Ipswich Preview 2 December 2022

Date: 01-Dec-2022

We’re set to host an eight-race programme this Friday. Unfortunately, there’s been plenty of rain the past few days so we’ll likely be racing on a heavy surface. The rail is out 2m the entire course.

Race 1 - 12:57PM FOLLOW @IPSWICHTURFCLUB Maiden Handicap (1666 METRES)

Speed: Master Tyler, Dedors Lad and Godra should ensure a decent speed is set.

Metaverse (2) has finished behind Master Tyler in his previous two starts. However, he was taking ground off that horse last start over 1350m so you can make the assumption that the step up to 1666m will be to his advantage and he can turn the tables on Master Tyler. Twyford, who won Metaverse’s last race, has since run well for second at the Gold Coast on Wednesday.

Master Tyler (1) was run down when resuming with a second over 1350m here. He was again run down last start over the same course and distance. He should be reaching peak fitness third-up and can give this a shake. That’s if he can keep his pre-race manners in check and not get worked up.

Godra (5) will be fitter for her first-up 1.6 length fourth over 1350m here. That was a noticeable improvement on what she showed last preparation.

Ready Set Roll (4) put in his best performance when stepping up to 1720m at Grafton last start. He was held up on the turn but once clear worked home well for third. This is tougher but he can run a cheeky race.

On Top Selection: Metaverse (2)

Race 2 - 1:32PM K&R PLUMBING SUPPLIES OPEN Handicap (1200 METRES)

Speed: There looks to be good speed here with Tavisan, Dragon Miss and Cossie all going forward.

Dragon Miss (3) led and dashed away to win over 1200m at the Gold Coast last start. Being a daughter of Hidden Dragon, she thrives in the wet and will enjoy getting her toe into the ground. Georgie Cartwright should be able to lead or at the very least settle handy from barrier 1.

SCR Tavisan (1) will most likely go to the George Moore Stakes on Saturday but if he’s here, he’s a definite winning chance. Last start he led and gave his backers a good sight before being run down by Holyfield in the Keith Noud at Doomben. That was in track record time so super form for this. A wet track is the concern.

Mort Doyle (2) has filled the placings his past three starts. He was just under a length behind Dragon Miss last start at the Gold Coast. He can be counted on for another honest effort but the wide gate isn’t ideal.

Cossie (6) has found a new lease of life. She led and won over 1100m at the Gold Coast last start. She won here four starts back. The only concern is that this is a harder affair than she has been facing.

On Top Selection: Dragon Miss (3)

Race 3 - 2:06PM 85 TROOP Maiden Handicap (1200 METRES)

Speed: Boddington can lead but may face a challenge from Viking Forever could look to go forward from out wide.

SCR O’Calloghan (12) resumes here following a good first preparation. She looked good in a recent trial win where she led and got to the line under her own steam. She shouldn’t be too far away in the run for Jaden Lloyd.

SCR Satellite Spirit (2) is on debut for Chris Anderson. He’s had four trials in preparation for this with two this time in work. The most recent saw him encounter traffic but once clear get to the line well. He’s been gelded which will switch his mind on the job. Drawn to advantage in barrier 3.

Greylander (9) is a striking grey gelding from the Gollan stable. He resumes in his second preparation off the back of a nice trial. He showed good speed out of the gates and will to do that here from barrier 12. “Kevin” as he’s known has been gelded and that looks to have helped him come on since his first preparation.

SCR Boddington (4) is a newcomer to the Jack Bruce stable. She was solid in her only race start at Quirindi a month ago. She finished off nicely behind O’Calloghan in a recent trial to suggest Bruce has already worked his magic.

On Top Selection: O’Calloghan (12)

Race 4 - 2:43PM OSS Maiden Handicap (1200 METRES)

Speed: Benedict Arnold and Stellarashi can lead off the inside. Valiant Joan and Forebears will provide company and a solid tempo.

Benedict Arnold (3) failed as a heavily supported favourite when resuming at the Gold Coast. That’s unusual for a Les Kelly runner as when they’re backed, they rarely miss. Suspect he wants a softer track and he’ll get that here. Last preparation he ran well for third when second-up on a Soft 7. Should enjoy the run of the race from barrier 1.

Capital Girl (6) has been an expensive commodity her past two when placing as favourite. On both occasions she settled back and ran home well. She’ll again need to do that after drawing wide. Blinkers going back on is a positive.

Glide On By (7) debuts for Tony Gollan. She’s had two trials in preparation for this. The most recent saw her settle back and work to the line well. Drawn well and respect any market support.

Sinnamon Toast (4) improved last start when finishing third at the Gold Coast over 1100m. Jag Guthmann-Chester was in the saddle that day and importantly has been retained. Jag GC has been riding well recently at Ipswich and can give this girl the treatment from barrier 3.

On Top Selection: Benedict Arnold (3)

Race 5 - 3:23PM SCHULZ'S WHOLESALE MEATS Class 1 Handicap (800 METRES)

Speed: As would be expected in an 800m race, the speed will be on from the beginning.

SCR You Ess Ess Are (7) could not have been more impressive in her first start for Paul Butterworth. She showed great speed to win by four-lengths over this course and distance. Gets the advantage of barrier 1 which should see her burn her rivals off. I’d suggest if she handles a wet track then she’ll be winning.

The Power Of One (1) resumes here and is also having his first start for Lindsay Gough so check market moves. He finished third here over 1200m when resuming last preparation so can produce fresh. He broke his maiden three starts back at Doomben on a heavy track.

Pocketrocket (4) drops back to this distance after two fair runs over 1000m. Three starts back she was only narrowly beaten over this course and distance and ran well at Kilcoy over the short course the start prior to that.

Bongani (3) broke through for his first win last start when racing on speed and proving too strong in the run home over 860m at Gatton. That was on a Soft 7 so should be able to handle the wet.

On Top Selection: You Ess Ess Are (7)

Race 6 - 4:03PM EDDIES CHRISTMAS QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1100 METRES)

Speed: There looks to be good speed here with the likes of Clover’s Prince and Playgirl, among others drawn wide.

SCR Tres Redoute (12) resumes here following a trial where she was given a solid hit out. Last preparation she resumed on a heavy Beaudesert track with a good win. Last start she finished second to Hakkai Maru who is an above average galloper. Expect a bold showing.

Clover’s Prince (3) resumed after a six-week let up to win at Doomben over 1200m. He controlled the race in front and will look to do that here. He’s run well on wet tracks in the two times he’s faced them including two starts back when a close second on his home track.

SCR Yalla (9) was very good when debuting here over 1100m. She was caught wide in the run but came with a powerful finishing burst to win well. She’ll likely settle back after drawing the outside gate but should be helped by a good speed.

SCR Dealing’s Done (5) resumes here on the back of a decent trial at the Sunshine Coast. He may need the run first-up but did race well last preparation with three placings and a good win at the Gold Coast. Can sit off them before coming with a strong run.

On Top Selection: Tres Redoute (12)

Race 7 - 4:43PM TAB Class 2 Handicap (1500 METRES)

Speed: Scenic Rim and Poet’s Day can lead at a solid tempo.

Bedford Square (1) is a newcomer to the Jack Bruce stable after previously racing in Sydney with Matthew Smith. She’s had two trials ahead of his resumption so should have a good level of fitness. She won over this distance in a BM72 last preparation and competed at Group 2 level so could have a class edge over these.

Poet’s Day (8) was very good when breaking his maiden at the Gold Coast over 1350m last start. He jumps to a Class 2 which suggests he has some ability. He’s only lightly raced so has plenty of upside. Drawn out but can go forward.

Scenic Rim (6) was very good when winning first-up here over 1350m. She then went to Beaudesert and ran well for second over 1400m. Should be fitter third-up and will race on speed so could be tough to run down.

Pizzo (4) led at Warwick over 1350m last start but was picked off late to finish second. He’s a consistent galloper that looks to gain a nice run. The nose roll goes on and the blinkers come off should help him.

On Top Selection: Bedford Square (1)

Race 8 - 5:19PM IPSWICH EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE BENCHMARK 62 Handicap (1666 METRES)

Speed: It looks a moderate speed led by Best To Hurry.

Sibylla (12) broke through for her maiden win last start here over 1350m. The horse that ran second that day, ran a ripper race on Wednesday at the Gold Coast. Jimmy Orman sticks and should enjoy a great run from barrier 2. Fitter third-up and should be ready to handle the rise in distance.

SCR Shopping Wise (5) has been racing in great form with two wins in his past three starts. Last start he finished off strongly, winning over 1600m at the Sunshine Coast. That was arguably a harder race. He’s handled wet tracks including a second on heavy going four starts back.

SCR Dubai Dee (10) won her maiden over 1600m at Doomben last start. She was jumping from 1200m so it was a very good effort and she’ll have taken benefit from it. She’s drawn well but is unknown on a wet track.

Above The Lot (7) is poorly drawn but is racing in great heart. She won over 1700m here last start and at the Sunshine Coast over 1600m the start prior. Jimmy Byrne sticks and will need to produce one of his Ipswich specials.

On Top Selection: Sibyllia (12)

Best Bets

Race 2 - Dragon Miss (3)

Race 5 - You Ess Ess Are (7) SCRATCHED

By Craig Sheppard

Updated 2 December 2022

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