16/06/12 - Ipswich Cup Day

It's finally here....Ipswich Cup day!  I really look forward to this day every year and have many fond memories from the past 16 years.  Not all of them have happened on the track! 

This year's event looks set to be a ripper with perfect weather forecast and great fields engaged.  The track is currently rated as dead but I wouldn't be surprised if it improves further.  Good luck!

Race 1

Telesto Warrior (5) just loves the track.  He's raced here 9 times and won 4 and placed 2nd once.  He has won his only start here over this distance.  This horse has been racing in excellent fashion lately putting together 3 wins and a 3rd in it's last 4 races.  Gets in with just 51kg after the claim for Brooke Richardson.  Should be able to hug the fence from the nice gate.  Other hopes Grey Assignment (7), River Of Salvation (8) and Lake George (2).

Race 2

There will be a fair speed set here in this race for 2 year olds.  For that reason, I'm going with Fantisha (8).  It has a horror draw but with so much speed engaged, that shouldn't be as much of a problem.  She has had 2 career starts and both were full of merit. It's debut win by 6.5 lengths was on dead going and from a wide gate. Conditions it will face here.  She will be steaming home!  Other hopes to Splendent Choice (12), Caldetes (2) and Mafia Princess (1).


***With the scratching of Mafia Princess, I'll promote Moment Of Impact (5) to the other hopes***


Best of luck Gibbo with your fella!

Race 3

Rocker (3) looks the one to beat here.  Has put together a nice record in it's short career, winning 5 and placing in 3 others from 9 starts.  It has a win at the track and does like this distance.  Will love the firmer surface on offer.  Colless has a great record riding this horse. Comes into this race following a close 3rd behind top horses Excellantes and Seek And Find. Good form for this!  Other hopes to Startsmeup (10), Pretty Composed (14) and  Altai Warrior (4).

Race 4

This race is headache material.  Any number of these could win this.  You might be best to ask somebody that knows nothing about racing what name they like or what has the prettiest colours.  It is that much of a lottery!  I've looked for a bit of value and have come up with Sir Stanley (5) at around the $13 mark.  He's drawn the 2nd outside gate but he likes to lead and I don't think he'll have much trouble crossing.  He has a good record at the track, winning 3 and placing 2 from 8 starts.  He has a good record at this track and distance.  Other hopes to Bell Academy (1), Crosscannons (3) and Easy Lager (9).

Race 5

Andromache (11) has been flying since coming over from New Zealand.  She has won all 3 of those races, the first 2 being in impressive fashion.  They were run on wet tracks but I think this is a classy animal and won't be worried by a firmer track.  Her record over this distance range is good.  Jeff Lloyd will be able to give her a fantastic run on the speed from the excellent gate.  Other hopes to Gai's Choice (7), Hidden Kisses (8) and Sophie's Spirit (2).  If Neriani (17) the 1st emergency gets a start then I would definitely consider her. 

Race 6

The Ipswich Cup.  Ginga Dude is the class in the race and has been racing very well.  However he has a lot to overcome here.  No winner of the Cup has carried 60kg to victory and he draws the outside.  Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if he won.  I'm going with the Gai Waterhouse trained Kinnersley (3).  This horse comes off a last start win in the Lordmayors Cup in Sydney over 2000m where it beat Wazn and Firebolt.  Wazn went on to run well in the Brisbane Cup.  Kinnersley also ran well behind Western Symbol the start prior.  Has a good record over this distance and will get a great run on the speed from Munce.  Warmed up for this with a nice trial win at Warwick Farm.  Other hopes to Ginga Dude (1), Shenzhou Steeds (6) and Mr Light Blue (7).

Race 7

The Eyeliner.  Belltone (5) looks up to his eye balls in this race.  He's going to get all the favours from the good draw.  His record over this distance is super, winning 4 and placing in 5 from 12 starts.  His 2 runs back from a spell have been top shelf.  He ran wide when missing out by a half a length to Tiger Tees and then ran 2nd to Celtic Dancer in the wet.  Third up here, he should be cherry ripe to pounce.  Munce has a great record on the horse.  Other hopes to Gundy Son (6), Adnocon (3) and Brigadoon Jack (16).

Race 8

The final race on the card is by no means an easy task to work out.  Vacallo should lead with a number of horses coming across from the outside.  Where they all settle down is anyone's guess. I think we'll be needing for a bit of luck with my pick, Divine City (6).  Has drawn towards the outside but more than likely will settle towards the back of the field.  That's not ideal at Ipswich.  Having said that, she does possess a strong finish.  She ran on well 1st up after being held up for a run. She has a good 2nd up record and appreciates a firm surface.  Munce rides so he'll give her every chance to get clear in the straight.  Other hopes to Ametsis (14), Absalon (2) and Vacallo (4).