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Ipswich Preview 30 June 2022
Date: 29-Jun-2022
Ipswich Preview | 30 June 2022
By Craig Sheppard
With the dust settled on another successful Ipswich Cup day, we’re back racing this Thursday. A nine-race card is scheduled with the opening event jumping at 11:47 am. The track as of Wednesday is rated a Soft 5 with the rail out 4m the entire course. Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be overcast days so the track should remain that rating.
Race 1 - GREAT NORTHERN Maiden Plate (2500 METRES)
Speed: The David Vandyke-trained Jewel Flight should be able to lead this field comfortably.
Gear Changes: Buddy Fast (1) Bandages (Front) FIRST TIME, Jewel Flight (9) Blinkers OFF FIRST TIME, Royal George (6) Blinkers OFF AGAIN, Pads (Front) OFF FIRST TIME, Vancity (11) Bandages (Front) FIRST TIME
Jewel Flight (9) has more upside than her rivals. Last start over 1800m at the Gold Coast she enjoyed a great run but just couldn’t match motors with Bullet Hero in the closing stages and had to settle for a length second. Her first two runs this preparation were on wet tracks which she didn’t appreciate so will be happier here. The blinkers come off which will help over this extended trip. Jimmy Byrne can dictate terms in front and should prove hard to beat.
Rowlett (5) has finished runner-up in his past two starts. Last start over 2200m at the Sunshine Coast he raced on the speed in a slowly run race before fighting strongly to just miss the win. The locally trained gelding should be able to settle in a handy position for Maddy Wishart.
Port Mourant (4) found the front briefly last start over 2200m at the Sunshine Coast before being overpowered in the shadows of the post by Rowlett and Big Hitter. He finished third and it showed that the further the trip the better for this guy as it was clearly his best race. The rise to 2500m should suit.
Burn The Boats (2) is still a maiden after 32 starts but he did come the closest to breaking that unwanted drought last start. Jasmine Cornish made a midrace at the Sunshine Coast move to go forward and it nearly paid off with the gelding going down by just half a length. In front of him were Rowlett and Port Mourant so it’s hard to see him turning the tables on them.
On Top Selection: Jewel Flight (9)
Race 2 - SEVEN QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1350 METRES)
Speed: Swanic Boom and Virgo Vision look most likely to take up the running at what looks a moderate speed. Anatini will be next in line.
Gear Changes: Toomuchinformation (4) Winkers FIRST TIME, Anatini (6) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Enterprise Jewel (7) Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) FIRST TIME, Swanic Boom (10) Blinkers FIRST TIME
Anatini (6) looks close to a win after two very good recent races. Two starts back she was never on the track but had the audacity to finish off strongly over 1200m at Doomben for a 1.5 length second to the above average Reeanon. Last start at the Gold Coast over 1400m she briefly hit the front in the straight but was overpowered by Ronlee Gal when third by 1.65 lengths. She gets in with just 53.5kg after Angela Jones’ claim and should enjoy the run of the race.
Virgo Vision (5) can mix his form but put in an improved showing last start when 0.4 lengths second over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast. The way he finished off suggests the rise to 1350m will suit. Ryan Maloney sticks which is a positive. He’ll strip fitter given he was 5 weeks between runs last start.
Enterprise Jewel (7) is on debut for Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted. She’s had six trials dating back to March 2021 and had three different trainers. She found the line in her first trial for O’Dea and Hoysted to win on the Poly. She again finished off well at Deagon in her most recent trial over 1200m. Would suggest that the filly will be better over further but gets the benefit of the inside gate and Eye Liner winning jockey Brodie Loy.
Toomuchinformation (4) has finished in the placings in two of three career starts. The Northern Rivers galloper was sent out a $2.50 favourite when running on fairly for a well beaten third over 1200m at Port Macquarie last start. Winkers are applied for the first time but barrier 9 looks sticky.
On Top Selection: Anatini (6)
Race 3 - SIRROMET QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1350 METRES)
Speed: The early speed looks drawn in the outside gates and they should be able to cross fairly comfortably. Yes We’re Ready looks the likely leader.
Gear Changes: Baltray (1) Tongue Tie FIRST TIME, Uno What I'm Sayin (5) Pads (Front) FIRST TIME, She's Ablazing (10) Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
Flying Justice (8) will be fitter here third-up. She raced well first-up when 3.2 lengths fourth despite being three-wide the trip on the Poly over 1100m. Last start she led them into the straight at the Gold Coast over 1400m before being headed with 200m to go. She raced greenly but stuck on well for fourth behind Ronlee Gal. She’ll be better for the experience. Unlike those two starts, she draws nicely in barrier 4 which should see Michael Hellyer settle in a prominent position.
Baltray (1) was well beaten when finishing third over 1200m at Doomben. He has since trialled and looked good running on behind Manhood who has since won. The booking of Jimmy Orman is a big plus.
Burlesy (2) may need the run first-up and will no doubt be better over further but can run a bold race here. He’s had two trials leading into this so should have a decent level of fitness. The outside gate is not ideal but there looks to be limited early speed so Robbie Fradd should be able to cross and find a forward position.
Pearls ‘N’ Pimms (9) was disappointing as favourite last start over 1300m at Toowoomba. In fact she has been sent out favourite her past two starts has played no real part. If she can return a performance similar to three starts back when she ran on strongly to just miss the win at Toowoomba then she can figure here. She gets in with just 53kg after Jasmine Cornish’s claim and should enjoy a decent run from barrier 2.
Our Polaris (4) was caught deep last start and never stood a chance when finishing down the track behind Ronlee Gal. The start prior she resented the heavy track here. She’s got plenty of excuses but showed enough first-up here to suggest she can feature. From the inside gate, Sam Collett will give her a chance to show what she’s got.
On Top Selection: Flying Justice (8)
Race 4 - SCHWEPPES Maiden Plate (1200 METRES)
Speed: Prince Amongst Men and Mr Finnigan can lead but they won’t be alone. Spressi and Ahika among others will look to add some speed to the race.
Gear Changes: Artie's Dreamtime (6) Cross-over Nose Band AGAIN, Charlie's Case (7) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME, Mr Finnigan (8) Nose Roll FIRST TIME, Twyford (15) Blinkers FIRST TIME
Prince Amongst Men (9) resumed with a nice effort over 900m at the Gold Coast. After jumping well, he found himself racing deep but despite that he fought on bravely to finish just under a length second to Jungle Blaze. He’ll be fitter second-up and the extra distance won’t pose any problems. Last preparation he finished 2.5 lengths to Manhood and that horse has talent. Noel Callow can give him a great run on the speed.
Ahika (11) found the front in the straight over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast and looked the winner but wanted to hang out which made it difficult for Mark Du Plessis to ride the mare out. She was also found to have a slow post race recovery so the half length third had merit. From barrier 4, Du Plessis should have her positioned to strike when it counts.
Declassify (12) is on debut for Annabel Neasham. The two-year-old takes on the older horses here but wouldn’t have to be a world beater to feature in the finish. He’s had two trials in preparation for this and on both occasions he was given a soft time. Drawing the inside gate is a big plus.
Mittsy (13) resumed with a solid effort over 1200m at Doomben when 3.45 lengths to Argyle Pink. She was 43 weeks between races so will tune up fitter second-up. Gets in light at the weights thanks to Wendy Peel’s claim.
On Top Selection: Prince Amongst Men (9)
Race 5 - RAY WHITE IPSWICH Class 1 Handicap (1200 METRES)
Speed: Fastnet Jack, if races, will look to go forward from his wide gate and lead. Deluxe Legend should push forward from the inside. Bean Awhile and Empress Zou can settle handy.
Gear Changes: Astrophysics (16) Bandages (Hind) FIRST TIME, Lugging Bit OFF FIRST TIME, Winkers OFF AGAIN, Fastnet Jack (2) Blinkers OFF AGAIN, Cross-over Nose Band FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME, Gala Rain (13) Blinkers OFF FIRST TIME, Sasanquas (14) Bit Lifter OFF FIRST TIME, Butterfly Bit OFF FIRST TIME, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) OFF AGAIN, Pacifiers FIRST TIME, Tongue Control Bit AGAIN, Shnitty (7) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
Philly Special (6) makes her comeback to the races after a year off the scene. She looked to have some ability in her initial preparation. Her two most recent trials have been very good, particularly her trial last week. She jumped to the front and booted clear to win easily. From the inside gate, she should enjoy a great run.
Empress Zou (8) worked home strongly first-up to finish 2.7 lengths behind the talented Burning Bell over 1000m on the Poly. She’ll be fitter for the outing. Last preparation she raced on the speed before dashing clear to break her maiden status. She’s drawn awkwardly but has the early speed to find a forward position.
Shnitty (7) resumes here following a 28 week break. She’s had two trials over the past few months that should see her in good shape for this first-up assignment. She showed some ability in her first preparation but was a touch disappointing when last in work. She can hit back here courtesy of a good gate and a sweet Sam Collett ride.
Deluxe Legend (1) showed plenty of fight to break his maiden status last start at the Sunshine Coast. He went forward from the wide gate and dug deep at the end of the 1200m to win by just under half a length. The start prior he came second by three-lengths to Cudyado who has since won again impressively in town. Jimmy Orman sticks and can be in this for a long way.
On Top Selection: Philly Special (6)
Race 6 - TAB BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1350 METRES)
Speed: Greek Star and Nishikori should take up the running. Doomani and Gwan So are capable of joining them.
Gwan So (6) is busting to win. Two starts back he raced three-deep on the Poly over 1400m but still boxed on well for a 1.3 length fourth. Last start despite suffering lacerations in the run, he finished off strongly to just miss the win over 1350m at Doomben. Brodie Loy should be able to give him a nice run before launching in the straight.
Ginja (1) is a consistent gelding from the O’Dea and Hoysted yard that has only been out of the top 3 three times in 14 starts. He resumes here on the back of a nice trial where he worked home well behind The Move. He generally takes a few runs and is better over further but can show up here. Sam Collett should give him an economical run from the inside gate.
River Rocket (3) won over this course and distance three starts back. Last start he was out of his grade when finishing down the track. Two starts back he was caught deep. Back to this class and onto a track he loves racing at should see a truer performance from him. Sheriden Tomlinson who claims 1.5kg takes the ride and has won three times on the horse.
Doomani (5) resumed at the Sunshine Coast over 1400m with a solid effort. She worked home quite well to finish 3.1 lengths behind Wilmot Pass who had been racing in good form. She’ll be fitter secon-up and does have a good record over this trip.
On Top Selection: Gwan So (6)
Race 7 - RIVER 94.9FM RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 Handicap (1350 METRES)
Speed: Fantome Lady and Mozart’s Rival should drive forward from their inside gates to lead.
Gear Changes: Imprinted (2) Blinkers OFF AGAIN, Tongue Tie OFF FIRST TIME, Think I'm Dreaming (12) Nose Roll OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie AGAIN, Winkers AGAIN
Mozart’s Rival (3) was well beaten last start when fourth to Delyth at the Sunshine Coast over 1200m. However, Delyth is a quality galloper and there was plenty of merit in the run after leading most of the way. He’ll be fitter here third-up and has won at the track. He should appreciate the rise in trip and also getting his toe in the ground. The booking of Jimmy Orman is key.
Birkin Black (8) led and faded over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast last start. The start prior he raced wide on the speed but still fought strongly to just miss the win over this course and distance. He has a good record at Ipswich despite not winning here and should race on the speed.
Maurice’s Star (10) will appreciate dropping back to this class after struggling in the T.L Cooney here last start. Two starts back he sat wide but still proved too strong when breaking his maiden over this course and distance. Unfortunately he has drawn the car park so will need some luck.
Issaquah (4) has put in two improved showings at his most recent starts. Last start he settled back over 1200m at Toowoomba before running on strongly up the fence to finish second by 1.5 lengths. The extra distance here will suit.
On Top Selection: Mozart’s Rival (3)
Race 8 - KINGSLEY LAWSON LAWYERS Class 6 Handicap (1680 METRES)
Speed: Jacksprat, Class Of Royalty and Capodanno should all go forward from wider draws. The Carpenter can push up from the inside gate to ensure a decent tempo.
Gear Changes: Avoca (2) Concussion Plates (Front) FIRST TIME, Pads (Front) OFF FIRST TIME
Lady Ringo (5) is no stranger to wide gates so should be right at home in barrier 12 here. Last start on Ipswich Cup day she drew barrier 11 over this distance in the 0MW race. Mark Du Plessis settled last and saved ground on the turn. Unfortunately the inside wasn’t the place to be but despite that she boxed on well to finish 3.7 lengths behind Jakama. Three starts back she sat wide and won over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast. If Du Plessis can find a spot from the outside gate then his mount can give this a shake.
Hopeful Star (7) was held up at a key stage when finishing 1.35 lengths fourth over 1615m at Doomben two starts back. Last start she dropped back to 1400m and again ran well for a two-length second. That drop in trip will have sharpened her up for this assignment.
Shepard (1) resumes here for new trainer Desleigh Forster after previously racing in Victoria with Peter Moody. He’s done very little in two trials and will no doubt be better over further. However, he’s competed in stronger races than this and the change of scenery and warmer weather may turn him around.
Class Of Royalty (6) will appreciate the rise in distance third-up. First-up he ran well to just miss the win here over 1350m. Last start he worked home well at Beaudesert over 1400m. He’s drawn wide but Sam Collett can counter that with his early speed.
On Top Selection: Lady Ringo (5)
Race 9 - VALE SONNY ROBERTS Class 1 Plate (1680 METRES)
Speed: There looks to be decent pace here with Road To Emmaus looking to cross and lead from the wide gate. Plenty of others will look to go forward.
Gear Changes: Calcareous (2) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) OFF FIRST TIME, Canister (16) Bandages (Front) OFF FIRST TIME, Cassowary (11) Nose Roll OFF FIRST TIME
Ghostwriter (6) has finished second in all three races since joining Annabel Neasham’s Gold Coast stable. Two starts back in a significantly tougher race than this, he was involved in a battle up the Doomben straight over 1350m with Snitzify but was ultimately overpowered. That places him well here. Last start he ran home well despite shifting out to get within a length of the winner at the Gold Coast. This is his first try at the trip but looks up to it and should enjoy a good run.
Jetfoil (8) found 1800m a touch far last start so will appreciate the drop back to 1680m. Two starts back chased home Awe when third at the Sunshine Coast over 1600m. He broke his maiden status three starts back and four other horses from that race have since won. Jimmy Byrne should have him in a great spot in the run.
Prickly Poppy (13) looked good winning her maiden three starts back. Two starts back she was outclassed in the Gold Coast Bracelet and last time out she encountered plenty of traffic so it’s hard to gauge that run. Back to this class from a good gate, she can feature.
Ronlee Gal (14) found the line strongly last start over 1400m at the Gold Coast to win for the first time. The way she finished off suggests the rise in trip will suit. She ran well here third-up last preparation when finishing second.
On Top Selection: Ghostwriter (6)
Best Bets
Race 4 - Prince Amongst Men (9)
Race 5 - Philly Special (6)
Race 9 - Ghostwriter (6)
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