Eagle Farm is serving up a six-pack this meeting, and it could be a tricky one to crack. There are six races to tackle, the track is rated a Soft 5 and the rail is pushed out a hefty 12m.
Rain is developing in the forecast and could see the surface deteriorate, but we’ll wait and see. The BOM can get it wrong, so the track conditions are worth watching rather than taking as a given.
We’ve worked through the speed maps and key runners to find the best betting opportunities. Let’s get into this Eagle Farm six-pack and see if we can land a few winners.
MALAMAGIC (8) looks well prepared for his debut following three very good trials.
The Tony Gollan-trained colt showed good speed to lead all the way in his first trial. He then settled off the pace in his second hit-out before rocketing home to miss the win by a nose.
He looked professional in his most recent piece of work, showing good speed to settle second before cruising around with plenty in the tank to finish a length second.
He’s drawn superbly for Daniel Moor, who should be able to find a forward position without much effort.
| 8. Malamagic (1) 56kg |
STORMING HOME (7) resumes for new trainer Jack Bruce after one start in Sydney.
The daughter of The Autumn Sun didn’t show a lot when finishing a distant fourth at Kembla Grange on debut in February, but looks to have furnished during her decent spell.
She’s had two trials ahead of this first-up assignment, settling back on both occasions before working powerfully to the line under her own steam.
Ben Thompson has been aboard in both trials and sticks for the race ride. With limited speed in the race, he should be able to land in a prominent position.
| 7. Storming Home (7) 56.5kg4x |
CIGAR MAN (1) returns to the scene of his last-start win and looks well placed to go back-to-back.
The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained gelding enjoyed a nice run over this course and distance before letting down well to win, defeating several of the horses he faces here.
He’s been racing well this preparation, with three wins from his past six starts, and is rock-hard fit.
Ryan Houston’s 2kg claim should help him secure an economical run from the good gate.
| 1. Cigar Man (3) 59kg98181 |
READY SET TERGO (3) caught the eye when flashing home on debut over this distance at Doomben last start.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding was bumped at the 600m and found himself well back entering the straight, but recovered to rattle home and finish 1.06 lengths fourth.
He’ll strip fitter second-up and just needs a bit more luck in running.
He jumped well on debut, so Daniel Moor may be able to settle him in a more prominent position.
| 3. Ready Set Tergo (7) 59kg4 |
SHIRVINGTON (2) resumes for new trainer Michael Freedman after previously racing with Bjorn Baker in Sydney.
The Capitalist gelding showed plenty of speed in a recent Gold Coast trial, leading throughout to win comfortably by 3.3 lengths.
He flies fresh, with three wins from four first-up starts, including a victory over this distance at Wyong when kicking off last preparation.
Jace McMurray’s 1.5kg claim and barrier one give him the chance to drive forward and lead or take the box seat.
| 2. Shirvington (1) 58kg1900x |
MONOTONE (5) was ultra-impressive when resuming for new trainer Jack Bruce at the Sunshine Coast last start.
The son of Lonhro settled in the second-last pair and raced greenly in the straight, but exploded once he found the front with a furlong to go, dashing away to win by 6.27 lengths.
He’ll strip fitter and finished second to subsequent Group 3 winner Aethelwulf when second-up last preparation, albeit well beaten.
Ben Thompson can settle off what looks like a strong speed before letting him run home.
| 5. Monotone (2) 60kgx42x1 |