Best bet | Race 8 #2 Chaillot
I’ve always had a lot of time for this mare – she’s got talent on her day, which has been evidence by performing well in Group One races. She’s trialled well at Doomben and was only getting into her work late, but it was a strong hitout. The trial was won by Tumbler Ridge, who is also in this race. The trial was over 1000m but the 1400m of this race will suit her perfectly first-up. She has just been a few lengths off them at Group One level in Melbourne, including the 2021 Cantala behind Superstorm and Icebath. While she’s probably past her absolute best, she only needs to be somewhere remotely close to her top to win this. The wide expanses of the Sunshine Coast will be ideal, allowing her to wind up and finish off. She’s drawn a nice gate where she can get back without being cluttered up on the fence. They’ve also stripped some of her gear here which can be a positive.
Next best – Race 1 #3 Trifling
Just missed out on getting a run in the Magic Millions 2yo race but this should be a nice consolation. Another horse who should appreciate the open spaces of the Sunshine Coast. Cost herself the race last start at the Gold Coast behind bolter Mishani Royale when she flashed home against the on-pace bias to run a fast-finishing second. She’s drawn the widest gate here but should be able to roll across outside the lead or find the one-one.
Best each way | Race 4 #14 Tranquil Bay
A horse with a good record at the track, never missing the top three from five starts. I’ve been waiting for her to get out beyond 1200m and she does here up to 1400m. She’s drawn the inside, so might need some luck and Ben Thompson will likely have to weave a path through them. Open race but she rarely runs poorly – great value.