Eagle Farm Racing Preview by Nick Foot
A quality program of racing at Eagle Farm, headlined by both the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup and the Group 1 Queensland Derby.
Track Conditions
The track is currently rated a soft 5 and with rain forecast throughout the day we will likely see a track downgrade. The rail is in the true position and I suspect conditions will suit those who make their own luck forward of midfield.
Strategy
It’s not a high confidence day of betting and I am happy to spec a few runners each way at a bit of a price.
Race 5 - G2 SIRES' PRODUCE STAKES (1400 METRES)
#11 Megastar Heart
He likely won’t be the best Colt out of the race, but with an ambiguous weather forecast and the possibility of a track downgrade throughout the day, he presents as a good value play. I like what he did LS when winning at Randwick-Kensington (1400m) on a Heavy 9, went straight to the top and was strong late. Remains at the distance and looks the likely leader.
Suggested Bet: Each Way
Race 6 - G3 FRED BEST CLASSIC 3YO (1400 METRES)
#4 Corniche
He excelled LS on heavy going when winning the G3 Gold Coast Guineas and any rain on race day will enhance his chances of winning again. He’s the type of 3YO that can measure up in a G1 Stradbroke in a fortnight’s time and will be in on the minimum, however to do that, he needs to win here.
Suggested Bet: Each Way
Race 7 - G1 KINGSFORD SMITH CUP (1300 METRES)
#5 Antino
Currently favourite for the Stradbroke Hcp in a fortnight’s time, however, I see no reason why this talented galloper can’t make the step up to G1 WFA level right now. In a race with average speed engaged, Vlad Duric can be positive from the wide draw and settle further forward. He absolutely loves Eagle Farm (5/6 at the track) and will take enormous improvement off his FUP win in the G2 Victory Stakes.
Suggested Bet: Each Way
Race 8 - G1 QUEENSLAND DERBY (2400 METRES)
AUTUMN ANGEL is looking to be the first filly to win the race since Dariana did it in 2010 for Bart Cummings. She certainly has the platform to make history with an impressive win in the ATC Oaks two back and the near perfect bridging run in the G3 Rough Habit a fortnight ago. She will need some luck from barrier 1.
TANNHAUSER and WARMONGER are the filly’s market dangers, with the former winning the G3 Rough Habit last start. WARMONGER has all the ability however has been cruelled all campaign by the barrier gods and will have to go back.
As far as knock out chances go, Symon Wilde makes a rare trip north with impressive LS Flemington winner, NAVY KING. Andrew Forsman has two good chances and MOONLIGHT MAGIC looks like another filly that could run a handy race.
Suggested Bet: Boxed Trifecta: 1, 2, 5, 17, 18
Race 9 - Listed HELEN COUGHLAN STAKES (1200 METRES)
Grey River
She is a corker of a Mare for Jon O’Connor that makes her way here from South Australia. Rarely runs a bad race and presents here as a good double figure chance with John Allen mapping to get a soft run from the draw. I like that she has a fitness edge on a couple of her rivals and the sting out of the ground will be of no issue.
Suggested Bet: Each Way
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