Eagle Farm betting tips are ready for a big 10-race card this Saturday.
The track is rated a Soft 5, with fine weather late in the week offering the chance of some improvement. The rail is out 5m, so the early races should help shape the speed map and show how the track conditions are playing.
It could be a massive day for Tony Gollan, who looks an excellent chance to train at least five winners. Grinzinger Champ is chasing four straight wins, while Everybody Rise is aiming for six in a row.
Our race analysis looks at the key runners, main winning chances and best betting opportunities across the card.
There are plenty of intriguing runners to assess, so let’s see where the best plays lie.
SPIRIT OF BARTY (4) gets back to 1000m and should get every chance to break through.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare has finished second behind Grinzinger Champ at her past two starts over 1200m at Doomben.
She hit the front in both races but was unable to hold on late.
The shorter trip may help her see it out, while Bella Youngberry’s 3kg claim is a bonus. From a prominent position, Spirit Of Barty can give this a good sight.
| 4. Spirit Of Barty (4) J: Bella Youngberry 55.5kg 17222T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Racing well recently. At the latest run held ground to the line 2nd of 9 in a F&M Cl3-Sw at Doomben on August 1 over 1200m, 0.7 len behind Grinzinger Champ with 55.5kg at $4.40. The start before that sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in a 3yo F Hcp at Doomben on July 18 over 1200m, slow going 1.2 len behind Grinzinger Champ carrying 55kg at $5.50. Racing in great heart and is expected to be in the finish again. | |||
SARAH’S SONNET (11) has the staying form to be right in the finish.
The Tony & Maddy Sears-trained mare began this preparation with two placings, including a narrow second over 1800m at the Gold Coast.
She then stepped to 2200m and won by 1.33 lengths without being fully extended by the jockey.
She was good again at town last start, finishing second behind Diamond Show, who came out and won a stronger race last Saturday.
| 11. Sarah’s Sonnets (5) J: Mark Du Plessis 55kg x3212T: Tony & Maddysen Sears | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd of 9 in a Cl3 at Doomben on August 5 over 2060m, 1.4 len behind Diamond Show with 54.5kg at $3.70. The run before that won by 1.75 len at Gold Coast on July 25 over 2233m in soft going defeating Southby carrying 54kg at $4.80. One of the chances down in the weights. | |||
PURE ALPHA (6) gets a much easier assignment after tackling Class 6 company last start.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding finished fourth over this distance at Doomben and should take improvement from the run.
He is third-up now, and the blinkers return after helping him finish a close third at Caulfield almost two years ago.
Ben Thompson takes the ride, and the senior jockey should give him every chance to run a bold race.
| 6. Pure Alpha (9) J: Ben Thompson 58.5kg 50×04T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming ran last of 11 in a Bm70 at this track on July 29 over 1400m, 10 len behind Meldubious carrying 57.5kg at $10. Second-up 4th of 8 in a Cl6 at Doomben on August 15 over 1600m, 2.25 len behind Cool Music carrying 54kg at $6. On the improve and the blinkers back on might be significant. | |||
EXCEED THE SALE (1) is flying and can make it three straight wins.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly has won her past two, with an impressive 1.53-length victory over 1200m here followed by a 1.21-length win over 1350m at Doomben.
She clocked the fastest final 400m in that latest victory, showing she still had plenty in reserve.
Chelsea Baker claims 3kg, and there should be enough speed to help her settle just behind the leaders.
| 1. Exceed The Sale (6) J: Chelsea Baker 57kg 311T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Chasing a hat-trick. At the latest run favourite; won by 1.2 len at Doomben on August 15 over 1350m defeating Metal Boss carrying 55kg at $3.50. The start before that favourite; won by 1.5 len at this track on July 29 over 1200m defeating Iskenderun with 53kg at $3.10. Rates highly. The testing material. | |||
STRADA VARENNA (16) deserves another chance after getting no favours first-up.
The Street Boss mare was forced to settle near last from a wide gate at Doomben before racing four deep.
She still worked home fairly to finish seventh, beaten 3.14 lengths.
Ben Thompson replaces the apprentice, and barrier 2 is a major improvement. If she settles closer, she can show much more second-up.
| 16. Strada Varenna (2) J: Ben Thompson 57kg 758×7T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Second-up. First-up after six months settled back and ran on when 7th of 12 in a F&M Cl1 at Doomben on August 5 over 1200m, 3 len behind Geitz with 58kg at $4.60. Previously second-up ran second last in a small field in a F&M Bm72 at Canterbury on November 28 over 1100m, 6 len behind Bremel with 58.5kg at $4.60. Fitter and is expected to do much better. | |||
THE FIXER (6) can turn the tables on Everybody Rise.
The Jack Bruce-trained gelding resumed over this course and distance and had the run behind the leader, but he could not get clear in time.
He finished second, beaten 1.41 lengths, and now meets Everybody Rise 2.5kg better.
Ryan Maloney takes over, and the good draw should give him the chance to settle just behind the speed before making his move.
| 6. The Fixer (5) J: Ryan Maloney 59kg 5x3x2T: Jack Bruce | |||
| Having second run back today. Last run ran on from midfield; 2nd of 11 in a Nmw at this track on August 8 over 1000m, 1.4 len behind Everybody Rise carrying 56.5kg at $5.50. At only start last preparation 3rd of 10 in a Bm78 at Sunshine Coast on January 24 over 1000m, 2.25 len behind Power Of The Brave carrying 59kg at $20. Genuine galloper and is one of the better hopes. | |||
GRINZINGER CHAMP (6) is chasing four straight wins and gets a chance to show she can handle 1400m.
The Wootton Bassett mare has been outstanding since joining Jack Bruce, charging home from the tail to win by 2.09 lengths over 1200m at Doomben last start.
The extra distance and bigger Eagle Farm track look ideal for her strong finishing style.
Ben Thompson gets the ride from a good draw, and if she settles closer, she will be hard to beat.
| 6. Grinzinger Champ (6) J: Ben Thompson 58.5kg x4111T: Jack Bruce | |||
| Dual acceptor. Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; ran on strongly from last on the turn and won by 2 len at Doomben on August 15 over 1200m defeating Nepravda carrying 58kg at $1.80. The race before that favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.7 len at Doomben on August 1 over 1200m defeating Spirit Of Barty carrying 60kg at $1.90. Relishing life in Queensland and is the one to beat again. | |||
POLYGLOT (5) brings very good Sydney form and looks well weighted here.
The Michael Freedman-trained gelding won at Rosehill three starts ago before having no luck in his next run.
He bounced back over 1100m last start, enjoying the right run and proving too strong late.
The race book calls this a harder class, but he gets in with 7kg less and may not find this as tough as it looks. Ben Thompson should give him the run of the race from barrier 1.
| 5. Polyglot (1) J: Ben Thompson 53kg x7181T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Last start raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by a long-neck at Rosehill on August 15 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Off The Press carrying 60kg at $6. The start before that 8th of 13 in a Bm78 at Rosehill on August 1 over 1100m, slow going 3.5 len behind Annie’s Rose with 60kg at $7.50. Drops sharply in the weights and brings that gilt-edged Sydney form north – can score again. | |||
LIVALITTLE (5) gets the barrier he needs and can bounce back into the winner’s circle.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding has five wins and six placings from 13 starts and has already shown what he can do at Eagle Farm.
He resumed with a strong second over an unsuitable 1200m before winning over this course and distance two starts ago.
He was unlucky last start after drawing wide, settling last and striking trouble in the straight, but still charged into third.
Daniel Moor replaces the 3kg claimer, and the improved gate should make a huge difference.
| 5. Livalittle (2) J: Daniel Moor 57.5kg 1×213T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start ran on strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 10 in a Bm78 at this track on August 8 over 1600m, 0.8 len behind Golden Cross with 58kg at $4.80. The race before that won by 0.6 len at this track on July 25 over 1600m defeating Automne Tree carrying 54.5kg at $4.60. Racing in great heart this prep and looks a big chance to add to his fine record. | |||
SURPRISE HONEY (12) looks ready to go on with it after a dominant win over this track and trip.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare settled in the box seat before letting down strongly to score by 2.16 lengths.
She should get a similar run this time, with a good draw and enough speed around her to land prominently.
She is rock-hard fit and loves Eagle Farm, with five top-three finishes from six starts.
| 12. Surprise Honey (4) J: Daniel Moor 55.5kg 57541T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently ran on from midfield and won by 2.25 len at this track on August 8 over 1200m defeating Ser Joh carrying 53kg at $6.50. Before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 10 in a 1Mw at Doomben on July 18 over 1200m, slow going 2 len behind Taltarni Fields with 52.5kg at $4.40. Draws well and another big run is in store. | |||
Eagle Farm Big Bets
See where the smart money is heading at Eagle Farm.
