Wednesday’s Eagle Farm meeting sets up as an intriguing midweek program, with a Soft 5 surface and the chance of showers adding a touch of uncertainty to proceedings without necessarily shifting conditions too far either way.
The rail is out 9 metres, a placement that can often bring race shape and positioning into sharper focus, particularly early in the day as riders look to establish where the advantages lie.
Getting the right run in transit should prove important, while Eagle Farm’s long straight still gives those settling off the speed every chance to make their presence felt late.
Let’s break it down and try to find a few winners.
REWRITE (4) looks hard to beat in the opening race at Eagle Farm.
The Michael Freedman-trained colt ventures north with strong New South Wales form that saw him finish just under a length second on debut over this distance at Hawkesbury before lobbing a half-length third at Kembla Grange.
He was sent for a spell following that run and resumes here on the back of a nice trial.
While he’s drawn out, he has the necessary early speed to cross and find a forward position.
Selections: 4-5-7-1
| 4. Rewrite (6) 57.5kg23x |
CERETTI (4) looks close to a win and the addition of blinkers for the first time may help break through.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly was a touch disappointing as favourite last start but was very good two starts back at Ipswich when registering the fastest final 600m and 200m splits of the race to finish just over a half-length second.
She’s at peak fitness and gets the services of Ben Thompson.
From barrier 5 Thompson should be able land just off the leaders before pouncing in the straight.
Selections: 4-5-3-8
| 4. Ceretti (5) 58kgx3524 |
ELNAJEEB (3) looks close to a win after showing improvement in each of his races this preparation.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding was tightened for room at times over 1110m at Doomben last start but picked up strongly late along the fence to finish just over a half-length third.
He’s at peak fitness and will appreciate the rise to 1200m.
Blinkers go on for the first time which should see Ben Thompson settle handy in the run.
Selections: 3-2-6-7
| 3. Elnajeeb (6) 58kg743 |
CABALETTO (4) returned in good order last start over this course and distance on a heavy deck.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare was caught wide early but did well to fight on to finish 2.36 lengths third.
She’ll take benefit from the run and won second-up last preparation over this track and trip.
There’s not a great deal of speed drawn low, so Cejay Graham should be able to cross and either lead or box seat.
Selections: 4-10-5-2
| 4. Cabaletto (6) 58.5kg113×3 |
SIR WINNIE (9) was given no hope first-up from an outside barrier at Ipswich when finishing third but bounced back in a big way last start.
The Rex Lipp-trained gelding led over 1350m at Doomben before being headed in the straight, but he fought back strongly to claim the win by a half-length.
He’ll strip fitter and won his only previous third-up race.
The rise to a mile for the first time looks ideal and with a lack of go forward horses in the race, he should enjoy a nice run on speed.
Selections: 9-10-11-6
| 9. Sir Winnie (5) 58.5kg41×31 |
DISMANTLE (3) should be close to peak fitness now after returning from over a year off.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare kicked off her campaign with a close second at the Sunshine Coast first-up before giving a terrific sight in front last start when run down late to finish three-quarters of a length second over 1110m at Doomben.
She’s since been back to the trials where she produced a pleasing piece of work that will have brought her on nicely.
The wide barrier isn’t ideal but she has the speed to cross.
Selections: 3-9-1-11
| 3. Dismantle (11)SCRATCHED: | |||
IMMORTALITY (5) is racing in excellent form this preparation.
The Jordan Lee-trained gelding won by a whisker first-up at Ballina before back-to-back runner-up finishes including last start where he finished powerfully at Grafton to miss by the barest of margins.
He’s rock hard fit and won fourth-up last preparation over this distance.
Ben Osmond, who claims 2kg, should give his mount great run and settle in the second pair.
Selections: 5-10-1-3
| 5. Immortality (6) 59.5kg9×122 |
QUIT ‘N’ TAP (10) may not have been a lot on debut at the Sunshine Coast, but the way he did was impressive.
The Kerry Taplin-trained gelding led them into the straight over 1200m before dashing clear under hands and heels to decimate his rivals by 5.77 lengths.
He’ll be better for the experience and the rise in distance will suit.
Mark Du Plessis retains the ride and will look to settle in a forward position.
Selections: 10-3-8-14
| 10. Quit ‘N’ Tap (6) 56.5kg1 |