The Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap headlines a huge Super Saturday at Eagle Farm. Rosehill Gardens and Sandown Hillside host tricky and competitive winter programs.
Eagle Farm Race 6
#8 She's Got Pizzazz
She’s Got Pizzazz is racing well at present. The Zoustar mare was an impressive winner two starts back on the Gold Coast, and she savaged the line from a minute back at her latest. The talented four-year-old should be rock-hard fit after a lengthy preparation, and the stable are flying at present. Watch for the big girl late!
Niance was ok without threatening at her latest outing. The Swiss Ace mare strips fitter as a result of recent racing, and I suspect she is ready to explode on Saturday. Her best performance here could prove too strong for her rivals, and she has been well supported in most all-in markets.
Suggested Bet: She’s Got Pizzazz @ $6.00
Eagle Farm Race 7
#4 Tron Bolt
Tron Bolt looks the real deal. The Toronado colt has been explosive during the early stages of his career, and he was slightly stiff in his only defeat to date. His recent victory was a time-and-margin job, and the yard has a fabulous winning strike rate in the two-year-old feature. His versatility is exceptional, and he handles all conditions. Clearly the one to beat.
Stormy Marco was luckless at his latest outing. The Wotton Bassett colt was hampered at a key stage, and his form prior to that is near-perfect. The step out to a mile is advantageous, and his opening quote has been met with great support. This is a step up in grade, however; he oozes class. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Tron Bolt @ $2.15
#11 Estadio Mestalla
Estadio Mestalla represents great each-way value. The veteran galloper never runs a bad race, and his recent performance at Scone is still fresh in the memory bank. The step out to 1400m is advantageous, and he is ready to explode third-up from a spell. The softer conditions suit, and he is extremely well weighted under the handicap conditions. Group 1 level for the first time, and the tricky gate are among the primary concerns.
Another Wil is ready to fire. He was in the mix at his latest outing, however; he felt the pinch late. The seven-furlongs suits at this stage of his campaign, and he strips fitter as a result of recent racing. His allocated weight is generous for a proven Group 1 star, and the Ciaron Maher polish will play a role as always. The carpark draw is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Estadio Mestalla @ $23.00
Eagle Farm Race 9
#1 Half Yours
Half Yours finds his right race. All runs this preparation have been honest, and I expect the Melbourne Cup winner to peak on Saturday. The longer trip is advantageous, and I suspect the camp will have the big boy spot on for this event. He is clearly the one to beat, and I expect him to make a statement on Saturday. Major player!
Vauban is always thereabouts. His latest outing was super, and I suspect this has event has been the long-range goal from the famous yard. The track conditions play into his favour, and he I suspect he will get the last shot at his rivals. His racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Suggested Bet: Half Yours @ $3.50
Rosehill Gardens Race 8
#7 Thebudgiesmugla
Thebudgiesmugla looks one of the better bets on a tricky and competitive Sydney program. The Redwood gelding finds his pet trip, and the 53kg feather weight is more than luxurious. The Dylan Gibbons and Bjorn Baker combination must be respected, and there has been a tsunami of money in early betting. More than ready!
Black Run looks well placed in this company. Both runs this campaign have caught the eyes of punters, and a win here would be great reward for effort. The step out in trip is advantageous, and the current track conditions suit to a tee. He will look the winner as they run for the doctor.
Suggested Bet: Thebudgiesmugla @ $2.90
Sandown Hillside Race 8
#8 Makdane
Makdane was a brilliant first-up winner first-up at Caulfield. The Impending gelding had excuses at his latest outing, and form around him has stood up time and again. He meets easier opposition, and I expect his quote will shorten significantly before the barriers open. He will have plenty of supporters as always, and I suspect the Sandown track will suit his racing pattern and style. Hard to toss!
Sir Atlas is a model of consistency. The rising eight-year-old recorded back-to-back victories before having no luck in a hot form race at his latest outing. He finds a winnable assignment here, and I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals after a lengthy and fruitful campaign. Can win again, however; I would prefer to support his case on top of the ground.
Suggested Bet: Makdane @ $3.50
