Despite the Brisbane Winter Carnival fading in the rear-view mirror, the quality racing north of the border shows no signs of stopping! Eagle Farm hosts a thrilling eight-race program this Wednesday, and with premierships on the line, this is one meeting punters cannot afford to miss!
Eagle Farm Race 5
#2 Osterberg
Osterberg is flying! The Impending gelding arguably should be undefeated this campaign, and the rising four-year-old looks well placed meeting similar opposition. His record at the distance is expectational, and he should be rock-hard fit at this stage of his campaign. Barrier thirteen is the primary concern.
Roconono makes his Australian debut on Wednesday. The No Nay Never gelding boasts impressive New Zealand form, and he looks poised to strike for his new stable after a recent freshen-up. His recent jump-outs indicate a forward showing, and he has been specked at a price since markets opened. His record at the distance is the biggest deterrent.
All Stashed Up produced an eye-catching run fresh at Gatton. The Better Than Ready mare has raced well second-up previously, and the step out in the distance is ideal. The apprentice claim brings her into all winning conversations, and she looks well placed dropping back in class. The wide alley is her biggest obstacle.
Suggested Bet: Osterberg @ $3.60
Eagle Farm RACE 6
#9 Spillify
After producing two impressive barrier trials, Spillify will be ready for a first-up tilt. The Spill The Beans filly can sit midfield with cover from the middle gate, and if she is presented with her run at the right time, I expect her to figure in the finish. The apprentice claim plays into her favour, and she looks to have plenty of natural improvement to come. Watch for her late!
Thelwell is ready to peak after producing two eye-catching runs this preparation. The Bel Esprit gelding will appreciate the step out in the distance, and he meets easier opposition. He can box seat from barrier three, and if he sees daylight on straightening, he may prove too strong late. His winning record is the primary concern.
Make It Flashy looks poised to strike after turning heads at a recent barrier trial. From barrier six, he will drift back and find his feet, and if he can stay in touch with the leaders during the middle stage of the race, he can run over the top of his rivals late. His fresh record doesn’t read well.
Suggested Bet: Spillify @ $19
Eagle Farm Race 7
#1 Menazzi
Menazzi can bounce back after a disappointing first-up performance at the Sunshine Coast. The classy Pride Of Dubai gelding usually races well second-up, and he will appreciate the firmer track conditions. From barrier ten, he will sit in the running line with some cover, and if Ben Thompson presses the go button at the right time, I expect him to fight out the finish. The cream will rise!
Amity Gal is racing well without winning. The Shamus Award mare is ready for the step out to 1200m, and she should have the fitness edge over the majority of her rivals. She will push forward from the awkward gate, and if she can dictate the tempo, she will look the winner on straightening. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market support.
Prime Asset has been racing well on the country circuit. His first-up run at Beaudesert was full of merit, and he gets his opportunity to claim a city-class event. He will push forward from the carpark draw, and if he can burn off his rivals early, it could be curtains a long way from home. His fate may be decided in the first furlong.
Suggested Bet: Menazzi @ $8
Eagle Farm Race 8
#4 Steinbrenner
Steinbrenner looks like one of the better bets on a wide-open program. The Sun Ruler gelding savaged the line fresh at Toowoomba, and he is a winner second-up previously. The step out to 1500m looks advantageous, and I expect him to get the run of the race from the perfect inside barrier. The apprentice claim brings him into all winning conversations, and there has been a good push in early betting for the rising eight-year-old. The time spent out of the winners’ circle is a worry.
Baglioni is too consistent to dismiss. The Cluster gelding was an impressive last-start winner at Coffs Harbour, and all previous runs this campaign have been full of merit. He looks dangerous jumping from barrier two, and if he can stay out of the speed battle early, he can figure in the finish. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference, and I suspect he will have supporters meeting easier opposition. Will be thereabouts.
Dauvenay will have supporters after racing honestly in this preparation. The Pierro mare ran home well at Doomben at her latest outing, and the drop back to 1500m could prove a masterstroke from the inform Kris Lees camp. She deserves her shot at this level, and I suspect she has found a very suitable assignment. Over the odds.
Suggested Bet: Steinbrenner @ $5
