Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down Tatts Tiara Day

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the huge 10-race card as the action returns to Eagle Farm for the running of the $500,000 Group 1 Tatts Tiara.

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the huge 10-race card as the action returns to headquarters for the running of the $500,000 Group 1 Tatts Tiara.

The racing calendar’s final Group 1 of the season sees race favourite Azkadellia on the rebound after her Stradbroke failure but likely to meet genuine opposition with Danish Twist, Cradle Me and Precious Gem among the fancied brigade.

The Eagle Farm undercard also features the $200,000 Group 3 Tattersalls Cup, the $175,000 Group 3 Healy Stakes and the $100,000 Listed Wintergarden Stakes.

Track: Soft (6), likely to be Soft (5)

Weather: Sunny, 18C

Race 6: Tattersalls Cup

2200m, Qty G3, 1.57pm

In the run: Brave Ali can lead and Tucanchoo is likely to be handy, with Malice not far away either.

Take note: Malice hasn’t won for 574 days but he’s taken on some good horses in that time and been competitive. Goes to the middle distance for the first time this prep and looks primed with Damian Browne taking the ride.

Did you know: Tucanchoo produced the quickest final 400m of the day when coming from last to win at Sandown first up then set slow tempo in front and gave a good kick to win at Randwick. Has come back in career best form and weight pull helps here.

Early money: Tucanchoo is in from $4.20. Benzini is holding plenty of money, with UBET fielding several four figure bets.

Nathan’s tip: Tucanchoo $3.80

Nathan’s danger: Malice $6.50

Race 7: Wintergarden Stakes

1400m, 2YO LR, 2.37pm

In the run: Tempo should be at least even, with Irish Sea taking it up. Royal Tithe and Aquajewel shouldn’t be far away either. The fav Charnley River can settle midfield.

Take note: Charnley River is still a maiden, but had some very promising two-year-olds in his wake when second in the J.J. Atkins. That looks benchmark form for this and if he can hold that rating, he won’t be getting beaten here.

Did you know: Irish Sea is trying to give Gai Waterhouse and the stallion Fastnet Rock a repeat win in this race after Harlem River last year. Her effort on Stradbroke day was solid and softer tempo here will help.

Early money: Royal Tithe is the popular pick, firming from $7 into $6 after a hard luck story last time.

Nathan’s tip: Charnley River $3.50

Nathan’s danger: Irish Sea $8

Danish Twist looms as a genuine threat to Azkadellia as she aims for five wins in a row. Picture: Jenny Evans

Race 8: Tatts Tiara

1400m, F & M G1, 3.17pm

In the run: Quite a few like to be handy, but Echo Gal looks the probable leader. Danish Twist is likely to be most prominent of those in the market.

Take note: Danish Twist shoots for five on end. Made light work of the drop in trip last time, rounding up male rivals with ease. Sting out of the track does her chances no harm.

Did you know: This has been a good race for favourites, as they have won 12 of 27 runnings. Azkadellia can be forgiven for the Stradbroke flop, being stuck on the slower inside going. Nick Hall is already a G1 winner over the Eagle Farm 1400m, having won the Stradbroke on Linton.

Early money: Azkadellia is holding the most money but her price is almost unchanged. Danish Twist is in from $6.50, while there’s been a few bets to win plenty on Blueberry Hill at $26.

Nathan’s tip: Azkadellia $2.50

Nathan’s danger: Danish Twist $6

Race 9: W.J. Healy Stakes

1200m, Qty G3, 3.57pm

In the run: Saluter and That’s A Good Idea the pacemakers and with Tegan Harrison (pictured) going onto Hotel Drive, expecting him to inject some speed as well.

Take note: Tina Melina is working back to peak form. Easily best of the run on horses last time in speed dominated race. Expecting this big track to suit her.

Did you know: It’s been 10 years since a three-year-old last won this race. Prior to that, they had won six of previous 11. Mogador represents the age group this year. Was slowly away and then never a hope in a race that was merely a sprint home at Doomben. Prior run under big weight was solid. Best ratings from the spring measure right up for this.

Early money: The scratching of Odyssey Moon has shortened most of the fancies up. There hasn’t been a lot of betting activity yet.

Nathan’s tip: Mogador $3.80

Nathan’s danger: Tina Melina $7.50

Macca rolls out his tip for the season-ending Group 1 at Eagle Farm.

Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down Tatts Tiara Day