Wrap up the working week with our Friday best bets at Ipswich, highlighting the key runners to help you find an edge!
MAKAMAE (8) is an intriguing runner stepping out on a quick five-day backup.
She laid out under pressure on the Sunshine Coast last week to run second in the end, and it’s clear she’s pulled up just fine this step up to 2000m.
A winner over this journey previously and likely to appreciate some cut in the track, she appeals against a few tired horses.
| 8. Makamae (1) J: Brandon Lerena 55kg 13052T: Stephen Sutherland | |||
| Most recently tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 at Sunshine Coast on August 9 over 1800m, 0.7 len behind Lord Protector with 56kg at $2.70. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 7 at Sunshine Coast on August 2 over 1800m, on a slow track; 5.5 len behind Big Ticket Boy with 55kg at $3.10. Back in form and on the five-day back-up looks very tough to beat. | |||
FLYING BAT (2) sticks to the mile for Allan Chau and connections.
The son to Flying Artie was placed over the same journey at Eagle Farm two back, before resuming off a five-week break at Doomben where he was clearly out of his depth a couple of weeks ago.
He gets in better off at the weights here thanks to the claim and has scope for some improvement on less of a turnaround. Some added wet track form is also a plus.
| 2. Flying Bat (8) J: Mckenzie Apel 61kg 41138T: Allan Chau | |||
| Last start ran last of 8 at Doomben on August 5 over 1650m, 6 len behind Wounder carrying 58.5kg at $4.80. The race before that set the pace for much of the race 3rd of 7 at Eagle Farm on July 1 over 1600m, slow going 0.8 len behind June carrying 52kg at $10. Best form stacks up nicely so he deserves another chance. | |||
DON’TCHA THINK (2) resumes for Team Archibald off a pair of handy trials leading in.
The seven-year-old to So You Think was competitive last time in work in Brisbane and was runner-up here at his first look at the track in late February.
He’s missed the cash only once from five first-up assignments and only needs some early luck from a tricky gate to feature.
| 2. Don’Tcha Think (14) J: Ben Thompson 60kg 5618xT: Annabel & Rob Archibald | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation eighth of 11 at Eagle Farm Bm70 April 18 over 1600m, 4 len behind Ocean Zar with 57.5kg at $7.50. First up last campaign fifth of 9 at Tamworth Bm82 January 22 over 1200m, 1.3 len behind Chandon Star with 55kg at $3.40. Good fresh performer who can win with luck from the poor alley. | |||
STARLIGHTNING (5) is an each-way chance to wrap up the day.
Tony Gollan’s gelding was an impressive winner on debut on the Gold Coast, before a flat-footed effort on the Sunshine Coast saw him finish just outside the money.
Whether he was wanting further is the query, but he gets 1200m on Friday and every opportunity from the inside alley.
| 5. Starlightning (1) J: Bella Youngberry 60kg 14T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Lining up for just third start. When well in the market at debut, raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.6 len at Gold Coast on July 4 over 1015m defeating Emphatique carrying 56kg at $3.50. Second-up 4th of 8 at Sunshine Coast on July 26 over 1000m, 2 len behind Rhetoric with 58.5kg at $5.50. Lightly raced gelding who deserves another chance. | |||