The spotlight turns to Bundamba this Saturday as Ipswich Cup Day returns, bringing with it one of Queensland racing’s most vibrant and anticipated winter showcases. A day where tradition meets tempo, Royal Ipswich will once again host a packed crowd chasing winners both on and off the track.
A strong nine-race program headlines the action, with competitive fields set to test punters from the outset, while the infield buzzes with colour, fashion, and the party atmosphere that has become synonymous with the occasion.
At the heart of it all is the Listed Ipswich Cup, a staying contest steeped in history and boasting a lucrative purse that has attracted a deep and intriguing lineup. Belvedere Boy heads the market as the early favourite, with the in-form stayer set to carry strong support against a field eager to topple him.
The supporting cast is just as compelling, with the Listed Eye Liner Stakes and the Gai Waterhouse Classic providing key form references and plenty of betting opportunities across the afternoon.
Strap in. Ipswich Cup Day rarely disappoints, and this year’s edition looks no different.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE (6) was excellent when resuming for new trainers Chris & Corey Munce last start.
The Churchill mare was forced to settle back over 1200m here after drawing wide and was held up entering the straight but let down powerfully once clear to win by a neck.
She’ll strip fitter second-up and, given how strong she was late, the rise in distance will suit.
Early in her career, she raced in Group company in Sydney, so she has always had ability and looks well placed in this class.
There’s plenty of speed drawn to her inside, so Martin Harley should be able to slide across and find a position one off the fence.
| 6. Trafalgar Square (9) J: Martin Harley 57.5kg 481×1T: Chris & Corey Munce |
A change of scenery, courtesy of a move north to Brisbane, worked wonders for SOSINO (4).
The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding relished the wet conditions at Doomben last start when charging home to win the mile contest by 4.45 lengths.
He raced well in Sydney prior to that in stronger company and will strip fitter third-up.
There looks to be limited speed in the race, which should see 2kg-claiming apprentice Jace McMurray give the former import a great run on speed and potentially dictate in front.
| 4. Sosino (3) J: Jace Mcmurray 59.5kg 50×71T: Annabel & Rob Archibald |
YES LULU (1) must carry the big impost of 60.5kg but drops considerably in grade from black-type races.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare didn’t get clear air when resuming in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown before finishing strongly over the final furlong last start to run third, beaten 1.23 lengths, in the Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic at Scone.
She boasts an excellent third-up record of two wins and a third from three starts.
Daggers and Ouroboros should ensure a strong tempo, which should see her enjoy a nice run just off the speed. She’ll just need Ryan Maloney to get her off the fence at the right time.
| 1. Yes Lulu (1) J: Robbie Dolan 60.5kg 34×93T: Ciaron Maher |
Many of these may be feeling the pinch in the straight, but one horse that should see out a strong 2500m is THE IRISH (2).
The James Healy-trained gelding has been racing in great form this preparation, kicking things off with a strong win over a mile at the Sunshine Coast three starts ago.
Last start, he made the rise from a mile to 2200m look effortless when letting down powerfully to win with something in hand at Doomben.
He tackles this distance for the first time but boasts several strong wins over 2200m and 2370m.
Michael Rodd retains the ride and will give him every chance.
| 2. The Irish (7) J: Michael Rodd 59.5kg 7×151T: James Healy |
CINDERSEA (11) cost herself victory when resuming from a short let-up last start at the Gold Coast due to poor racing manners.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare looked the winner when she strode to the front in the straight but wanted to lay in, forcing Rachel King to stop riding. She was still only beaten a neck.
Prior to that, she won back-to-back races over this distance at Doomben where she led throughout.
There looks to be good speed in the race, which should see Jace McMurray, who claims 2kg, adopt a stalking role from the low draw before making his move.
| 11. Cindersea (1) J: Jace Mcmurray 57.5kg 22112T: Michael Freedman |
PLATINUM PANTHEON (2) brought excellent New Zealand form with her to the Winter Carnival and looks primed to capitalise.
Following back-to-back close sixths in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas and Group 3 Fred Best Classic, the Lisa Latta-trained mare produced a cracking performance last start in the Listed Queensland Day Stakes.
She was forced to settle last from a wide draw but sprouted wings late to charge home and finish just under a half-length second.
The rise in distance suits, and she finally draws a decent barrier, so Mark Du Plessis should be able to settle closer in the run.
| 2. Platinum Pantheon (5) J: Mark Du Plessis 57kg 12662T: Lisa Latta |
ENCODER (3) will have come on nicely since finishing fourth in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup last start, given he was six weeks between runs.
The Michael Freedman-trained gelding loomed as a winning chance, but others were fitter and edged clear late, seeing him finish just under a length fourth.
He has a strong record over this distance, winning two from five starts, including the 2025 Magic Millions Subzero where he defeated Ipswich Cup favourite Belvedere Boys.
Boris Thornton rode him to his last victory four starts ago and reunites here.
From the inside gate, he should enjoy an economical run.
| 3. Encoder (1) J: Boris Thornton 57.5kg 20164T: Michael Freedman |
CIFRADO (2) has been flying this preparation.
The Rex Lipp-trained gelding settled well back first-up in the Listed Australian Turf Club Trophy at the Gold Coast before producing the quickest closing sectionals of the race to win by a neck.
He delivered a similar performance last start in the Group 3 Ladbrokes BRC Sprint, charging down the outside to miss by a whisker.
He’ll strip fitter third-up and has won two black-type races at this stage of previous preparations.
Boris Thornton is back in the saddle and has only finished outside the top three once from six rides aboard him.
A recent trial should have the Toowoomba flyer in peak condition.
| 2. Cifrado (8) J: Boris Thornton 60kg 50×12T: Rex Lipp |
SILVER WEDDING (16) returned in magnificent order last start over 1000m at Eagle Farm.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare settled back before letting down powerfully to score by 2.53 lengths.
While she’s yet to win second-up, she has had excuses in those runs, but more telling is her record in Queensland, where three of her four wins have come.
They should set a strong tempo up front, which will give her the chance to run over the top of them with the light weight.
| 16. Silver Wedding (9) J: Mark Du Plessis 53kg 128×1T: Ciaron Maher |