Hollindale Stakes Day continues the Queensland Racing Carnival this Saturday at the Gold Coast, representing another key meeting in the winter schedule. A competitive nine-race program is set to be run, with six black-type races ensuring strong quality and depth throughout the day.
The Group 2 Hollindale Stakes is the feature and brings together an intriguing mix of class and tempo. Melbourne and Caulfield Cup winner HALF YOURS adds genuine staying strength, while PRIDE OF JENNI’s natural early speed is set to ensure a truly run race. The supporting card is also strong, with the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas and the Ken Russell Memorial Classic acting as important lead-up races for developing horses.
The track is currently rated a Soft 7 (Wednesday), though with fine conditions expected in the lead-up, an upgrade into the Good range looks likely, setting up ideal racing conditions.
Selections and analysis for each race are provided below.
EYE OF THE EAGLE (8) is in very good form this preparation for trainer Stephen McLean.
At Doomben two runs back over 1200m, he was held up for much of the straight before finding a split along the rail and finishing strongly to score.
He followed that with a strong effort at Eagle Farm where he settled back before charging home late to finish second to Bundella, beating Daggers.
He looks ready for 1400m now and should be nearing peak fitness.
| 8. Eye Of The Eagle (2) J: Martin Harley 59kg x4312 T: Stephen Mclean |
SOOTHSAYER (11) returned with a big performance after a lengthy absence of nearly three years.
The Michael Freedman-trained gelding had a soft run at Eagle Farm and fought hard to just miss in a close finish.
He has a strong second-up profile, winning two of three in that position, and should improve off that run.
There is a slight concern after such a big effort fresh, but he maps well and gets Michael Rodd.
| 11. Soothsayer (7) J: Michael Rodd 59.5kg 830×2 T: Michael Freedman |
ST GOTTHARD (4) made a strong impression winning on debut over 1200m at Warwick Farm.
The Chris Waller-trained colt showed determination to edge out Peyton late and was subsequently given a break.
He returns off a quiet trial where he looked to be working under no pressure.
From barrier 2, James McDonald should position him perfectly in the run.
| 4. St Gotthard (2) J: James McDonald 57kg 1 T: Chris Waller |
TOMATO TOASTIE (9) had no luck last start in the Group 3 James HB Carr Stakes where she was badly held up and lost momentum.
Her first-up run was strong, finishing just under half a length from the winner, and she will take improvement from that.
She has winning form at this trip and profiles well third-up.
With Tim Clark aboard, expect her to push forward early despite the draw.
| 9. Tomato Toastie (9) J: Tim Clark 54kg x0x38 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
SINGLE RED (1) brings strong New Zealand form into this race.
She resumed at Te Rapa over a mile and proved too classy, winning by 1.5 lengths after working across to lead.
She strips fitter second-up and her placing in the New Zealand Oaks suggests the rise to 1800m will suit.
Craig Grylls is likely to adopt similar tactics and roll forward.
| 1. Single Red (5) J: Craig Grylls 56.5kg 123×1 T: Andrew Forsman |
FLYING DESTINY (8) gets in very well at the weights dropping from 62kg to 52kg.
The Michael Freedman-trained gelding is chasing three straight wins after a strong performance at Doomben last start.
His previous victory at this track was also impressive, finishing off with the best closing sectionals of the race.
He should enjoy a soft run from the draw with Jamie Melham.
| 8. Flying Destiny (2) J: Jamie Melham 52kg 43311 T: Michael Freedman |
HALF YOURS (1) returns to Queensland following a high-quality spring campaign.
He resumed in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes where he had little luck but finished off strongly over the final stages.
That run should have him ready for this and he has a strong second-up record.
With PRIDE OF JENNI ensuring a genuine tempo, the race sets up well for him.
| 1. Half Yours (8) J: Jamie Melham 59kg 411×9 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |
NEPO BABY (10) produced a strong performance last start when finishing narrowly second in the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes.
She had also run well in the Light Fingers Stakes and continues to improve with each start.
From the inside barrier, she maps to get a perfect run on speed for Tom Sherry.
| 10. Nepo Baby (1) J: Tom Sherry 55kg 1×332 T: Annabel & Rob Archibald |
HIDDEN WEALTH (1) had excuses first-up when caught wide throughout but still finished off well.
He has a strong record over 1200m with multiple stakes wins and has also won at this track previously.
With James McDonald engaged, he should settle in a handy position and be competitive.
| 1. Hidden Wealth (6) J: James McDonald 60.5kg 410×4 T: Tony Gollan |