Wednesday’s Eagle Farm meeting shapes as a competitive midweek program, with a Soft 5 surface expected and the possibility of showers adding some uncertainty without dramatically altering conditions.
The rail is out 9 metres, which can place added emphasis on race shape and positioning, particularly early in the card as patterns begin to establish.
Securing the right run in transit should prove important, while Eagle Farm’s long straight ensures those settling off the speed will still have every opportunity to finish over the top.
Let’s break down the meeting.
REWRITE (4) looks well placed to take out the opener at Eagle Farm.
The Michael Freedman-trained colt brings solid New South Wales form, finishing just under a length second on debut at Hawkesbury before a half-length third at Kembla Grange.
He was then sent for a spell and resumes here off the back of a pleasing trial.
While drawn wide, he has enough early speed to press forward and find a handy position.
Selections: 4-5-7-1
| 4. Rewrite (6) J: Dylan Turner 57.5kg 23x T: Michael Freedman |
CERETTI (4) looks close to a breakthrough win and the addition of blinkers may prove key.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly was a touch disappointing as favourite last start but was excellent two runs back at Ipswich when producing the fastest late splits to finish narrowly second.
She’s now at peak fitness and secures the services of Ben Thompson.
From barrier 5, she should settle just off the speed before getting her chance in the straight.
Selections: 4-5-3-8
| 4. Ceretti (5) J: Ben Thompson 58kg x3524 T: Tony Gollan |
ELNAJEEB (3) has shown steady improvement this preparation and looks close to a win.
Last start at Doomben over 1110m, he was tightened for room at stages but finished strongly along the inside to grab third, beaten just over half a length.
He’s now at peak fitness and the rise to 1200m looks ideal.
Blinkers go on for the first time, which should see him settle closer in the run.
Selections: 3-2-6-7
| 3. Elnajeeb (6) J: Ben Thompson 58kg 743 T: Tony Gollan |
CABALETTO (4) returned in good order last start over this course and distance on a heavy track.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare was caught wide early but did well to stick on and finish 2.36 lengths third.
She will take improvement from that run and won second-up last preparation over this track and trip.
With limited speed drawn low, she should be able to cross and either lead or box seat.
Selections: 4-10-5-2
| 4. Cabaletto (6) J: Cejay Graham 58.5kg 113×3 T: Chris & Corey Munce |
SIR WINNIE (9) was given little chance first-up from a wide draw but bounced back impressively last start.
The Rex Lipp-trained gelding led over 1350m at Doomben before being headed, but fought back strongly to score by half a length.
He strips fitter third-up and has won previously in that condition.
The rise to a mile looks suitable and he should enjoy a favourable run on speed.
Selections: 9-10-11-6
| 9. Sir Winnie (5) J: Angela Jones 58.5kg 41×31 T: Rex Lipp |
DISMANTLE (3) should be nearing peak fitness following two strong runs this preparation.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare resumed with a close second at the Sunshine Coast before giving a bold sight when run down late at Doomben over 1110m.
She has since had a trial to maintain fitness and condition.
Although drawn wide, she has the speed to work forward and take up a prominent role.
Selections: 3-9-1-11
| 3. Dismantle (11) Scratched: | |||
IMMORTALITY (5) is racing consistently and looks ready to go one better.
The Jordan Lee-trained gelding won first-up at Ballina before producing two narrow runner-up finishes, including last start at Grafton where he charged late to just miss.
He is now rock hard fit and did win fourth-up last preparation over this distance.
Ben Osmond’s 2kg claim should see him settle in a favourable position in the run.
Selections: 5-10-1-3
| 5. Immortality (6) J: Benjamin Osmond 59.5kg 9×122 T: Jordan Lee |
QUIT ‘N’ TAP (10) was dominant on debut at the Sunshine Coast.
The Kerry Taplin-trained gelding led into the straight over 1200m before dashing clear to score by 5.77 lengths under hands and heels riding.
He will take benefit from that experience and the rise in distance looks suitable.
Mark Du Plessis retains the ride and should have him settling in a forward position.
Selections: 10-3-8-14
| 10. Quit ‘N’ Tap (6) J: Mark Du Plessis 56.5kg 1 T: Kerry Taplin |