Cover image courtesy of Michael McInally
Bargain primed
G1 James Squire Queensland Oaks, $600,000, 2200m
Bargain (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) looks primed to break a recent run of outs after hitting the line strongly at her last start over 2000 metres.
The extra 200 metres looks to benefit the filly and from barrier four Joshua Parr can take up a more prominent position under the Mark Newnham-trained galloper.
Duais (Shamus Award) finished the better of Bargain when they clashed in the G1 Australian Oaks in April. However, she hasn’t been seen at the races since that day.
Despite presenting six weeks between runs, the Edward Cummings-trained galloper has trialled well behind Bargain over 1200 metres.
The only knock for her is drawing out in barrier 12, but expect her to settle back in the field and present strongly out wide.
Impressive last start G1 Australasian Oaks winner Media Award (Shamus Award) presents here in pursuit of a second Group 1. John Allen replaces Luke Nolen in the saddle and will give the filly every chance at success from barrier five. Expect Allen to settle down in a midfield position and present with a strong run when the gaps present.
The Chris Waller-trained Grace And Harmony (NZ) (Sebring) was safely held last start at Doomben over 2000 metres. Before that she was an impressive winner at the Gold Coast over 1800 metres. So, if she can recapture that form expect a bold showing, especially with James McDonald in the saddle.
Stablemate Only Words (NZ) (Sweynesse) was most impressive when beating home Bargain last start over 2000 metres by 1.3l and there’s no reason to suggest she can’t do it again.
Splintex well placed
G2 Ascot Green Moreton Cup, $200,000, 1200m
Splintex (Snitzel) looks very well placed here after finishing 1.5l behind gun gelding Eduardo (Host {Chi}) in the G1 Doomben 10,000 last month.
The Mark Newnham-trained entire was an impressive Group 3 winner the start prior and on paper is a class above his rivals in this event.
He sticks to 1200 metres and can dictate the tempo of the race out in front under Joshua Parr.
The Annabel Neasham-trained Wisdom Of Water (Headwater) has been solid without winning at his last two starts, finishing 1.2l third at the Gold Coast before only being beaten 1.4l by Kisukano (Bel Esprit) when dropping back to 1100 metres. Craig Williams sticks aboard the lone 3-year-old and will be required to offset barrier eight of nine.
Godolphin mare Varda (Lonhro) presents here after winning at Doomben last fortnight. The step up from 1100 metres should be of benefit to the James Cummings-trained galloper.
The Astrologist (Zoustar) draws out wide again and will be forced to jump from barrier nine. She was excellent last start on return when working home into fifth and will benefit from the extra 100 metre journey this time around.
Georgie's imposing record
Listed Nova 106.9, Queensland Day S., $200,000, 1200m
The Desleigh Forster-trained Georgie’s Pride (Better Than Ready) is building an imposing record having won five of her past six and finished second on the other occasion.
She is right up to this class and can win again if she can find cover from barrier 13.
Rocketing By (So You Think {NZ}) hasn’t been beaten far at his last three starts without threatening. The step back up from 1100 metres looks a positive, however, barrier 14 is the key negative.
Our Playboy (Sebring) was most impressive on return at Doomben last start when finishing 1.8l sixth. While he hasn’t won for some time expect a bold showing from the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained gelding.
Kisukano (Bel Esprit) recaptured her juvenile promise when prevailing at Doomben last time out. She’s been up for some time now but is a proven 1200 metre performer who loves the Eagle Farm circuit.
Groundswell ready to roll
Listed Nuturf Spear Chief H., $125,000, 1500m
Groundswell (Fastnet Rock) put together two strong performances when winning at Bendigo and Morphettville second and third-up this time in. However, he was most disappointing when finishing a distant 13th at Doomben last start.
The well-bred Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained gelding is well placed here dropping back in class and should prove competitive stepping out over a trip that he has won over before.
Goldifox (Foxwedge) steps out for new connections after being purchased at the recent Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. The talented 5-year-old was only beaten 0.2l last time out albeit in a Class 6 H.
Drawn in barrier three the Toby and Trent Edmonds-trained mare maps to get a lovely run in transit and will be piloted by star hoop Craig Williams.
Luvoir (Deep Field) has been knocking on the door for a victory and looks to get a perfect opportunity here.
The Richard and Michael Freedman-trained gelding has drawn barrier six and presents here fifth-up, rock-hard fit and ready to fire.
Charleise (Foxwedge) is a quality mare but will need to step right up to be winning this event.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained 4-year-old has drawn awkwardly in barrier 13 and will need a good steer from Jye McNeil to overcome jumping the widest of all runners.
Ever-consistent Usmanov
Listed Grinders Coffee Lightning H., $125,000, 1000m
The ever-consistent Usmanov (Choisir) was superb when winning at the Gold Coast earlier last month.
He presents here a month between runs but is a type who likes to have his runs spaced accordingly.
The 1000 metre trip is right up his alley and will see him prove hard to run down once again, especially at a track that he has taken a liking to throughout his career.
Doctor Zous (Zoustar) steps out for the first time since winning at the Sunshine Coast in February.
The 5-year-old gelding has won twice first-up but is still yet to taste success over 1000 metres and at Eagle Farm.
The Kelly Schweida-trained Spurcraft (Jet Spur) is another consistent gelding that is never far off the mark. The 7-year-old was well held in stronger class last time out and will relish dropping back from 1110 metres.
Boomtown Lass (Spirit Of Boom) has finished in the money at 20 of her 28 career starts and has done so at her last five starts consecutively, albeit without winning.
The Chris Anderson-trained mare hasn’t been seen since finishing third at the Gold Coast in January but has trialled up nicely over 840 metres at Doomben for this event.
Rock fit
Listed Authentic Security The Phoenix S., $125,000, 1500m
Volcanic Rock (Hinchinbrook) will strip fitter for his first-up second behind highly touted Team Hawkes-trained galloper Overmann (Hinchinbrook).
The extra 200 metre trip here will be of benefit to his chances, as will the addition of leading hoop Craig Williams.
He draws superbly in barrier four and either lead or box seat depending on what Williams sees best fit.
Star New Zealand mare Melody Belle’s (NZ) (Commands) half-brother Tutukaka (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) steps out for the third time in his career here. The Tony Pike-trained talent has finished second at both career starts to date and looks right up to this level of opposition.
He draws barrier eight for this event and will appreciate getting out over more ground here.
Verbek (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}) remains a maiden despite putting in two strong performances at her two most recent starts.
This is a big rise in class, but she gets the services of Nash Rawiller to assist in finding cover from barrier nine.
It’s All Talk (Sebring) broke through at start number four when winning her maiden at the Gold Coast over 1400 metres.
The extra 100 metres should assist her chances here against class opposition.
