Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the main races at Eagle Farm

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for the winners at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for the winners at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

SPORTSMAN PREVIEW: EAGLE FARM

BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS

Track: Soft 5. Weather: 20C, rain (90% chance of 5-10mm)

RACE 4: QUEENSLAND CUP

3200m, Qty LR, 2.07pm

In the run: A few spectators are a chance to run faster than these will be coming up the straight the first time (and again in the slog to the line). Tunes the obvious pacemaker, but he won’t be setting any records.

Take note: My Diamantine was only very one-paced in the Caloundra Cup, but did pull there. Prior run on this track was good with this in mind, making nice ground late over 1800m. Can race well at odds.

Did you know: Jiayuguan comes off a far stronger last-start race than the favourite Murphy’s Delight. Will find this far easier and racing like 3200m will suit now. Matched motors with Sir John Hawkwood last prep and that form has panels on what is required to win this. Has Damian Browne to steer her out of trouble.

Early money: Little betting interest. Wouldn’t be surprised to see bookies become more generous about Murphy’s Delight, who is $2.70 with UBET after opening shorter in other places.

Nathan’s tip: JIAYUGUAN $3.50

Nathan’s danger: My Diamantine $12

RACE 5: BOQ VICTORIA POINT HCP

1400m, 0MW, 2.47pm

In the run: Not huge speed. Monster Of Energy kicks up from the inside and Doughty comes across from out wide. Expect both to give big sights given a fair surface.

Take note: One Inch Punch and Monster Of Energy were equally dominant in their last start midweek wins, earning the right to step up to Saturday grade. Not sure there should be the discrepancy in the prices as they stand. Monster Of Energy’s trainer Brian Smith’s team has just started to fire in recent weeks.

Did you know: Early favourite Embley is out to build on Bjorn Baker’s imposing Queensland record in recent months. However, with just eight winners from past 51 runners, stable isn’t firing like it was (compared to 33 from 107 in previous six weeks).

Early money: Monster Of Energy opened $10 with UBET and longer in other places before being trimmed up by Thursday night.

Nathan’s tip: MONSTER OF ENERGY $8.50

Nathan’s danger: One Inch Punch $4.60

RACE 6: POWERTRAIN PLATE

1500m, 3yo, 3.27pm

In the run: Salmanazar led and bolted in first-up, so no reason he won’t head forward from the outside gate here. Mystical Renegade and Rare Air could keep him company.

Take note: Sagaronne ran her best race since her second to Press Statement in last year’s J.J. Atkins when not getting a lot of room on the outside fence in the Daybreak Lover. Should have finished a touch closer and the extra trip suits now. Is she back?

Did you know: Salmanazar was backing up within seven days when splitting two very good fillies here three weeks ago. Can make a case to say he was on the slower section of the track too. Trainer Tony Gollan has long held a big opinion of him.

Early money: Punters viewed the early $3.20 about Salmanazar as generous and rushed to take the early price.

Nathan’s tip: SALMANAZAR $2.50

Nathan’s danger: Sagaronne $7

Sagaronne is capable of upstaging the favourite in race six. Picture: Jerad Williams

RACE 7: CLASS 6 PLATE

1200m, C6 SW, 4.07pm

In the run: Expect Most Important to make use of the good gate. He can lead or take a sit depending on how many want to challenge him.

Take note: Most Important is the highest rated Timeform horse in the race by a long way (108 to 98) yet gets in with only 54kg under the set weights scale. First-up run (first as a gelding) was good off a wide draw and has had three weeks to recover. Beautifully placed.

Did you know: Londehero had gone 27 months without a win before breaking the drought in good style at Ipswich. So often a win like that can serve as a big confidence booster. He’s always had the ability and looms as the big danger.

Early money: UBET offered $3 early doors about Most Important but just as it was with stablemate Salmanazar, it was snapped up very quickly.

Nathan’s tip: MOST IMPORTANT $2.70

Nathan’s danger: Londehero $5.50

Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the main races at Eagle Farm