BEST BET – R3 #1 MISS HIPSTAR
Miss Hipstar is a big filly who will appreciate the wide expanses of the Sunshine Coast. She comes off being well-beaten from a wide gate in the G1 Sires at Eagle Farm. Prior to that she was caught wide in the Spirit of Boom Classic when beaten just under five lengths by Prince of Boom. Before that she beat Ashema to win the listed Dalrello. She has a touch of class on this field and has earnt the 59.5kg topweight, but she’ll only carry 56.5kg after the claim for talented apprentice Madeleine Wishart. From the good barrier in seven, she will have options on whether to lead or sit in just behind. The heavy track should be no concern – she’s won in these condition earlier in her career in NSW.
NEXT BEST – R6 #9 TAMILAIDE
Talented 3yo son of Adelaide who won first-up before having no luck in two subsequent runs. Last start in a BM70 he was slow out and then had no luck at a vital stage coming around the turn. Before that he wasn’t beaten far by Starosa when also having very little luck when it was time to work into the race. First-up he bolted in at the Gold Coast on a Heavy 10, which is a good indicator for this event given there’s been plenty of rain on the Sunshine Coast (and more predicted). Gun hoop Brad Stewart takes the ride and he’ll likely go back from a tricky draw and come down the outside to find likely better ground.
BEST EACH-WAY – R7 #4 FLASH AAH
Underrated and versatile galloper who has won at this track and handles wet conditions. This son of Lucas Cranach has won two of three on heavy surfaces and is absolutely flying this prep. Last start in the Ipswich Cup he was inconvenienced at a crucial stage early on, and then had to pick up and run third after finding restricted room around the turn. There is absolutely no speed in this race so I hope they push up and sit outside likely leader Wu Gok. I’m very confident he can run top three – and a win would certainly be no surprise.