IPSWICH CUP (L)

RACE 7 - 2150m

DIABLO BOLT / WARP SPEED / DARK DESTROYER

You have to put some faith in the Archibald's to turn around the fortunes of DIABLO BOLT in this contest. The HELLBENT gelding was fantastic last prep, winning at the Sunshine Coast and Eagle Farm, before a long, sustained run for 2nd in the Mayors Cup (2050m) at the Gold Coast, then simply too good for them over 2200m at Doomben. One paced after enjoying a good trail in the Gr.3 Manion Cup at Rosehill, with the last two fresh up efforts merely conditioning runs. Expect a far more powerful performance with two runs under the belt and Robbie Dolan could be the perfect fit. Appears a fairly decent win prospect here.

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He may be getting a bit long in the tooth with 63 runs in total, however WARP SPEED is a hardy sole who has been around the mark of late. The STAR WITNESS mare is out of a tremendous G1 winning NZ racemare in PRIZED GEM (Prized) which is probably why he has been such a competitive stayer for so long. Typically, he gives his all and isn’t far off the placegetters, however he was held up at a vital stage over 2400m at Eagle Farm in the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth Cup last start and should be in the best condition arriving here. The bonus may be the drop back in trip as he has performed well over 2150m and can get into the money if saved for one big run at them from the rear.

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The Kiwi journeyman DARK DESTROYER is enjoying another Australian sojourn, but sometimes you just have to wonder - why? The PROISIR gelding did win the Bonecrusher Stakes and Auckland Guineas many moons ago before running 2nd in the Queensland Guineas and going on to win the 2022 Rough Habit Plate at Eagle Farm. Returned home to win the Tarzino Trophy but his return trip was an absolute flop. Couldn't recapture any of that early form in Group company in NZ, before four runs on Kiwi soil after an extended spell. A 2nd in the Rotorua Cup is nothing to write home about, however the Weatherley's must still have some faith in the horse. Has run in an Ipswich Cup but may need it very Heavy.

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EYE LINER STAKES (L)

RACE 8 - 1350m

WARNIE / OUGHTON / LOST IN TRANSIT

WARNIE is a tremendous imported sprinter for Ciaron Maher and the HIGHLAND REEL gelding is closing in on his best. His owner believed he could have given the Stradbroke a shake after he flew home in the Gr.2 Moreton Cup, finishing third behind FRONT PAGE, when a win would have given him a golden ticket into the race. WARNIE was purchased from a sale in Ireland and he had his first start in a two-year-old race at Royal Ascot in 2023 when James McDonald rode him. A big run closer to the speed is probable here with connections eyeing a G1 in the Melbourne Soring carnival if all goes to plan. Could be hard to hold out here.

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We don't think you can put a line through OUGHTON here as a strong type with a fantastic distance record. He experienced a successful career in Hong Kong after only four Australian starts, then returned home to the Melissa Kelly stable on the Gold Coast. Won here at Ipswich over 1350m 12 months ago after running home well, then went on to win the Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben in November. Only a couple of runs back from a break and he did run on nicely for 5th in the Moreton Cup last start. Appears a major threat to the favourite jumping from this gate.

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We backed LOST IN TRANSIT when he powered home to win impressively at Rockhampton paying $21 and he lands the same rubbish draw here which will be of zero assistance. Won with a wide run over 1200m at Eagle Farm and gave all in an impressive display of power and resilience. Nevertheless, the SPIETH gelding has a crazy turn-of-foot that may see him sitting back before turning on the afterburners late. Winning does look out of reach, however with some jammy luck he could get race into a place. Those extra few metres could make all the difference for the Stuart Kendrick trained horse.

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GAI WATERHOUSE CLASSIC (L)

RACE 9 - 1200m

KIN / KAZOU / TERRA MATER

The James Cummings trained KIN is a beaut little sprinter that could blow these away if right to go. The IMPENDING mare has been racing commendably in strong company and gets the blinkers on here which signals some serious intent. Ran 3rd in the Listed Gold Rush at Hawkesbury, before giving all behind IN FLIGHT in the Listed Bright Shadow at Doomben. Three, then five wide turning in at Eagle Farm last start and she actually did very well, hard ridden into 4th. Drawn the inside here and looks in a peak state of fitness aiming for a Stakes victory. So deserves it and should go very close in the last.

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The Waller-trained KAZOU is 5 from 7 at the distance and looks a serious player here 2nd-up. The ZOUSTAR mare is very classy on her day and won well over 1200m at Rosehill 12 months ago and again there stylishly in August. Off the scene until two weeks ago and it's seems Waller has taken some time to get her right. Had no favours resuming when four wide with no pace on, however this looks a much better setup if KWT aims to get on with it and search out the lead. Some risk attached bit could he a dangerous prospect on Saturday with an element of the unknown. Trust in the stable.

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We won't be discounting TERRA MATER 2nd up with Rodd aboard and at these odds she could be the smoky. The WANDJINA mare has won 8 from 20 with 7 placings, so she is exceptionally talented at best. Won the Listed Mona Lisa at Wyong, then Gr.3 Tibbie at Newcastle last spring, then spelled after a couple more tough runs. Her run ended at the 200m fresh up at Eagle Farm, however we expect the mare to stretch out better here and if trained on could threaten with the right run. Needs clear air as she hates traffic, but worth throwing into multiples.

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T.L COONEY

RACE 6 - 1350m

ALDOFITO / THE THREE HUNDRED / LUTETIA

If you're searching for one at big odds on Saturday, then possibly the Hoysted trained ALDOFITO could be the horse worth entertaining. Won nicely as a 2yo on debut at Flemington in July 2024, then gave good chase to win again as a 3yo resuming over 1000m at Sandown. Went a bit cold in the next few before transferring from the Moody stable to Matty Hoysted at Eagle Farm. Took over in the shadows to win at Ipswich over 1200m two back and the FASTNET ROCK mare is actually very well bred. Not a mass of depth here so willing to take the risk and suggest the lightly raced mare could pull off an upset at a massive price.

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Another slightly unpredictable 3yo is the Gai/Bott trained THE THREE HUNDRED who has looked very gifted on occasions. However, should the stable bring the I AM INVINCIBLE gelding from Sydney, then perhaps he might have a reasonable chance of success. Broke his 3yo maiden last spring over 1400m before proving too good next up at Warwick Farm. Went lame in the Gr.3 Spring Stakes and rested. Resumed in April when strong to the line over 1200m, Never on the track in the Gr.3 Hawkesbury Guineas but he could offer something here after a month break and more strengthening work. Don't totally dismiss despite the draw.

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LUTETIA is a fine looking JUSTIFY filly from the Kris Lee barn who has shown glimpses of brilliance and should be in a good state to face this trip. Punched out to win impressively at Newcastle over 1200m in April before giving a sight when caught at the 200m in the Daybreak Lover at Eagle Farm. Sound last start after settling back, however looks better on the speed and may try to lead here. Distance might be a factor, but considering Coolmore's ownership and the filly's increased maturity, she may now be better equipped to manage the pressure.

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BENCHMARK 80 HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 1100m

TALTARNI FIELDS / ENTERPRISE LUCIA / ZOUPERB

Kelly Schweida has done wonders with this DEEP FIELD gelding TALTARNI FIELDS who has done more then enough in only 12 starts - winning 5 and placed in 5. The sprinter won a couple at Doomben in the spring, then returned and dictated terms winning over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast. Held together nicely when jumping to the front to win at Ipswich two weeks ago and a repeat performance looks on the cards. Claims 3kg, comes back 100m, and sure to get on with the job straight out of the gates. Tricky field, however he will give a sight and be right in it at the line.

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The Kendrick trained ENTERPRISE LUCIA will have KWT in the saddle again and the DIVINE PROPHET mare put the writing on the wall with a nice win over 1200m at the Sunny last start. Raced clear at the 250m and kept going solidly after moving up smoothly on the turn. The jockey/horse combo seems a good fit, with any firming of the track a bonus. Repeat of that last effort then could be the one to take this out, although a much stiffer challenge here. Still on the up and plenty to like.

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ZOUPERB is a very tidy sprinter who loves this trip but has been overlooked here. Admittedly, the ZOUSTAR mare doesn't always give it her best, but ran home well at Eagle Farm when strong to the line in April. Hampered in the Listed Bright Shadow at Doomben and battled, but stuck to the task when 2nd at the Gold Coast over 1200m last start. Maybe tougher here, although draws the ace gate and her race record is fully sound. May need some luck but hard to dismiss coming to Ipswich for the first time.

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PROVINCIAL STAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

RACE 3 - 2500m

AROUND THE BUOY / BESTOWER / FARWEST

Team Munce experienced a great QLD carnival and it's worth tracking a stable after a successful run. Their charge AROUND THE BUOY is a progressive NZ bred stayer by SAVABEEL who has won his last two heading in the right direction, although this is a serious staying challenge. Edged away to win at Ipswich over 2150m after sitting behind the leaders, then loomed large and took off at the 600m to win again here over 2200m three weeks ago. Sure to be in magnificent staying condition and ready for the step up in trip. The pedigree's inclusion of PINS and O'REILLY showcases classic New Zealand bloodlines, frequently resulting in offspring with the powerful, characteristic late kick as seen in this one.

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BESTOWER may have only two wins to her name, but the CONTRIBUTER mare has been building nicely and should appreciate this distance. Held up at a crucial stage when 2nd over 2200m on the Gold Coast, then caught wide and pressed on for 5th returning there. Slow away and held up again until the 150m at the Sunny over 2200m last start, however she was doing her best work late and only needs to find some space to move in the latter stages. Will have more time here to wind up we imagine.

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FARWEST was making nice ground when 2nd last start over 2400m at the GC and all factors indicate a strong effort is in the offering here. Looked the winner after looming large at the 200m but was out-gunned late carrying 58.5kg. Drops 6kg on that run which puts the HEROIC VALOUR gelding right in the picture. Typically gives a very sound chase although he won't want to be too far off them here once turning in. Fit horse from the Sears stable and worthy of consideration.

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GREAT NORTHERN FINAL

RACE 1 - 1200m C3

RUNWITHTHETIDE / PIVOTAL LAD / NORTH OF ELI

Robert Heathcote has a couple of decent gallopers in here with RUNWITHTHETIDE a strong chance in a field with some depth. It could be the way to kick off the day up in Queensland after a great Origin victory as Billy Slater seemed to be running with the tide in the lead up. This HEADWATER gelding stuck to the chase after being ridden four wide, but he kept finding even after over racing through the middle stages. That signalled to us Heathcote had him well forward and despite the wide draw here he only needs to settle down early to be charging home late. Will require some luck but on a Good 4 track early in the day he could be lethal.

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PIVOTAL LAD is a fairly progressive type from the Gollan barn who is still learning his craft. A poor start cost the SIDESTEP gelding over 1200m at Ipswich last start, but he kept coming on the inside to run 3rd. Go on his Sunshine Coast wins when very solid in Nov, then he really amped it up on New Year's Day after scoring no favours but still pressed on four wide to find a way to the lead. Slow starts appear to be the primary concern; however, if he performs well in the initial stages, he has a strong chance of finishing competitively.

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BEST BET: WARNIE

NEXT BEST: KIN

BEST VALUE: DIABLO BOLT

WILDCARD: ALDOFITO