Wednesday racing heads to Eagle Farm where a competitive midweek program promises plenty of intrigue for punters.
With the rail out 11 metres and perfect conditions forecast, the pattern should favour runners settling on speed, placing a premium on early positioning.
I’ve assessed each Eagle Farm race to spotlight the major players and runners to follow.
GRAM (1) is a former Godolphin gelding who resumes here for new trainer Tony Gollan.
The son of Exceed And Excel was last seen finishing 1.25 lengths second over this distance at Caulfield Heath despite racing wide throughout.
He looked good in a recent trial where he cruised around in front to win by just under two lengths with something in hand.
The outside barrier isn’t ideal, but he possesses the early speed to cross and find a prominent position for Ben Thompson.
Selections: 1-2-7-3
| 1. Gram (7) 58.5kg7x52x |
SATURDAYS GIRL (8) looks close to a win following two close runner-up finishes.
The Chris Waller-trained mare found the line powerfully to miss the win by a nose at the Gold Coast two starts ago.
She then hit the line hard from well back over 1350m at Ipswich to finish a head second and was stiff not to win.
Ben Thompson is a positive jockey booking and the gun hoop should give his mount every chance from the low draw.
Selections: 8-2-4-7
| 8. Saturdays Girl (3) 56.5kg35922 |
HEROIC REBEL (3) looks primed for a bold showing in this National Apprentice Series race.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding caught the eye last start over 1666m at Ipswich, letting down strongly to finish a head third and looking likely to have won with another 50m.
He’ll strip fitter third-up and easily won his only previous race over this course and distance.
He maps beautifully for South Australian apprentice Taylor Johnstone.
Selections: 3-7-10-1
| 3. Heroic Rebel (3) 60kg14×53 |
DON’T DOUBT MISSY (9) is knocking on the door for a win after placing in past three starts.
The Rob Heathcote-trained filly settled last over this distance at the Sunshine Coast after drawing wide before charging home along the fence to finish 1.35 lengths third.
It was similar story the start prior at Doomben when the outside barrier again put pay to her chances, but to her credit she found the line nicely for a close second.
While I don’t expect her to lead, the inside barrier should see her settle closer in the run.
Selections: 9-1-6-12
| 9. Don’t Doubt Missy (1) 56kg4223 |
SAINT ALDWYN (4) was excellent in his first race for Kelly Schweida after previously racing with Chris Waller.
The Zoustar gelding led over 1200m at Doomben and found plenty late to draw clear and win by 1.31 lengths with third a further 2.28 lengths away.
He was six weeks between runs so will have come on nicely since then.
Corey Sutherland, who claims 3kg, will give him every chance from the good gate.
The tall apprentice has more than likely ridden him in track work given he’s apprenticed to Schweida which is a big advantage in these NARS contests.
Selections: 4-3-6-1
| 4. Saint Aldwyn (3) 59kg7×271 |
MOULIN MISS (3) returns to the races for the first time since suffering from post recovery and finishing five lengths fifth over this course and distance in December.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare is a previous first-up winner and warmed up for this with a nice 1.75 length trial win where she led all the way at a controlled pace.
While her overall record isn’t great at Eagle Farm, she produced a good performance over this course and distance last preparation when finishing 1.25 lengths second.
Chelsea Baker, who claims 3kg, will use the mare’s natural speed to take advantage of barrier 2.
Selections: 3-7-8-1
| 3. Moulin Miss (2) 60kg5215x |
SAVEUR (11) has been racing in a purple patch of form since coming north from Sydney.
The Chris Waller-trained mare won back-to-back races to announce her arrival in Queensland before charging through the line after being held up over a mile here last start to finish a nose second.
She’s rock hard fit and the rise in distance looks ideal.
The wide barrier isn’t ideal, but we’re in the safe hands of Angela Jones who will look to find a spot with cover.
She was scratched from a winnable race Saturday in preference of this.
Selections: 11-7-8-3
| 11. Saveur (8) 56kg77112 |
FASVARA (10) has come back this preparation in sparkling form and can go on with it.
The Kris Lees-trained gelding settled at the tail first-up over 1200m at the Gold Coast before finding the line strongly to salute in the shadows of the post.
He showed a devastating turn of foot last start over 1300m when rocketing past his rivals to win by 2.09 lengths running away.
He’s drawn well for Seam Cormack and looks well placed to make it a hattrick.
Selections: 10-6-12-8
| 10. Fasvara (4) 58kg4×11 |