Eagle Farm races on Wednesday afternoon with seven races, starting at 3:13pm AEDT. The track was a Soft 5 at the time of writing, with the rail out 10.5 metres. Storms are forecast for race day, so check for a downgrade before the first race. The Barry Lockwood and Emma-Jane Vincent stable has been in very good form recently.
Mazis in Race 5 is our best bet. Hit The Switch (Race 1) is the shortest-priced runner on the card. Pink Dogwood (Race 4) and Boss Mode (Race 6) are the value plays.
Race 1 - Become A BRC Member Maiden Handicap (1200m)
Selection: Hit The Switch Current odds: $1.55
Hit The Switch has not raced since it ran third in a Magic Millions maiden in January. Since then it has won a trial on a heavy track by 10 lengths. A rain-affected track will not worry it, and it looks too good for these. Speedy Crown is the main danger. It ran second over this course and distance last start for the in-form Lockwood and Vincent stable, and it has not been beaten far all preparation. Brazen Act was solid last preparation and can improve after a poor first-up run.
Selections:
- Hit The Switch - $1.55
- Speedy Crown - $3.20
- Brazen Act - $15.00
- Private Max - $19.00
Race 2 - Ladbrokes Odds Surge Maiden Handicap (1200m)
Selection: Clouded Thoughts Current odds: $3.80
Clouded Thoughts did not get a clear run on debut at the Gold Coast but still ran the fastest last 200m in the race. She should be fitter now for Tony Gollan, who also trains Stellagracia. Stellagracia ran poorly last start but pulled up coughing, and her debut before that was strong, so she is the main danger. Leaves Of Lorien resumes after winning a trial. Firebreak has placed in each of its first three starts and is an each-way chance.
Selections:
- Clouded Thoughts - $3.80
- Stellagracia - $4.60
- Leaves Of Lorien - $3.30
- Firebreak - $16.00
Race 3 - Road To Magic Millions Book Now 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m)
Selection: Double Cool Current odds: $3.20
Double Cool was beaten only 2.3 lengths in a Group 2 last preparation, which is good form for a maiden. Both of her trials since have been good, and she should not stay a maiden for long. Invincible Chase is the favourite. It won a trial and ran second first up last preparation, but barrier 11 makes this harder. Auric Star resumes after a 24-week break from a good stable. Field Of Clans is a long shot after a good first-up run for Matthew Dunn.
Selections:
- Double Cool - $3.20
- Invincible Chase - $2.20
- Auric Star - $5.50
- Field Of Clans - $41.00
Race 4 - Sky Racing Class 1 Handicap (1600m)
Selection: Pink Dogwood Current odds: $6.50
Pink Dogwood broke its maiden on a heavy track at Eagle Farm at only its second start. It is lightly raced, trained by Chris Waller, and should improve. Any rain on the day would help it. Talk About Layla was narrowly beaten here last start and is the main danger. Castaway led all the way to win first up at the Sunshine Coast and draws barrier 1. With the rail well out, it could get a similar run.
Selections:
- Pink Dogwood - $6.50
- Talk About Layla - $5.00
- Castaway - $5.50
- Lady Tangalooma - $4.80
Race 5 - XXXX Gold Benchmark 68 Handicap (1800m)
Selection: Mazis Current odds: $5.00
Mazis is our best bet at Eagle Farm. It raced poorly in the south early this preparation but has returned to form since coming back to Queensland. It was beaten only 0.4 lengths on a heavy track last start, has good form here, and the 2kg claim helps. Saveur is a maiden but has run well in its last two runs here, so it is an each-way chance. Weekend Artist beat Mazis last time but now carries 3.5kg more relative to it. Meltdown should race on the speed.
Selections:
- Mazis - $5.00
- Saveur - $7.00
- Meltdown - $5.00
- Make A Call - $10.00
Race 6 - Higgins Coatings Benchmark 70 Handicap (1000m)
Selection: Boss Mode Current odds: $5.00
Boss Mode has won at Doomben and placed in every other start this preparation, and it draws barrier 2. Ryan Maloney rides for Tony Gollan, and they have won plenty together. Wootten Hyde won first up over this course and distance on a soft track for a stable in top form, so it is the danger. Desanto won easily first up at the Sunshine Coast and likes this distance. Ten Trinity Square has been off for nearly two years, so watch the market.
Selections:
- Boss Mode - $5.00
- Wootten Hyde - $3.40
- Desanto - $5.00
- Impervious - $10.00
Race 7 - Ladbrokes Place Extra Class 2 Handicap (1400m)
Selection: Storming Home Current odds: $3.60
Storming Home won first up for a new stable, then was held up at a key stage last start when she would probably have won. She deserves another chance. Keep It Real is the value bet. It won easily here last start for Michael Rodd and James Healy and looks too long at $12. Don’t Doubt Missy has placed four times from five runs this preparation, handles any track, and puts blinkers on. This is an open race to finish the day.
Selections:
- Storming Home - $3.60
- Keep It Real - $12.00
- Don’t Doubt Missy - $6.50
- Breakout - $7.50
