Best bet | Race 2 #5 Ice In Vancouver
I’m surprised he’s not clear favourite here. There’s so many positives in his favour, most notably the fitness edge on his rivals and the super lightweight. Apprentice Angela Jones can get down to 52kg for this ride and it means he’ll carry 6kg less than main rivals Ef Troop and Racecourse Road. He comes here off two impressive wins to start his preparation and has only been defeated once from six starts at this 1000m sprint trip. In the small field he should sit on the speed, control the race and use the lightweight to kick clear and win. Very keen.
Next best | Race 5 #1 Hard To Say
Two impressive trials suggest this Exceed and Excel colt is primed to win first-up. Trainer Jason Deamer has sent him north to resume and he’s drawn a beautiful gate with the claim for Kyle Wilson-Taylor. He’s had four starts, kicking off his career beaten less than two lengths by Sejarden in the Breeders Plate and then came north to almost win the Listed Phelan Ready at this track. I suspect that he’s been brought back to Eagle Farm because he’s proven to handle this surface. He looks awfully hard to beat.
Best each way | Race 8 #1 Love Tap
Can’t believe the price of this striking grey. He had no right to win last start after coming from nowhere to win at this track a fortnight ago. He rises 4.5kg but this is certainly not any harder, looks to have more improvement to come off his last run, and the step up to 1600m should be in his favour. He’s drawn a nice gate which should see him sit midfield before plotting a path tot he outside. I like the fact he’s proven at this track and he should be right in the finish.