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 (3) 55.5kg17222 |
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) 55kgx3212 |
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 (7) 58.5kg50×04 |
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 (5) 57kg311 |
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) 57kg758×7 |
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) 59kg5x3x2 |
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) 58.5kgx4111 |
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) 53kgx7181 |
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) 57.5kg1×213 |
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) 55.5kg57541 |