Eagle Farm may have only six races this Wednesday, but there’s plenty to get stuck into.
The track is rated a Soft 5 and the rail is out 12m. Rain is developing in the forecast, though we know the BOM can get it wrong, so conditions are worth monitoring.
We’ve worked through the speed maps and key runners to find the main chances and betting angles across the card. Let’s see if we can make this six-pack count.
MALAMAGIC (8) has shown encouraging ability in three trials ahead of his debut.
The Tony Gollan-trained colt led throughout in his first trial after showing early speed.
He then settled off the pace in his second hit-out and finished strongly, missing victory by a nose.
His latest piece of work was professional, with the colt showing speed to settle second before travelling comfortably and finishing a length runner-up.
Daniel Moor rode him in that trial and has a favourable draw to work from.
| 8. Malamagic (1) J: Daniel Moor 56kg T: Tony Gollan |
STORMING HOME (7) resumes for new trainer Jack Bruce after one start in Sydney.
The daughter of The Autumn Sun finished a distant fourth on debut at Kembla Grange in February, but looks to have furnished during her spell.
She has since had two trials, settling back before working powerfully to the line under her own steam on both occasions.
Ben Thompson partnered her in each trial and retains the ride.
With limited speed expected, he may be able to settle her prominently.
| 7. Storming Home (7) J: Ben Thompson 56.5kg 4x T: Jack Bruce |
CIGAR MAN (1) returns to the course and distance after winning here last start.
The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained gelding secured a suitable run before finishing strongly to defeat several rivals he meets again.
He has won three of his past six starts and arrives at this assignment rock-hard fit.
The good gate should allow Ryan Houston, who claims 2kg, to save ground and give him an economical run.
| 1. Cigar Man (3) J: Ryan Houston 59kg 98181 T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | |||
| Lifted strongly at this venue last start, winning a BM62 over the staying trip by just under a length and beating Ayasaki after being near the top of an open market. His previous Sunshine Coast eighth in BM65 company was plain, though he raced wide throughout. Rises from BM62 level, but the claim helps and he stays in the mix. | |||
READY SET TERGO (3) made an encouraging debut over this distance at Doomben, finishing fourth, beaten 1.06 lengths.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding was bumped at the 600m and entered the straight well back, but made strong late ground.
He should take benefit from that first race-day experience.
He also jumped well on debut, which may allow Daniel Moor to settle him closer this time.
A smoother passage could see him improve second-up.
| 3. Ready Set Tergo (7) J: Daniel Moor 59kg 4 T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Worked home honestly from well back on debut at Doomben, finishing fourth and beaten just over a length by Tiny Light. He was an outside chance in the betting and did enough late to suggest there is improvement to come second-up. Clear improver with a live winning chance, though he’s likely to get back again. | |||
SHIRVINGTON (2) returns for new trainer Michael Freedman after racing previously with Bjorn Baker in Sydney.
The Capitalist gelding showed his speed in a recent Gold Coast trial, leading throughout to win by 3.3 lengths.
His first-up record is a positive, with three wins from four attempts.
One came over this distance at Wyong when he resumed last preparation.
Jace McMurray claims 1.5kg and has barrier one, giving him options to lead or settle in the box seat.
| 2. Shirvington (1) J: Jace Mcmurray 58kg 1900x T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Resumes after six months off and has been readied with an easy Gold Coast trial win. His last campaign ended with a last in a BM78 at Gosford after jumping awkwardly and being eased near the 100m, while his Randwick BM88 run before that was plain after settling back. Latest race form was plain, but fresh improvement gives him place claims. | |||
MONOTONE (5) made an impressive return at the Sunshine Coast, winning by 6.27 lengths first-up for Jack Bruce.
The son of Lonhro settled in the second-last pair and raced greenly in the straight.
Once he reached the lead with a furlong remaining, he quickly put the race away.
He should improve for the run and has previous second-up form, having finished behind subsequent Group 3 winner Aethelwulf last preparation.
Ben Thompson can settle behind what looks a strong speed and look to finish over the top of his rivals.
| 5. Monotone (2) J: Ben Thompson 60kg x42x1 T: Jack Bruce | |||
| Made a strong return at Sunshine Coast, winning a CG Mdn by just over six lengths from Shaque D’Amour despite being held up around the home turn. He had earlier run second at Newcastle, albeit beaten just over five lengths by Aethelwulf after being bumped. The first-up win was one of quality and he’s well placed to make it two on the trot. | |||