10/08/13 - Eagle Farm

The weather has been sensational in South East Queensland this week with blue skies and temperatures around the 25 degree celsius mark.  The only downside has been the westerlies that true to form have blown in for the Ekka.  Brace yourself, we'lll be racing on a GOOD track at Eagle Farm! 

 

Race 1

 

I won't be pushing people out of the way to get a bet on in the opening event over 1000m with just the 7 starters engaged.  I know Adebisi (1) was average and that's being kind 1st up in the Ramornie.  However I simply have to respect this guy's class.  If he's anywhere near right, he'll blow these away.  He has a good record at the track and distance and the drop back to 1000m will suit.  Draws wide but I can't see that being a problem with Cahill being able to get him across to lead or box seat.  Other hopes to Delago Bolt (2) and Funtantes (3).

 

Race 2

 

Surely today's the day for Flying Home (10).  If it's not then well forget about it.  He has threatened to win each of his 3 starts since winning on Ipswich Cup day back in June.  Last start he finished well to narrowly go down over 2100m.  A fair chunk of this field were also in that race and he meets them significantly better at the weights.  He drops from 59kg to 54.5kg.  Surely that alone is enough to get this bloke over the line.  Is undefeated in his only start over this distance at the track.  Back on top of the ground will suit.  Other hopes to Awesome Ransom (7), Fifth Column (9) and Retune (2).

 

Race 3

 

Vintage Moss (1) looks the business here back on top of the ground.  This guy has an excellent record winning 6 from 15.  He has done his best racing at this track where he has won 4 from 9.  He's drawn badly and has a fair weight to carry but in my mind he's clearly the best horse in the race so I think he can overcome that.  He gets 2kg relief for apprenctice Matheson who has saluted the judge 2 out of the 3 times he's ridden the horse.  Warmed up for this with a nice trial run against Someday and Whiskey Allround.  Other hopes to Tail And All (2), Starstreamed (5) and Sezwho (8).

 

Race 4

 

The leading chances here raced each other last start.  I'm going with Prussian Heart (4) who narrowly lost to Voodoo Blue Magic in that race.  Prussian Heart meets that horse 4.5kg better off for going down by a nostril.  I think Prussian Heart can get the run of the race here.  There doesn't look a great deal of speed and Jimmy Byrne should be able to either lead or put the horse in the box seat.  If he shows the same toughness as last start when he was 3 wide then he'll be awfully hard to run down.  Other hopes to Teronado (2), Voodoo Blue Magic (1) and Canisbay (3).

 

Race 5

 

Kurtley (8) hasn't made his way up from Tamworth for a hair cut.  That's what I'm hoping anyway!  This guy is low flying at the moment.  He enters this race on the back of 2 fast finishing wins.  His record over this trip is excellent with 2 wins and 2 2nds from 4 starts.  He came to this circuit earlier in the year and nearly pulled off a win.  He's drawn awkwardly but his form is simply too good to ignore.  He also gets the services of Paul Hammersley who can make things happen.  Other hopes to Ferment (4), Rock Home Late (7) and Extreme Mover (11).

 

Race 6

 

The only thing I see beating Avaladyluck (6) is bad luck.  This mare has been racing in great form behind the likes of Discreet, Regular and General Exhibit.  She's always hitting the line hard and if she can get a clear passage into the straight, they will find it hard to hold her out.  She races well at this track and distance.  Other hopes to Divine City (3), Don't Get Me Rong (11) and Lady Colours (7).

 

Race 7

 

This is a tricky race to find a clear cut winner.  I've gone with the Heathcote trained Gotitallwrong (6).  Unlike a lot of these she's consistent and has only been out of the placings 4 times in 13 starts.  She has raced well on heavy tracks recently but will appreciate the dry surface.  She has a good record at the track and her work was quality during the week.  All in all, I think she'll go well.  Other hopes to Ellawisdom (9), Dane Princess (5) and Danyme (12).

***With the scratching of Dane Princess, I'll promote Baroness Zena (7) to the other hopes***

 

Race 8

 

We have a competitive race to finish the day.  A number of the better hopes have drawn wide which I think will ensure a decent speed.  I've gone with Sir Knox (12).  This guy has always shown promise and based on his 1st up run, I think he's ready to show what he's made of.  He wound up 1st up but it was clear that the 1200m was far too short.  He gets out to 1500m here which will suit him well 2nd up.  He'll get back but a strong speed will help him come home.  Chris Munce in the saddle is no disadvantage!  Other hopes to Little Long Horn (2), St Andrews (9) and Swingin' Dazzler (11).

**With the scratching of Swingin' Dazzler, I'll promote Casting Stones (5) to the other hopes**

 

Best Bets

 

Race 2 - Flying Home (10)

 

Race 3 - Vintage Moss (1)

 

Race 6 - Avaladyluck (6)