The Sunshine Coast Turf Club takes centre stage in Queensland this Saturday with a ten-race metropolitan program that is highlighted by the Listed Sunshine Coast Cup.
Eagle Farm trainer Matt Hoysted teamed up with Steve O’Dea to win two of the past three editions of the feature but this year he saddles up race favourite Party For Two on his own.
The rail is in the true position and the track should be rated around a Good 4 or Soft 5 come the first race.
We’ve analysed each race and provided our top selections below.
Varejao (5) debuts here for local trainer Stu Kendrick.
Formerly with the Waterhouse & Bott stable, the son of Anders has had two trials since moving to Kendrick’s stable.
He led and won easily by 3.5 lengths in his first trial before finding the line powerfully under his own steam in his most recent piece of work.
He’s drawn well for Kyle Wilson-Taylor.
1 Unit – Varejao (5)
Just Flying (1) has been exactly that this preparation with three wins from his four starts.
The Rob Heathcote-trained gelding kicked off his campaign with a strong maiden win over 1350m at Ipswich before returning to that track where he gave a good account of himself to finish just under a length second.
He returned to the winner’s stall third at Ipswich before giving a strong kick to win over this course and distance last start.
The outside barrier isn’t ideal, but he has the early speed to cross for 3kg claimer Jasper Franklin.
1 Unit Each Way – Just Flying (1)
This is a tricky staying race where most of the entrants have mixed their form.
That isn’t the case for Radegast (10) who is looking to win his third race in a row.
The Nick Keal-trained Savabeel gelding toughed out a strong but narrow victory over this course and distance two starts back before getting to the line best last start over 2150m at Ipswich to win by just under a length.
He’s rock hard fit for an in form stable and gets the services of Justin Huxtable.
1 Unit Each Way – Radegast (10)
Cosmo Centaurus (8) returns to the races for the first time since winning impressively over this course and distance in August.
On that occasion, the Rob Heathcote-trained gelding settled on speed before dashing clear to win by just under a length.
He looked good in a recent 1000m Doomben trial where he cruised around in front to win in good time.
The outside barrier isn’t ideal, but he has the speed to cross and will carry just 52.5kg after Bailey Wheeler’s claim.
1 Unit – Cosmo Centaurus (8)
Atomic Clock (7) had excuses in her first two starts prior to a spell.
The Ciaron Maher-trained daughter of The Autumn Sun caught the eye first-up on the Beaumont track when letting down powerfully to win by 1.7 lengths.
She had plenty left in the tank suggesting the rise to 1400m here second-up will suit.
She’s drawn well and this is Heavelon Van Der Hoven’s only ride on the day so he will want to make the interstate trip worthwhile.
1 Unit Each Way – Atomic Clock (7)
Wild Botanica (13) was lucky to stay on her feet in her first start for Stu Kendrick.
The daughter of Spieth resumed over 1000m at Eagle Farm where after enjoying a nice run, she loomed ominously in the straight only to get on the heels of the leaders and stumble badly.
She arguably would have threatened for the win if she got clear but regardless, she’ll strip fitter and boasts a good second-up record.
There looks to be plenty of speed in the race which will aid her cause.
1 Unit – Wild Botanica (13)
Streak Of Winning (12) has started his career in perfect fashion with wins in both his starts.
The Stu Kendrick-trained gelding overcame a wide barrier and proved too strong when easily winning his maiden over 1000m here two starts ago.
Last start he led over this course and distance before giving a good kick in the straight to defy the late challenge of Winsome Star to win with third two lengths away.
He’s drawn out but he has the early speed to cross and find the front or settle handy for Kyle Wilson-Taylor.
1 Unit – Streak Of Winning (12)
Kris Lees trained the winner of the Sunshine Coast Cup last year and he looks to have a great contender for this year’s edition in Inver Park (4).
The seven-year-old gelding has shown a real liking to racing over this course and distance, winning both his races including last start where he recovered from a slow start to storm home and win by a neck.
He won here four starts back and between that run and last start he suffered heat stress in the Listed Tails Stakes and recorded the fastest final 200m over 1400m at Eagle Farm two starts ago.
Andrew Mallyon was on board for both wins and can give his mount a great run just off what looks a solid speed.
1 Unit Each Way – Inver Park (4)
Metalart (6) had been knocking on the door for a win with three placings in a row before breaking through for a win last start.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding was ridden patiently by Michael Rodd before letting the shackles off in the straight and allowing his mount to power home with 60kg to win the 1200m Eagle Farm contest.
He’s since been back to the trials where he produced a slick piece of work.
Rodd remains in the saddle and can give Metalart the run of the race from barrier 3.
2 Units – Metalart (6)
Denied (13) returned in great order over 1350m at Ipswich last start.
The Jack Bruce-trained mare settled on speed and fought bravely but was edged out late by a fitter horse to finish a head second.
She’ll strip fitter and won second-up last preparation over this distance before going on to win three more times.
Emily Lang, who claims 2kg, has built a great relationship with the five-year-old and will look to make full use of the inside barrier.
1 Unit – Denied (13)