{"id":88697,"date":"2026-07-25T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=88697"},"modified":"2026-07-24T11:11:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T01:11:42","slug":"sunshine-coast-best-bets-sunday-july-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/07\/sunshine-coast-best-bets-sunday-july-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunshine Coast Best Bets \u2013 Sunday, July 26\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fire up your Sunday punting with our Sunshine Coast best bets, highlighting the key runners who are ready to help you end the week right.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Race 1 – 12:04PM VAWDREY Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 1 Handicap (1000 METRES)<\/div>\n
No. 2 Starlightning<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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STARLIGHTNING (2)<\/strong> was professional winning on debut at the Gold Coast, leading and kicking clear to score by half a length over 1015m.<\/p>\n

He had trialled well leading in and the race experience should only bring him on further.<\/p>\n

Ben Thompson sticks with the Tony Gollan-trained gelding, which is a positive given the stable\u2019s strength with these types.<\/p>\n

With early speed and upside, he maps to give himself every chance again.<\/p>\n

Sunshine Coast R1 – Vawdrey C,G&E Hcp (C1)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2. Starlightning (7)<\/span>
J: Ben Thompson<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
1<\/span>T: Tony Gollan<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.20<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.35<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Was well-supported at debut, won favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.6 len at Gold Coast 3yo Mdn-Sw July 4 over 1015m defeating Emphatique with 56kg at $3.50. Can measure up again.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 26\/07\/2026 12:37:22 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Sunshine Coast Race 1<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 4 – 1:49PM BUTLER FREIGHT QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1400 METRES)<\/div>\n
No. 6 King Emperor<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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KING EMPEROR (6)<\/strong> was excellent on debut here when second beaten a lip over 1200m, settling back from the wide barrier before charging home.<\/p>\n

The Liam Birchley-trained gelding drops in weight for this and should be better for that first race experience.<\/p>\n

The way he attacked the line suggests the rise in distance will suit.<\/p>\n

Taylor Marshall will likely settle back again from the wide draw and have him hitting the line strongly.<\/p>\n

Sunshine Coast R4 – Butler Freight Mdn Plate<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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6. King Emperor (9)<\/span>
J: Taylor Marshall<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
2<\/span>T: Liam Birchley<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.80<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.35<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Jumped at big odds at debut, 2nd of 13 at this track 3yo Mdn on July 12 over 1200m, slow going nose behind Precise Star with 60kg at $31. Awkwardly drawn but with even luck can go one better.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 26\/07\/2026 12:37:23 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Sunshine Coast Race 4<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 6 – 3:05PM STRAMIT BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (1200 METRES)<\/div>\n
No. 2 Hopper<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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HOPPER (2)<\/strong> returned in good order at Eagle Farm when fourth beaten 1.61 lengths over 1200m, finishing strongly after settling well back.<\/p>\n

He should take improvement from that first run for the Stuart Kendrick stable after previously racing in Sydney.<\/p>\n

He won second-up last preparation at Kembla Grange and looks suited back to non-metro grade.<\/p>\n

Drawn better here, he can settle closer and get every chance to run a big race.<\/p>\n

Sunshine Coast R6 – Stramit Hcp (Bm70)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2. Hopper (2)<\/span>
J: Ben Thompson<\/span> 60kg<\/span><\/div>
927×4<\/span>T: Stuart Kendrick<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.25<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Second-up. First-up after two months 4th of 11 at Eagle Farm Bm70 on July 15 over 1200m, 1.5 len behind Fragile Love carrying 60kg at $17. Previously second-up won by 1.0 len at Kembla Grange Cl1 February 7 over 1400m on a rain affected track defeating Sir Loyne with 59kg at $4.20. Will benefit from that run and is worth including.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 26\/07\/2026 12:37:23 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Sunshine Coast Race 6<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 7 – 3:45PM GENIS STEEL BENCHMARK 62 Handicap (1600 METRES)<\/div>\n
No. 3 Captain Eagle<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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CAPTAIN EAGLE (3)<\/strong> was strong at Grafton last start when second beaten a neck over 1600m, laying in late after racing on speed and fighting well.<\/p>\n

That was his first run for Christopher Zintilis after previously racing for Peter & Will Hulbert, and he looks to have settled in quickly.<\/p>\n

He has placed second in three starts over a mile, which looks a positive staying at the trip.<\/p>\n

The map suggests he can control the speed in front and give them something to chase.<\/p>\n

Sunshine Coast R7 – Genis Steel Hcp (Bm62)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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3. Captain Eagle (1)<\/span>
J: Bailey Wheeler<\/span> 60.5kg<\/span><\/div>
55562<\/span>T: Chris Zintilis<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.75<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
At the latest run held ground to the line 2nd of 11 at Grafton 4yo+ Cl2 on July 15 over 1600m, neck behind Jason Darren carrying 58.5kg at $6. The start before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 9 at Doomben Bm65 on June 24 over 1660m, slow going 5 len behind Golden Eyes with 58.5kg at $8. Nice gate and certainly deserves consideration.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 26\/07\/2026 12:37:23 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now: Sunshine Coast Race 7<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fire up your Sunday punting with our Sunshine Coast best bets, highlighting the key runners who are ready to help you end the week right. Race 1 – 12:04PM VAWDREY Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 1 Handicap (1000 METRES) No. 2 Starlightning STARLIGHTNING (2) was professional winning on debut at the Gold Coast, leading and kicking clear to score by half a length over 1015m. He had trialled well leading in and the race experience should only bring him on further. Ben Thompson sticks with the Tony Gollan-trained gelding, which is a positive given the stable\u2019s strength with these types.…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":76736,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[861],"hub_post_cat":[8162],"class_list":["post-88697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-racing-tips","tag-racing-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"25\/07\/2026","event_country":"Australia","race_card_tips":[{"author_id":"33","race_id":"2f127124-f636-44a1-a449-926c4810663a","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"39af09eb-6975-4451-a1ed-8716b08eb9c7"}],"summary":"STARLIGHTNING (2) was professional winning on debut at the Gold Coast, leading and kicking clear to score by half a length over 1015m. He had trialled well leading in and the race experience should only bring him on further. Ben Thompson sticks with the Tony Gollan-trained gelding, which is a positive given the stable\u2019s strength with these types. With early speed and upside, he maps to give himself every chance again."}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"75da1eff-aa86-4bbb-a164-a570f1387ffd","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"2501e39e-2f8b-40fe-8def-75c5ba92167d"}],"summary":"KING EMPEROR (6) was excellent on debut here when second beaten a lip over 1200m, settling back from the wide barrier before charging home. The Liam Birchley-trained gelding drops in weight for this and should be better for that first race experience. The way he attacked the line suggests the rise in distance will suit. Taylor Marshall will likely settle back again from the wide draw and have him hitting the line strongly."}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"26dfda34-66dd-457b-8434-9c3e0b3760c1","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"f6149cdd-4bee-410d-bf96-c6f559e65f0f"}],"summary":"HOPPER (2) returned in good order at Eagle Farm when fourth beaten 1.61 lengths over 1200m, finishing strongly after settling well back. He should take improvement from that first run for the Stuart Kendrick stable after previously racing in Sydney. He won second-up last preparation at Kembla Grange and looks suited back to non-metro grade. Drawn better here, he can settle closer and get every chance to run a big race."}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"30292ca9-9998-4886-aa25-93510e439d6a","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"c94a91f2-6fcd-41a4-97fb-450bc7a130b6"}],"summary":"CAPTAIN EAGLE (3) was strong at Grafton last start when second beaten a neck over 1600m, laying in late after racing on speed and fighting well. That was his first run for Christopher Zintilis after previously racing for Peter & Will Hulbert, and he looks to have settled in quickly. He has placed second in three starts over a mile, which looks a positive staying at the trip. The map suggests he can control the speed in front and give them something to chase."}]}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88697","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88697"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88697\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88702,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88697\/revisions\/88702"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/76736"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88697"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=88697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}