It’s been a wet week in south east Queensland, but we know what we get with the super-draining Eagle Farm track. A dry Friday has already seen the surface upgraded from a Soft 5 earlier in the week to a Good 4. There is a chance of rain on raceday, but it will take plenty to affect this rock-hard track. As usual, we’re looking for horses who are proven to handle the unique Eagle Farm surface so we’re zeroing in on three runners.
Race 3 – Back When
We put this talented 3yo straight in the blackbook two weeks ago after he stormed home second-up at this track to be beaten only by the in-form Georgie’s Pride. From well back in the field he charged home and was strong through the line suggesting the step up to 1600m will be ideal.
He looks a horse with a future and comes into this off two excellent runs this prep, which included the strong first-up effort at 1200m on the Sunshine Coast when narrowly beaten by the smart Toorooloo.
Third-up to the mile looks ideal in a pretty low race. While he has drawn the widest gate, he’ll get back anyway and the big field should ensure some early tempo to afford his chance to run over the top of his rivals.
Race 5 – Epic Girl
Another horse from the blackbook, this time from February 27 at the Sunshine Coast. She’s since ran at the Gold Coast when failing on a heavy track and is on the quick back-up here.
The smaller field should help her gain control of the race from the front, which is paramount to her chances. While I’d prefer her at Doomben, she has performed well at this track and I’m confident this talented mare can return to her best form which has been competitive in stakes grade.
The 2kg claim also gets her into this race well and it might prove the difference if her rivals are charging art the finish.
R7 – Golly Hutt
Golly Hutt has delivered a couple of enormous last runs this prep and he’s ready to repay us after we blackbooked him two runs ago. Importantly, both of those runs were at Eagle Farm, and in the latest he was beaten by all but Wren’s Day who was arguably the best weighted horse in the country that day.
The in-form Jimmy Orman jumps on which should be another positive and from gate four will likely get the run of the race.
He is absolutely bursting to win a race and this looks his ideal chance.