The Candy Man has once again been a revelation since returning to Queensland and he looks beautifully placed to record another win in this afternoon’s Shoot Out Mile. The six-year-old grey was outclassed, albeit also luckless during the Sydney Spring Carnival but has recorded two wins and a luckless third in three starts since returning to his home state, including another comfortable all-the-way triumph over 1800m last time out. He rises in weight, but remains the class horse of this field.
There are a few smart ones confirmed for a start in this afternoon’s Bernborough Handicap at Eagle Farm, but a horse like Reckless Choice is going to be suited right down to the ground by the conditions and he is over the odds to win ($13 at publish). The Choisir gelding boasts an outstanding record over a mile and won a BM78 race at this track and distance before finishing second at his three subsequent starts, finding form around some of Queensland’s best. The drop back in trip off a freshen-up last time simply did not suit, and a return to his pet trip today could prove the difference.
This is an excellent edition of The Buffering, but Deep Image has been a particularly impressive performer since resuming and looks the one to beat. The Testa Rossa gelding hasn’t missed a place in five starts this time in and hit the line to finish third in the Listed Recognition two back, before recording a smart win in the Listed Lough Neagh last time out. He’s rock-hard fit and with appropriate luck, will take beating again.
Multaja has returned to racing in competitive form this time and is primed to win this afternoon’s Nudgee Handicap. The Godolphin-trained mare has continued to improve with each effort since resuming and was strong to the line in the Group 2 Hot Danish two back, before finishing with a length of the winner in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap last time out. This looks an easier race than that and the $4.50 available at publish looks a lovely price.