Queensland Derby & Kingsford Smith Cup headline a huge Saturday at Eagle Farm. Caulfield hosts the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes in Melbourne.
Eagle Farm Race 6
#5 Brave Monarch
Brave Monarch is absolutely flying. The Brave Smash colt is one classy customer, and he meets easier opposition. His last-start victory was dominant, and he looks to have this race at his mercy. The yard is training winners for fun at present, and the middle draw is advantageous. The form runner of the field, and with even luck in transit, a victory here beckons.
Skyhook was an impressive last-start winner. The step out in trip worked a treat, and the Written Tycoon colt led from barrier to post. The talented colt looks well placed in this company, and the softer track conditions play into his favour. Jumping from another suburb is his biggest obstacle.
Suggested Bet: Brave Monarch @ $5.00
Eagle Farm Race 7
#12 Accidental Bid
Accidental Bid was ok without threatening at his latest outing. The Phoenix Of Spain colt looked lost in the Brisbane way of running, and I suspect it may pay dividends to forgive and forget. The big boy should have the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals, and I am confident this is his main assignment for his current campaign. The Ciaron Maher polish always plays a role, and he looks ideally drawn in a middle gate. The longer trip is a major query.
Providence will start the race as the favourite after producing a solid campaign to date. The Wootton Bassett colt has savaged the post all preparation, and he looks to get the perfect run in transit on paper. The James McDonald and Chris Waller combination should raise eyebrows, and the tsunami of early money is significant. Watch for him late!
Suggested Bet: Accidental Bid @ $7.00
#11 Linebacker
Linebacker is over the odds. All runs this campaign have been honest, and I suspect he has been trained to the minute for the feature event on the card. He should be rock-hard fit after recent racing, and the form around him is elite. His recent winning record and his ability to find one or two better are among the primary concerns.
Private Eye is an owner’s dream. The veteran is always thereabouts, and he looks set explode on Saturday. The step out in trip is advantageous, and he has drawn his first decent barrier in several preparations. Too consistent to pot, however; he doesn’t win out of turn.
Suggested Bet: Linebacker @ $19.00
Eagle Farm Race 9
#2 Niance
Niance was good without winning fresh. The Swiss Ace mare strips fitter as a result of recent racing, and the form around her is first-class. The silky six-year-old looks well placed in this company, and the flood of early money indicates another bold and forward showing. She is a 1200m specialist and has traditionally performed well at this stage of her campaign. Hard to toss!
Super Smink will have supporters after producing a consistent campaign to date. Her first-up victory was blistering, and she arrives in Queensland up and about. The form around her has stood up time and again, and she deserves her opportunity at this level. The Super One mare can threaten with the right run in transit. Dismiss at your own peril.
Suggested Bet: Niance @ $6.00
Caulfield Race 7
#6 High On The Hill
High On The Hill is racing well at present. The Wooton Bassett colt has won two out of three outings this preparation, and he looks ready to explode on Saturday. The 1100m suits at this stage of his campaign, and the Ciaron Maher polish must be respected. I suspect he has more upside than his rivals, and his opening quote has received strong support. Acid test!
Prince Tycoon is over the odds. The Written Tycoon gelding was a dominant first-up winner at Bendigo, and he deserves his opportunity at this level on Saturday. The lightly raced three-year-old looks promising, and the camp have a big opinion of the big boy. Hardest test to date, however, a win here at a price wouldn’t surprise.
Suggested Bet: High On The Hill @ $4.80
Caulfield Race 8
#3 Recommendation
Recommendation is always thereabouts. The consistent Shalaa gelding loves Caulfield more than the locals, and his third-up record must be respected. Both runs this preparation have been good without scoring, and I suspect he has been trained to the minute for this Black-Type event. The 1100m suits, and he will look the winner as they run for the doctor. More than ready to score!
Bellatrix Star is the ‘X’ factor of the field. The Star Witness mare has the ability to put this field to the sword; however, she also has the ability to produce a plain run. Her best here could prove fences and panels better than her rivals, and the inside draw puts her into all winning conversations. She is over the odds, if the right one turns up. Take on trust!
Suggested Bet: Recommendation @ $6.00
