Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down Ipswich’s biggest race day
THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the eight-race card at Ipswich featuring the $175,000 Eye Liner Stakes and $175,000 Ipswich Cup.
THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the eight-race card at Ipswich featuring the $175,000 Eye Liner Stakes and $175,000 Ipswich Cup.
Track: Good (4)
Weather: Possible shower (90% chance of 1-5mm)
Temperature: 25C
HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS
BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS
Race 5: Provincial Stayers Series
2150m, BM80, 2.37pm
In the run: Pace is unclear here, as most of them aren’t much good and connections have obviously tried plenty of different tactics to coax a result out of them. The big field should at least generate an even tempo.
Take note: Mandryka gets to his right trip for the first time this prep. Has a win and a placing at only two attempts beyond 2000m. his runs have been good enough to suggest he’s in the right form to give this a shake.
Did you know: Caillebotte comes back several grades for this. Started a $3 chance to topple Ipswich Cup favourite Maurus two starts back. Previous two wins were full or merit and none of these can match his finishing speed. Brad Pengelly just needs to let him slide into the race and give him a trouble-free run to the line.
Early money: Mandryka went up silly odds in places, with $18 bet. Other than that, it’s not a race that’s exciting punters too much.
Nathan’s tip: Caillebotte $4
Nathan’s danger: Mandryka $12
Race 6: Ipswich Cup
2150m, Qty LR, 3.17pm
In the run: Puccini put in his best effort for some time when asked to lead two starts back, so presumably that will be the plan here. Worthy Cause, Iggi Pop, Dance Of Heroes and Nissile also prominent.
Take note: Maurus has the modern weight carrying record to deal with, but also arrives with superior formlines to these. David Vandyke-trained runners continue to perform to expectations at the moment.
Did you know: Six of the past 10 winners of this came off a lead-up run over 1500 or 1600m. Jumbo Prince fits that profile this year. Looks ready for the trip now after being outpaced his last couple. Only three attempts at 2000m or beyond were all good in Group races last year.
Early money: Maurus opened $3 and is the one punters have singled out. Worthy Cause ($8-$7.50) has a few admirers.
Nathan’s tip: Maurus $2.50
Nathan’s danger: Jumbo Prince $8.50
Race 7: Eye Liner Stakes
1350m, Qty LR, 3.57pm
In the run: Tegan Harrison will have to press on from wide gate on Beckham, as is the likely case with Daph ‘N’ Alf. Saluter kicks up from closer in to hold a prominent spot.
Take note: Timeless Prince is a gun in the wet, so any rain by this time is a big plus. Okay last week in a stronger race and meets Pillar Of Creation slightly better for finishing alongside him in January.
Did you know: Trubia backs up for the first time in his career after struggling on the new Eagle Farm track in better company last week. Previous effort in the BRC Sprint ranks very highly for this.
Early money: UBET offered $4.60 about Trubia and that was gobbled up quickly. The money has continued to roll in even as the price shortened.
Nathan’s tip: Trubia $3.10
Nathan’s danger: Timeless Prince $12
Race 8: Gai Waterhouse Classic
1350m, F & M Qty LR, 4.33pm
In the run: Echo Gal looks the likely leader, with Serenade kicking up to be handy. Adorabubble could inject speed from wider out.
Take note: Scarlet Billows tumbles in grade on her latest couple. Was only 3L away in a G1 WFA race a few starts back. Gets back here but should finish hard.
Did you know: Fillies have won three of past five. Mike Moroney (pictured) won this race in 2011 with Born To Rock. Has another filly in Serenade this year and she boasts the benchmark last start rating, having run second to Palazzo Pubblico. Only query is the poor strike rate of 2/14.
Early money: Obviously an oversight from assessors with the $7.50 bet about Scarlet Billows. Slots has admirers ($17-$13) and Serenade has also firmed from $4.
Nathan’s tip: Scarlet Billows $4.50
Nathan’s danger: Serenade $3.60
Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down Ipswich’s biggest race day
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