Neds’ Ipswich Best Bets for Thursday spotlights the runners primed to perform.
If BLUE POLES (11) shows the improvement she demonstrated from her debut to her second race then she’ll be hard to beat.
Last start the Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained filly closed off nicely to finish just over a half-length second over 1400m at Bathurst.
The rise in distance looks ideal with increased fitness third-up.
She maps to get a great run from the inside barrier.
OUR GIRL SCARLETT (8) has come back this preparation in good fettle and gets the setup to push for a breakthrough victory.
Following a first-up third at Eagle Farm, the Kelly Schweida-trained filly gave a good sight over this distance at the Gold Coast only to be run down late to finish just under a length second.
She’ll strip fitter third-up and missed the win by a whisker the last time she raced over this course and distance.
Leah Martyn, who claims 2kg, will drive forward from the good gate.
ROBRICK (2) is pitchforked into this Class 2 Plate under set weight conditions given he is 13.5 rating points higher than his closest rival.
The Gary Doughty-trained gelding will appreciate the drop in class after struggling in the heavy conditions at Eagle Farm last start.
He ran on well the start prior when resuming for his new trainer at Doomben when finishing third over this distance.
It’s been a long time between drinks for the former Victorian but draws well and hasn’t taken on this level company since his last win over two years ago.
NINJITZOU (1) will appreciate the drop in class.
The Rob Heathcote-trained gelding hasn’t been far away in his past five starts and returns to Ipswich after a solid effort over 1660m last start where he finished 2.36 lengths fourth.
He’s rock hard fit and should be able to dictate the speed given there’s not too many with early speed.
Ash Butler saluted on his only ride at Ipswich last week which was aboard a Heathcote horse.