Track: Good Weather: Fine

The early scratching of Vanna Girl leaves a field of fifteen for the $1.2 mil Q22 – seven of them are Group 1 winners.  Eleven of the fifteen had their last start in one of three key lead up races – either the Lord Mayors Cup, Doomben Cup or Premier’s Cup.   Anthony & Sam Freedman have three runners entered while Chris Waller has two.  The early favourite in the betting is Zaaki.  He stifles betting at $1.50 following a seven length win in the Doomben Cup last start, prior he won the Hollindale by 2.3 lengths.  Next in the betting is Toffee Tounge.  She is one of the seven Group 1 winners and finished second behind Zaaki last time out.

Warnings won the Chairman’s last start – his first win since the 2019 Victoria Derby .  Spirit Ridge is another last start winner in the race.  He won here a fortnight ago and is drawn to get a soft run from barrier two.  Brandenburg stuck on well in the Doomben Cup while Nettoyer steps back up in trip.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Zaaki

Former international galloper who is one of the most exciting horses in Australian racing.  He put the writing on the wall when winning the Hollindale on the Gold Coast on May 8, then blew his rivals away to win by seven lengths in the Doomben Cup last start.  He is clearly the one to beat again here.

2. Homesman

Two time Group 1 winner trained by the Freedman’s at Flemington.  He sat three wide with no cover when winning the Australia Cup in March.  Last start he stuck on well when riding a hot speed.  In the mix.

3. Mirage Dancer

One of the best riders of stayers in the country, Glenn Boss, takes over the reigns on Mirage Dancer.  He has had a freshen up since two Sydney failures.  Not sure where he is at.

4. Spirit Ridge

Consistent galloper who won the Premiers Cup here a fortnight ago.  Maps to get a soft run from barrier six and looks a genuine place chance here.

5. Quick Thinker

Kiwi trained galloper who took out the Chairman’s Handicap in Sydney two starts ago.  May struggle on the firm going here.

6. Warning

Feels like this four year old gelding has been around forever however he has had just the 20 starts.  He produced an outstanding turn of foot to win the Chairman’s last start and I thought his trial at the Sunshine Coast in between runs was nice work.  He is going well but the query with him is synthetic hoof filler for the first time.

7. Brandenburg

Rolled forward last start in the Doomben Cup and stuck on fairly well given the strong tempo.  Prior he won the inaugural running of The Coast at Gosford.  Rock hard fit now and is a must for multiples.

8. Le Don De Vie

Impressive winner of the Warrnambool Cup last month.  Lead and weakened last start after doing some work early.  Will role forward again here.

9. Reloaded

Comes here off back to back wins at Eagle Farm and Doomben.  He’s up in class but should get a lovely run from barrier five and has the right connections.

10. Hang Man

Been up for a while and continues to race well however may lack the class to figure here.

11. Paths Of Glory

Six year old son of Mastercraftsman.  He made up solid ground when finishing third in the Chariman’s.  Consider for multiples.

12. The Candy Man

Has good track stats – four wins from seven starts.  However draws the widest gate and its been a while since he won.

13. Nettoyer

Two time Group 1 winning mare trained by Wendy Roche at Wawrick Farm.  She is on the quick back up after a good run here last week.  2200m probably sees her out but she is going well.

14. Toffee Tounge

Talented daughter of Tavistock trained by Chris Waller.  She doesn’t win out of turn but closed well to finish second behind Zaaki last time and has finished in the top two four times at Group 1 level.  Doubt she can turn the tables on Zaaki but she is a leading place chance again here.

15. Vanna Girl – SCR

16. Cellarmaid

Never missed a place at the track but she looks out classed.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Zaaki	1. Zaaki
4. Spirit Ridge	7. Brandenburg
14. Toffee Tongue	14. Toffee Tongue
8. Le Don De Vie	6. Warning

Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap 2021 (Eagle Farm 1400m)

Group 1 JJ Atkins 2021 (Eagle Farm 1600m)

Group 2 Brisbane Cup 2021 (Eagle Farm 3200m)

Group 3 Gunsynd Classic 2021 (Eagle Farm 1600m)

Listed The Wayne Wilson 2021 (Eagle Farm 1600m)