The Gold Coast races on its polytrack (synthetic) surface on Wednesday, with seven races starting at 2:38pm (Sydney and Melbourne time, 1:38pm in Queensland). Showers are forecast and the rail is in the true position. On this surface, past form on the polytrack is often more useful than turf form, so we have leaned on that through the card. Prices below were taken on Tuesday evening and will move.
Italian Dancer in Race 3 is our headline bet. Power Reece in Race 5 is the next best, and King Of Minto is the one to beat in the feature race at the end of the day.
Race 1 - Keno Conference Party Cup Maiden Plate (1540m)
Selection: Credibility Current odds: $2.30
Credibility was beaten less than half a length at Grafton last start and is fit after four runs this preparation. This is a weak maiden and he is the clear pick. Dun Darte Cheap was wide on his only run on this track and is backing up quickly. Chop Chop Go has placed at both starts this preparation and should be on the pace. Mr Biggs has a good jockey and can improve on a poor last start.
Selections:
- Credibility - $2.30
- Dun Darte Cheap - $3.30
- Chop Chop Go - $5.50
- Mr Biggs - $7.00
Race 2 - Qld Community Clubs Maiden Plate (1150m)
Selection: Threeeyedwitch Current odds: $5.00
Threeeyedwitch has been running well without winning and this is an easier race than her recent runs. The question is whether she handles the polytrack. Lady Soprano had a decent recent trial for Tony Gollan and could improve this preparation, but the draw is a worry. King Of Valhalla placed at his only start on the polytrack. Raising Suspicion was third first up last preparation here, but a poor trial means the market is the best guide. This is an open race.
Selections:
- Threeeyedwitch - $5.00
- Lady Soprano - $4.00
- King Of Valhalla - $7.50
- Raising Suspicion - $4.00
Race 3 - Women In Clubs Benchmark 70 Handicap (1540m)
Selection: Italian Dancer Current odds: $3.00
Italian Dancer is at her best when allowed to lead and set the pace, and she has run well before for apprentice Stephanie Tierney. She was fifth at Doomben last start but drops in grade here. If she gets her own way in front she could be very hard to catch, and she is our headline bet. Awaygoesthebunny is one from one on this track and is the main danger. Flying Bat was second here last time against easier horses. Waku Waku has good old form but has been out of form lately.
Selections:
- Italian Dancer - $3.00
- Awaygoesthebunny - $3.30
- Flying Bat - $3.90
- Waku Waku - $4.00
Race 4 - Australasian Hospitality & Gaming Expo Benchmark 60 Handicap (2000m)
Selection: Fierce Luva Current odds: $2.80
Fierce Luva has improved with every run and won a Benchmark 58 over 2200m at Grafton last time. He races on the pace and is very fit, so he only needs to handle the polytrack. Too Mars is lightly raced and still improving after winning a maiden last start. Bills Angel was sixth at Eagle Farm over 2400m and should be in the first few for most of the race. Giddy Gan’s Joy is a regular placegetter at this level.
Selections:
- Fierce Luva - $2.80
- Too Mars - $3.70
- Bills Angel - $3.40
- Giddy Gan’s Joy - $8.00
Race 5 - Clubs Helping Clubs Benchmark 58 Handicap (1540m)
Selection: Power Reece Current odds: $2.80
Power Reece’s turf form is poor, but she was unlucky not to win on the polytrack two starts ago. Bella Youngberry rides for Tony Gollan, and we are backing her to repeat that synthetic form. Mr Bubbaluski is the favourite and has run first and second on this surface, so he is the main danger. Secret Rose won over this track and trip three starts back. Coastal Cowboy won first up last preparation and is a place chance.
Selections:
- Power Reece - $2.80
- Mr Bubbaluski - $2.40
- Secret Rose - $10.00
- Coastal Cowboy - $10.00
Race 6 - ClubsNSW Conference & AGM Benchmark 58 Handicap (1050m)
Selection: Zouthur Current odds: $3.80
Zouthur has won or placed in all five of his starts on this surface and gets a useful 2kg claim. He was fourth here last start and should be fitter. Mashean is the favourite after a third at Grafton but has never raced on the polytrack. Decadad was second at Beaudesert and gets a big claim from Amy Graham. Minto’s Prince resumes for a new trainer after 27 weeks.
Selections:
- Zouthur - $3.80
- Mashean - $2.90
- Decadad - $6.50
- Minto’s Prince - $7.50
Race 7 - Clubs Queensland Awards For Excellence Benchmark 70 Handicap (1150m)
Selection: King Of Minto Current odds: $1.75
This is the best race of the day. King Of Minto resumes after 27 weeks for a new trainer, but he won first up by three lengths here last preparation, leading all the way. He is short, but he is the one to beat. Coincide has been finishing well all preparation and is a big price if he gets a clear run. Brechen was just beaten at Warwick and is two from two on this track. Lady Shotgun can win on her best form but has been inconsistent.
Selections:
- King Of Minto - $1.75
- Coincide - $13.00
- Brechen - $8.00
- Lady Shotgun - $12.00
