Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Eagle Farm
THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for the winners at Eagle Farm with his regular column, Nathan’s Racebook.
THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for the winners at Eagle Farm with his regular column, Nathan’s Racebook.
EAGLE FARM
Track: Soft (7)
Weather: Mostly sunny, 27C
TAB FIXED ODDS: EAGLE FARM
1200m, BM85, 3.32pm
In the run: Sure to be good speed with Primal Flight and Lucky Meteor both free running leaders. Fiery Heights tucks in behind.
Take note: In His Stride jumped to stakes grade last time and had a torrid run and dropped out. Much better placed this grade and like him back to 1200m, where he’s placed six of nine. Hot speed suits.
Did you know: Fiery Heights just lasted to win last time, but has scope in his ratings to take another leap forward off that. Jockey Tim Clark is one of the hottest riders in the country at the moment, topping the Sydney premiership after a Group 1 win in Perth two weeks back. Trainer Toby Edmonds is also firing on all cylinders this season.
Early money: In His Stride opened $9. In total, eight horses at $11 or shorter indicates the depth here.
Nathan’s tip: Fiery Heights $4.60
Nathan’s danger: In His Stride $7
Race 7: Mode Plate
1200m, 3YO F LR, 4.12pm
In the run: Tiyatrolani can lead. Ice Frost has to go forward from wide out. Nicconi Leggera can secure a lovely trail.
Take note: Candika was 0/2 v Tiyatrolani in the winter, but little between them when they clashed at 1200m. She may need the run, but no doubting she has a touch of class and took on better races last prep. Kerrin McEvoy is a bonus and seems to be more confidence around her this week than last.
Did you know: Gibraltar Girl is ineligible for the Magic Millions series, so unlike many rivals, will be more tuned up for this tilt at valuable black type.
Early money: Looked an outstanding betting race last week and nothing has changed seven days later. Like the previous, eight horses at 10-1 or shorter in the early market. Eckstein perhaps best backed and now challenging for favouritism.
Nathan’s tip: Candika $9
Nathan’s danger: Gibraltar Girl $6
Race 8: Just Now
1300m, F & M LR, 4.48pm
In the run: Love And Lies the likely leader from Ra Ra Epic. Not a lot of other pressure, unless Sheiswhatsheis reverts to former style and goes forward from wide gate.
Take note: Elegant Composure’s trainer Chris Anderson is wary of a very wet track for the mare. She was dominant first up though and looks the one with the most scope to keep improving in the race. Hardly disgraced in a Group 2 last prep when at the end of a long prep.
Did you know: Ravi started favourite in two of her spring runs in races that rated significantly higher than the required mark will be for this. Had some very talented horses behind her at Flemington. Well placed with only 2kg over the limit and no dramas if the track comes up badly rain affected.
Early money: Ravi is in from $2.80. Cruising Speed and Beatniks are others to catch some attention.
Nathan’s tip: Ravi $2.50
Nathan’s danger: Elegant Composure $6
Race 9: Open Handicap
1500m, Open, 5.19pm
In the run: Not much speed on paper, so Mr Epic might revert to the front running style that brought him success three and four starts back.
Take note: L’Entrecote gets handy weight drop for this tougher race. Did a good job on the back-up last time. Sting out of the ground suits and he should be hard to hold out.
Did you know: Bjorn Baker’s fortunes have turned around 10 days. After a virus swept through the stable in the spring, he is off to a summer flyer, with six of his first 16 December runners winning. Rock Forthe Ladies back from a Melbourne campaign, attempts to build on that. Beat the classy Religify three starts back. Stable also has out of form Sebrina, who is a chance on old form.
Early money: Proven wet trackers Lordag and Mr Epic popular. Ruling Force specked at longer odds.
Nathan’s tip: L’Entrecote $6
Nathan’s danger: Rock For The Ladies $7.50
Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Eagle Farm
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