A relatively lacklustre program is scheduled for Eagle Farm this Saturday, with largely small fields. The rail is out to the +6.5m mark, after the previous meeting at the track (+3.5) saw everything win from the fence or very close to it. Despite what looms as a fairly mediocre meeting and another unknown with rain in Brisbane all week and the possibility of raceday rain, there are a couple of horses worth backing.
BEST BET: Race 4 #5 BLESK
One of the more interesting runners on the program is Blesk for Sydney trainer John O’Shea, who is not known for bringing many horses north of the border. He is clearly a horse with talent, which has somewhat been unfulfilled given he was gelded after his last prep. Rachel King had an absolute stranglehold on him at his last trial at Randwick against some very handy types and was strong through the line. I like the booking of Jimmy Byrne here first-up and from the good draw he should park midfield on the fence and be picking runs in the straight.
NEXT BEST: Race 5 #2 ROYAL WITNESS
Another Sydney visitor who looks extremely well-placed for trainer Joseph Pride. First-up ran well behind the talented Written Beauty, who is clearly destined for bigger races than the BM94 she destroyed her rivals in last time. Royal Witness ran well in that first-up assignment and the market suggested she will come on nicely form that run. Interestingly she’s also formerly from Queensland and a winner at the Eagle Farm track. She’s drawn to sit just off speedster Spurcraft and second-up she can run him down late.
BEST EACH-WAY: Race 6 #7 SYD’S FOOTPRINTS
Third run in Queensland after transferring from the NSW country/provincial circuit. Both runs have been full of merit in the sunshine state, most notably a close-up third at Doomben a week ago. The quick back-up is an interesting strategy and a downside is losing Jim Byrne in the saddle. However, he’s drawn to get a nice run on the speed and could surprise at odds.