Best bet – Race 8 #4 Golden Boom
I hate tipping odds-on pops, but I honestly thought he would be $1.50, not even money. Sometimes you just have to trust your eye on these promising horses, and he looks a star in the making with his effortless and powerful stride. The times are also backing that up. The only query is the step up to 1200 and first time at Eagle Farm, but he looks such a push-button professional that I’d be shocked if he didn’t handle the new assignment. He should sit behind the speedy Steady Ready, who is a huge risk at 1200m, before peeling out at the top of the straight and winning comfortably.
Next best – Race 9 #9 Miss Hipstar
Was far too good when first-up in a lesser race a fortnight ago, taking out a BM80 at the Gold Coast. It was an authoritative win after being used up a little bit early to hold a spot behind the leaders from gate one. Interestingly, the stewards report said she began awkward and was then held up on the turn. I thought she had a near-perfect run, but perhaps that wasn’t completely the case. Either way, she was so dominant that I believe this mare has gone to a new level this prep. The wide gate is potentially tricky, but I firmly believe she’s the best horse in the race.
Best each way – Race 7 #3 Master Jamie
Better known as the ‘King of Rockhampton’, but he also has a great record at this track, with three wins from seven runs at Eagle Farm. He was a sneaky good run when first-up at the unsuitable 1000m last start at the Sunshine Coast. He was strong through the line and beyond, despite being wide in the race controlled by winner La Palmier. It was a strong race with the likes of Sneaky Five and Je Suis Belle. He will be much better suited here at 1200-1400. He’s drawn well in four and there is good speed. He he can lead these, but they may also want to take a sit with some freshness out of his legs from that first-up run. The query is 1000m to 1400m at the second run for the prep but the $31 is crazy. Great each-way play.