Ipswich returns to the midweek stage for the first time since January, with a competitive seven-race program set to be run under improving conditions.
The rail is out 10 metres, which can make track position crucial, especially as the meeting wears on.
The surface is currently rated in the soft range, though with fine weather forecast, it should improve towards a more even playing track throughout the day.
Let’s get into the form and find a few winners.
HELL OR HEAVEN (3) went around favourite on debut in a Saturday Doomben race after an impressive trial win over a horse that has since won in town.
Things didn’t pan out in the run. He was shuffled back before the turn and had to shift ground in the straight, eventually working home into fifth, beaten 2.91 lengths.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding should take benefit from that experience and the rise to 1200m looks suitable.
With Ben Thompson aboard, expect him to settle closer to the speed.
Selections: 3-2-11-4
| 3. Hell Or Heaven (5) J: Ben Thompson 58kg 5 T: Kelly Schweida |
DISPARATE (2) resumes here as a gelding and looks well placed after beginning his career in stronger Sydney races.
The Michael Freedman-trained son of I Am Invincible was competitive in all three runs, never beaten more than 2.5 lengths, and now finds a more suitable assignment.
He looks to have come back in good order, winning a recent trial in encouraging fashion.
Jace McMurray’s 2kg claim is a plus and he should get a soft run just off the speed.
Selections: 2-3-7-8
| 2. Disparate (4) J: Jace Mcmurray 57.5kg 4x37x T: Michael Freedman |
URBAN LAD (12) hasn’t shown much in two starts to date, which raises some queries.
However, a recent trial win was hard to ignore—he led throughout and put a big margin on his rivals, scoring by 7.5 lengths in solid time.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained gelding looks to have turned a corner and can improve sharply.
Despite the wide draw, Martin Harley is likely to push forward and look to control the race.
Selections: 12-9-5-10
| 12. Urban Lad (6) J: Martin Harley 58kg 7x8x T: Chris & Corey Munce |
FRAGILE LOVE (6) drops back to midweek grade after competing in Saturday company and that looks a key factor.
She was slow away at Doomben last start over 1110m, settling too far back but closing off well to finish 2.67 lengths away.
Her first-up effort at the Gold Coast was also solid, finishing within 1.27 lengths of the winner.
Now third-up and with a likely strong tempo, she should get her chance to finish over the top.
Selections: 6-4-5-3
| 6. Fragile Love (6) J: Ben Thompson 55.5kg 18×46 T: Matthew Dunn |
CAPTAIN MAVERICK (5) finally draws a favourable barrier, which could prove crucial.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding hit the line strongly last start at Eagle Farm over a mile, coming from last, encountering traffic, and finishing just under a length from the winner.
While he doesn’t win often, he’s consistent and has been competitive in stronger Sydney races for most of his career.
From the inside draw, he can settle much closer and give himself every chance.
Selections: 5-4-7-8
| 5. Captain Maverick (1) J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor 60kg 29×03 T: Chris Waller |
DIVINE SOURCE (6) didn’t see out the mile last start at Doomben and is better suited back to 1350m.
She was dominant over this trip two starts ago, leading throughout and winning comfortably by three lengths.
Her Ipswich record is excellent—two wins and a second from three starts, including a dominant 3.45-length victory four runs back.
From barrier 2, Martin Harley should be able to find the front and control proceedings.
Selections: 6-8-11-4
| 6. Divine Source (2) J: Martin Harley 57kg 41416 T: Chris & Corey Munce |
STRANGLEHOLD (6) looks to have settled in well since joining Richard Laming’s Gold Coast stable.
First-up over this track and trip, he settled back from a wide draw and worked home nicely to finish 1.55 lengths off the winner.
He then went one better, circling the field and sprinting clear to win by 2.26 lengths.
Third-up now and with a genuine tempo expected, he looks well placed to go on with it.
Selections: 6-2-4-1
| 6. Stranglehold (3) Scratched: | |||