Ipswich will play host to seven races again on Wednesday.
Some rain earlier in the week has the track rated a Soft 5 at time of writing, but fine weather on race day could see an improvement with the rail out 3.5m.
For our thoughts on the entire program, continue reading below.
Victory Melody resumes from a lengthy spell for Tenille Ranger. The lightly-raced four-year-old by Lean Mean Machine ran some nice races on rain-affected tracks during his maiden prep, finishing midfield on both occasions after rolling forward and looking to run his rivals off their feet. Slightly soft conditions are expected on Wednesday, but there was a bit to like about his recent Beaudesert trial where he was fast into stride to give nothing else a chance.
Cool Moon should have her share of admirers after mixing it in town on debut at Doomben last month. Out of Group 1 New Zealand winner and former Karaka Millions 2YO champion Cool Aza Beel, this promising two-year-gave a strong chase for second, settling midfield early in the run before hitting top stride down the outside into the straight. She’ll take plenty away from that run as she gets out to 1200m now, and with Andrew Mallyon piloting from another inside gate, it’s difficult to see her being beat.
Sexy Time is on debut for Tony Gollan following an impressive trial win at Doomben a few weeks ago. By Almanzor, this promising three-year-old switched off nicely in the run, before looming up down the centre of the straight to take over and win over his final few strides. His changeup speed was impressive over the final 100m and with the 2kg claim put to good use, he should have plenty of support.
Thebarberofseville looks ready to peak fourth-up after tackling the mile for the first time at Doomben a fortnight ago. A slow start saw the Better Than Ready gelding shuffled back towards midfield in the early stages, but he picked up nicely over the final 300m, working home strongly along the rail for third. This is his first look at the Ipswich track, but if he settles in a similar spot with Celine Gaudray retaining the ride, he should be just as strong in the finish with a drying track expected.
I See You Coming has his sights set on a double for Trevor Thomas. The six-year-old son of Tycoon Ruler easily could have won by more at Doomben last week, held up briefly for a run approaching the final furlong, before shifting back to the inside where he hit the line hard. He’s racing on a quick eight-day backup, suggesting he’s pulled up well enough to handle a similar Class 5 race. Having placed twice here at Ipswich with a ton of fitness also on his side, a repeat dose would see him go close to another win.
All Inclusive resumes for David Vandyke hoping to pick up where he left off this time last year. The three-year-old by All Too Hard has been off the scene for nearly 12 months, winning the Jewel Prelude on debut at Doomben, before being thrown in the deep end on his way to finishing a distant last in the Group 2 Todman Stakes at Randwick. There were excuses on offer that day after copping some interference in the run, but more recently, his trial on the Sunshine Coast last month suggests he’s ready to rock and roll. Having also beaten home a smart gelding in Street Chase on debut, this looks the right race for him to kick off his autumn assault.
Express Payment presents fitter second-up for Robert Heathcote and connections. Still lightly-raced for a four-year-old, the son of Rich Enuff has featured in the money twice during his six-start career, winning his maiden stylishly at Doomben last July where he overcame some late traffic to prevail over his final few strides. His return in a similar Class 1 a couple of weeks ago was encouraging as Jake Bayliss adopted front running tactics early before being run down over the concluding stages. Fitter now and likely to land on the speed again, he should give a nice sight with improvement sure to come.