Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races on Gold Coast

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races on the Gold Coast, headlined by the $350,000 Group 2 Hollindale Stakes, on Saturday.

Hauraki opened $3.80 and has firmed all week for the feature event on the Gold Coast. Picture: Mark Evans

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races on the Gold Coast, headlined by the $350,000 Group 2 Hollindale Stakes, on Saturday.

Track: Soft (5)

Weather: Mostly sunny, 26C

Race 4: GOLD COAST BRACELET

1800m, 3YO F LR, 1.40pm

In the run: Difficult to gauge with a lot of them stepping out to 1800m for the first time. Expect Self Esteem to go forward and negate the gate. Imposing Lass will be in the firing line. No Pushover can also go forward, as will Lyricist if she gets a run.

Take note: Circular clocked the quickest last 200m of all winners on the day at Canterbury last time, finishing powerfully when she found clear running. Her trainer John O’Shea thinks she might be “a bit brilliant for the Oaks” but can see out the 1800m here.

Did you know: Self Esteem has clearly best established weight ratings in this field from her Vinery Stud run, but others may have more upside. Imposing Lass has taken big bounds this time in produced a brilliant last 400m to beat a tidy field last time.

Early money: Imposing Lass clearly the one punters want. She opened $4.50 on Wednesday.

Nathan’s tip: Circular $6.50

Nathan’s danger: Imposing Lass $3.70

Worthy Cause has a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over Hopfgarten going into Saturday’s clash. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

Race 6: PRIME MINISTER’S CUP

1400m, Qty LR, 3pm

In the run: Coolring looks like leading easily. Aldini and Mahican can go forward if connections wish. Worthy Cause and Snippets Land look like getting nice runs in behind them.

Take note: Snippets Land has been freshened since his good fourth in the Doncaster Prelude, which followed good Doomben effort under the big weight. Gets gun run for Blake Shinn and is more attractively weighted this time.

Did you know: Worthy Cause holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over Hopfgarten and meets him on more favourable terms than any of those previous clashes. Yet to strike second up, but has placed 2/3 and goes well this trip and at this track.

Early money: Hopfgarten well-tried and is vying for favouritism.

Nathan’s tip: Worthy Cause $4

Nathan’s danger: Snippets Land $6.50

Race 7: HOLLINDALE STAKES

1800m, SWFA G2, 3.40pm

In the run: Looks a solid tempo. Strawberry Boy is a free runner who will run them along at this trip. Leebaz handy and Excess Knowledge may roll forward.

Take note: Hauraki started favourite in the Ranvet Stakes and just missed. He hasn’t won this season, but has knocked on the door. Looks superbly placed here and drawn to get a beautiful run and then unleash.

Did you know: John O’Shea has the strong hand, not only with Hauraki, but Old North and It’s Somewhat. The latter progressed strongly through the Sydney carnival and ran well in the Queen Elizabeth. Looks silly odds at the double figures.

Early money: Hauraki opened $3.80 and has firmed all week. Sir Moments has been solid around the $8 mark. Volkstok’n’barrell some admirers ($19-$15).

Nathan’s tip: Hauraki $3

Nathan’s danger: It’s Somewhat $13

Santa Ana Lane (yellow cap) wins the Zedative Stakes at Caulfield earlier this year. Picture: Michael Klein

Race 8: GOLD COAST GUINEAS

1200m, 3YO G3, 4.20pm

In the run: Quite a few on pacers, without a standout leader. Pace will be genuine at least. Takedown will be right there, as will Big Tree. Divine Centuri probably has to go forward off the terrible draw.

Take note: Takedown has been most consistent, but hasn’t won for 406 days. Beat Santa Ana Lane home in their lone meeting and this looks the easiest race he’s taken on this prep. Just off a genuine G1 horse last time.

Did you know: Santa Ana Lane notched a winning rating for this when second in the South Pacific in time figures that were close to best of the day. Some query on that form, but not conclusive. Key here is a good gate and being able to be ridden more quietly for Damian Browne.

Early money: Takedown went up at better than $4 in most places and was quickly vying for favouritism with Santa Ana Lane. No interest in any others at this stage.

Nathan’s tip: Takedown $3.50

Nathan’s danger: Santa Ana Lane $3.60

Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races on Gold Coast