Track: Soft Weather: Fine

A race over the 2100m that consists of a wide open market. Barb Raider brings the right form and knows how to find the line having only missed the placings twice from eleven career starts. Belle Savoir creates interest coming over from Victoria and Chilko Lake hovers around some large odds off some very impressive wins in NSW. A moderate tempo is expected.

1. Barb Raider (3)

Narrowly denied last run when being pipped on the line and beaten by a very good steer. Huge player off that and only needs to hold its form to be in the finish, albeit the tricky draw does mean it will need to do some work to get the front.

2. Biscayne Bay (13)

Going along well and the stable are the best in the country at producing stayers. Has to be a player off that factor and has been building up nicely this prep.

3. Gin Martini (2)

Racing in extremely good fashion and despite the wide draw does have the right formlines to be in the finish.

4. Festival Dancer (6)

No favours from barrier 12 and has not been having much luck this prep. Big chance here if it can find some cover early and be hitting the line hard.

5. Stalking (14)

Took a while to break maiden but has certainly put it all together recently. The map does look slightly tricky from barrier 1 but has been racing in good fashion and deserves its spot in this.

6. Belle Savoir (1)

The Victorian raider hasn’t been given a kind draw. Will need plenty of luck in running but respecting the placement by the stable. Has to be a hope but couldn’t fit it in the top 4.

8. Du Maurier (10)

Can’t have.

8. Chilko Lake (8)

Like its chances at odds. Maps for the dream run and has been putting fields away well in Sydney which is usually the right kind of form in Queensland. At the $19 mark it is the each way bet of the race.

9. Smirk (4)

Racing in good fashion and have to always respect the stable in these kinds of races. Bound to be hitting the line hard and the booking of James Mcdonald certainly does not hurt its chances.

10. Le Villi (9)

Chances will be banking on how the track is playing but if Clark can find some cover midfield it does have the potential to run over these late.

11. Chandon Burj (11)

Massive win last start knocking over best bet Tycoon Beau a few weeks back. Will get more of a gauge on that form Friday night but does look a great chance.

12. Nom De Plume (15)

Going okay but this is a steep rise in grade. Prefer others.

13. Velvet Lady (12)

Didn’t handle the synthetic and small field last start. Can win this at massive odds.

14. Royal Ballet (5)

Way over the odds here after running well last start. Does no work from the draw and should be half its price.

15e. Savagal (17)

Going along well. Tough draw and sticky map but is some hope.

16e. Queenmaker (7)

This looks too tough.

17e. Okalani (6)

Can’t have.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
8 Chilko Lake	1 Barb Raider
13 Velvet Lady	9 Smirk
1 Barb Raider	6 Belle Savoir
11 Chandon Burj	8 Chilko Lake