Farm Race 8
#3 Renaissance Woman
Renaissance Woman will start favourite after a gutsy performance behind Fireburn last-start. The Reliable Man filly will eat up every inch of the longer trip, and she should get the run of the race from a middle draw. If she is presented with her run at the right time, I expect her to be there when the whips are cracking.
Affaire A Suivre is flying! She claimed the Australasian Oaks in a stunning display, and she looks well placed to continue on her winning way Saturday. Her recent barrier trial will have her cherry ripe for this assignment, and there has been a flood of money for the Maher & Eustace trained runner in early betting. The awkward barrier is the primary concern.
Super Chilled can run a big race at a reasonable price. The Churchill filly was game in defeat two starts back at the Sunshine Coast, and her last-start performance was honest and full of merit behind a smart one. The Chris Waller factor must be respected, and I am sure the addition of James Mcdonald will attract late market support. Barrier eighteen could throw a spanner in the works!
Suggested Bet: Renaissance Woman @ $3.50
Eagle Farm Race 9
#10 Ekaterina
Ekaterina is over the odds! The Russian Revolution filly has been flying this campaign, and she deserves her shot at a decent race. The 1200m looks perfect for her powerful turn of foot, and after a lengthy campaign, she should have the fitness edge over most of her rivals. If she can find some cover from the carpark draw, she will make her presence felt in the shadows. The Robert Heathcote factor will attract market support.
Red Card will start favourite after setting a new track record at Scone. The Ribchester filly is building an impressive career record, and she looks well-placed to add to her already impressive resume. The James Cummings and James Mcdonald combination must be respected, and with even luck in transit, I expect here to figure in the finish. Being able to produce another peak performance for the campaign is the primary concern.
Cythera can run well at cricket-score odds. The I Am Invincible filly is always thereabouts, and a well-deserved win isn’t far away. From barrier eight, she can settle and balance up midfield with cover, and if she sees air on straightening, she can gobble her rivals up late. Her winning record is the most significant deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Ekaterina @ $9.00
