TAB On The Punt: Nathan Exelby previews the meeting at Eagle Farm

History is with Sheeza Belter in the Group 1 JJ Atkins, says Queensland racing expert Nathan Exelby. BEST BETS, QUADDIE

Sheeza Belter can go back-to-back in the JJ Atkins Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Picture: Grant Peters-Trackside Photography

Sky Racing and Brisbane Racing Club’s turf expert Nathan Exelby runs his eye over Saturday’s Stradbroke Handicap meeting at Eagle Farm.

Track: Good 4. Rail: +4m.

BEST BETS

Robusto, R1 No.10 – $4.80

Got into an awkward spot in the Sires and found himself with too much to do. Drops back several cogs here and drawn to get the gun run.

Sweet Thomas, R3 No.4 – $4.20

Super effort to get as close as he did last time. Shows he’s in good shape and he will see out the trip.

MONEY TALKS

R1: Metallicity $12-$4, Bank Maur $7-$4.80

R2: Scallopini $5.50-$4, Kirwan’s Lane $6-$4.60

R4: Fling Crazy $5.50-$3.40

R5: Tycoonist $8-$4.80, Ranch Hand $5-$3.80, Shaquero $18-$7.50

R6: Coventina Bay $34-$19

R7: Sharp ‘N’ Smart $6-$4

R8: Eleven Eleven $7-$5.50

R9: Najmaty $3.30-$3

THE QUADDIE

R6: THE Q22 (2200m)

The Doomben Cup quinella is the clear measuring stick for this. Heutor ($3.10) has built a terrific record in Australia and graduated to the big time last start. Was gifted a lovely inside run and he was good enough to make use of it. Will drift back from the gate and then work his way into the race. Maximal ($6) was terrific in the same race, showing the ability he had in Europe. Could easily turn the tables, as he hadn’t raced for 77 days. Needs a good ride to get in and find cover from the gate. If not them, then it’s wide open, with Kolding ($26), Great House ($11) and The Chosen One ($13) among those most prominent.

Selections: 3 Huetor, 9 Maximal

R7: JJ ATKINS (1600m)

Happy to go with the Sires’ form here and Sheeza Belter ($5) to complete the double. She was powerful late there and no reason she won’t see out the 1600m. Form through Swiss Exile ties in the Political Debate/Sharp ‘N’ Smart race and no reason that should be assessed as superior form. There’s been 40 Sires’ winners run in this race and they have a 50 per cent strike rate of running 1-2. Think she builds on it. Brereton ($12) is the value. Tough in the Sires’ when stuck wide. Think he slides into a better spot this time. Sharp ‘N’ Smart ($4) will relish the 1600m, but may want even further and happy to back the other two being zippier right now.

Selections: 16 Sheeza Belter, 1 Brereton

Alligator Blood is a big hope in the Stradbroke Handicap. Picture: Grant Peters-Trackside Photography

R8: STRADBROKE HANDICAP (1400m)

Think Alligator Blood ($11) is the one among the main chances with most improvement. Best run since the 2020 Australian Guineas in the BRC Sprint and being first up there, expecting him to take a good step forward off it. Same profile as last year’s winner Tofane (second in BRC Sprint under big weight) and think he will come with a rush at the end. Isotope ($12) has had a little issue sorted since her last run and gets a beautiful trail. She’s weighted to win at her best. Rothfire ($12) has been better with each run and will give a sight on speed. Apache Chase ($10), Eleven Eleven ($5.50) and Soxagon ($14) are logical hopes. Including Bandersnatch ($71) in multiples.

Selections: 5 Alligator Blood, 15 Isotope, 9 Rothfire, 3 Apache Chase, 4 Eleven Eleven, 6 Soxagon, 12 Bandersnatch

R9: DANE RIPPER STAKES (1300m)

Looks a case of Najmaty or good luck. Najmaty ($3) put a similar class field to the sword here last time, charging from the back. Now extends to 1300m and that’s the unknown with her. The price doesn’t excite me, but she’s a natural top pick. If not her, it’s like a dartboard job. Written Beauty ($9) is going very well at the moment but draws poorly again; Salateen ($11) was solid behind Najmaty; Letzbeglam ($) is fitter again but needs to improve now; Vangelic ($17) has trialled super and has taken on better races than this – just doesn’t win very often. Bring The Ransom ($17), Enchanted Heart ($10) and April Rain ($) also have hopes.

Selections: 15 Najmaty, 1 Vangelic, 3 Written Beauty, 6 Salateen, 10 Letzbeglam

AWAY FROM HOME

Was looking forward to seeing Finepoint (Randwick, Race 5, $4.80) in the Gunsynd at Eagle Farm, but we might have to wait until the Winx Guineas now. Stays at home to take on older mares this week and think she’s up to it. Big win last time and is also proven on firmer footing, so no issues with the improving track.