Eagle Farm racing tips are in focus this Saturday, with 10 races scheduled.
The track is rated a Soft 5, and fine weather late in the week could lead to some improvement. The rail is out 5m, so the opening races should provide a useful guide to the track conditions and how the surface is playing.
Tony Gollan has a strong hand across the card and could enjoy a very successful afternoon. Grinzinger Champ is chasing a fourth consecutive win, while Everybody Rise is aiming for six victories in a row.
The speed map and early positioning will be important factors. Our race analysis assesses the key runners, main winning chances and betting opportunities across the meeting.
Here is the race-by-race preview for Eagle Farm.
SPIRIT OF BARTY (4) resumes over 1000m following a short break.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare has finished runner-up in her past two starts behind Grinzinger Champ, with both races coming over 1200m at Doomben.
On each occasion, she took up the running before being claimed late.
Bella Youngberry’s 3kg claim is useful, and from a favourable position, she should be able to settle close to the speed. That gives her a suitable opportunity to end her run of three consecutive second-place finishes.
| 4. Spirit Of Barty (4) J: Bella Youngberry 55.5kg 17222T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Racing well recently. At the latest run held ground to the line 2nd of 9 in a F&M Cl3-Sw at Doomben on August 1 over 1200m, 0.7 len behind Grinzinger Champ with 55.5kg at $4.40. The start before that sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in a 3yo F Hcp at Doomben on July 18 over 1200m, slow going 1.2 len behind Grinzinger Champ carrying 55kg at $5.50. Racing in great heart and is expected to be in the finish again. | |||
SARAH’S SONNET (11) has shown sound staying ability and appears suited by the conditions of this race.
The Tony & Maddy Sears-trained mare began this preparation with consecutive placings, including a narrow second over 1800m at the Gold Coast.
She then stepped up to 2200m and won by 1.33 lengths, showing she could handle the longer distance comfortably.
Her latest performance was also solid. She finished second, beaten 1.44 lengths, behind Diamond Show, who subsequently won a stronger race last Saturday.
| 11. Sarah’s Sonnets (5) J: Mark Du Plessis 55kg x3212T: Tony & Maddysen Sears | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd of 9 in a Cl3 at Doomben on August 5 over 2060m, 1.4 len behind Diamond Show with 54.5kg at $3.70. The run before that won by 1.75 len at Gold Coast on July 25 over 2233m in soft going defeating Southby carrying 54kg at $4.80. One of the chances down in the weights. | |||
PURE ALPHA (6) drops back from Class 6 company after finishing fourth over this distance at Doomben.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding improved on his first-up effort and worked home soundly to finish 2.18 lengths from the winner.
He should be fitter third-up, and the return of the blinkers is a positive. They were worn when he finished a close third at Caulfield almost two years ago.
Ben Thompson takes over and should be able to help him settle into a suitable position.
| 6. Pure Alpha (9) J: Ben Thompson 58.5kg 50×04T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming ran last of 11 in a Bm70 at this track on July 29 over 1400m, 10 len behind Meldubious carrying 57.5kg at $10. Second-up 4th of 8 in a Cl6 at Doomben on August 15 over 1600m, 2.25 len behind Cool Music carrying 54kg at $6. On the improve and the blinkers back on might be significant. | |||
EXCEED THE SALE (1) is chasing her third consecutive win and has already shown enough to suggest she can continue progressing.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly won over 1200m here two starts ago after settling slightly closer and producing an impressive finishing burst.
She then stepped up to 1350m at Doomben and recorded the fastest final 400m while scoring by 1.21 lengths.
Chelsea Baker’s 3kg claim is an advantage, and the likely tempo should allow Exceed The Sale to settle just behind the leaders.
| 1. Exceed The Sale (6) J: Chelsea Baker 57kg 311T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Chasing a hat-trick. At the latest run favourite; won by 1.2 len at Doomben on August 15 over 1350m defeating Metal Boss carrying 55kg at $3.50. The start before that favourite; won by 1.5 len at this track on July 29 over 1200m defeating Iskenderun with 53kg at $3.10. Rates highly. The testing material. | |||
STRADA VARENNA (16) can improve second-up after an interrupted return for Tony Gollan.
The Street Boss mare settled near the rear from a wide barrier at Doomben last start and was then forced to race four deep.
Despite the difficult run, she worked home fairly to finish seventh, beaten 3.14 lengths.
Ben Thompson replaces the apprentice, and Strada Varenna has drawn barrier 2 this time. That should allow her to settle closer and enjoy a more economical passage.
| 16. Strada Varenna (2) J: Ben Thompson 57kg 758×7T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Second-up. First-up after six months settled back and ran on when 7th of 12 in a F&M Cl1 at Doomben on August 5 over 1200m, 3 len behind Geitz with 58kg at $4.60. Previously second-up ran second last in a small field in a F&M Bm72 at Canterbury on November 28 over 1100m, 6 len behind Bremel with 58.5kg at $4.60. Fitter and is expected to do much better. | |||
THE FIXER (6) was sound first-up over this course and distance and should improve with that run under his belt.
The Jack Bruce-trained gelding settled behind Everybody Rise but was held up in the straight and could not build momentum until late.
He finished second, beaten 1.41 lengths, and now meets the winner 2.5kg better at the weights.
Ryan Maloney takes the ride, and the good draw should allow him to settle within striking distance.
| 6. The Fixer (5) J: Ryan Maloney 59kg 5x3x2T: Jack Bruce | |||
| Having second run back today. Last run ran on from midfield; 2nd of 11 in a Nmw at this track on August 8 over 1000m, 1.4 len behind Everybody Rise carrying 56.5kg at $5.50. At only start last preparation 3rd of 10 in a Bm78 at Sunshine Coast on January 24 over 1000m, 2.25 len behind Power Of The Brave carrying 59kg at $20. Genuine galloper and is one of the better hopes. | |||
GRINZINGER CHAMP (6) is unbeaten in her past three starts and now steps up to 1400m for the first time.
The Wootton Bassett mare has improved significantly since joining Jack Bruce, most recently charging home from the rear to win over 1200m at Doomben by 2.09 lengths.
Her finishing effort suggests the longer straight at Eagle Farm and the extra distance will suit.
Ben Thompson has drawn well, and a slightly more forward position could make Grinzinger Champ difficult to hold out.
| 6. Grinzinger Champ (6) J: Ben Thompson 58.5kg x4111T: Jack Bruce | |||
| Dual acceptor. Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; ran on strongly from last on the turn and won by 2 len at Doomben on August 15 over 1200m defeating Nepravda carrying 58kg at $1.80. The race before that favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.7 len at Doomben on August 1 over 1200m defeating Spirit Of Barty carrying 60kg at $1.90. Relishing life in Queensland and is the one to beat again. | |||
POLYGLOT (5) brings strong Sydney form to this race and appears well treated despite the class rise outlined in the race book.
The Michael Freedman-trained gelding won at Rosehill three starts ago before having no luck in his next run.
He returned to the winner’s list over 1100m at Rosehill last start after enjoying a favourable run and finishing strongly.
He carries 7kg less this time, and the inside barrier should allow Ben Thompson to give him an economical run.
| 5. Polyglot (1) J: Ben Thompson 53kg x7181T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Last start raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by a long-neck at Rosehill on August 15 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Off The Press carrying 60kg at $6. The start before that 8th of 13 in a Bm78 at Rosehill on August 1 over 1100m, slow going 3.5 len behind Annie’s Rose with 60kg at $7.50. Drops sharply in the weights and brings that gilt-edged Sydney form north – can score again. | |||
LIVALITTLE (5) has a strong overall record and should appreciate the improved barrier.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding resumed over an unsuitable 1200m at the Sunshine Coast and finished second after producing the quickest closing sectionals.
He then won over this course and distance, defeating Automne Tree by just over half a length.
His latest third at Eagle Farm also had merit. He drew wide, settled last and was held up in the straight before closing strongly to finish three-quarters of a length away.
Daniel Moor takes over from the 3kg claimer, and the better draw should allow Livalittle to settle closer.
| 5. Livalittle (2) J: Daniel Moor 57.5kg 1×213T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start ran on strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 10 in a Bm78 at this track on August 8 over 1600m, 0.8 len behind Golden Cross with 58kg at $4.80. The race before that won by 0.6 len at this track on July 25 over 1600m defeating Automne Tree carrying 54.5kg at $4.60. Racing in great heart this prep and looks a big chance to add to his fine record. | |||
SURPRISE HONEY (12) returned to winning form over this course and distance last start and looks suited again.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare settled in the box seat before quickening strongly to win by 2.16 lengths.
This race appears to offer a similar map, with Surprise Honey drawing well and likely to settle in a prominent position.
She is now rock-hard fit and has an excellent Eagle Farm record, with five top-three finishes from six starts.
| 12. Surprise Honey (4) J: Daniel Moor 55.5kg 57541T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently ran on from midfield and won by 2.25 len at this track on August 8 over 1200m defeating Ser Joh carrying 53kg at $6.50. Before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 10 in a 1Mw at Doomben on July 18 over 1200m, slow going 2 len behind Taltarni Fields with 52.5kg at $4.40. Draws well and another big run is in store. | |||
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