Ipswich Preview and Selections 1 May 2023

Date: 01-May-2023

A big crowd is expected on track Monday for the Better Future Labour Day Races.

A beautiful autumn day has been forecast for the public holiday which will be perfect for racing and festivities off the track. The rail returns to the true position.

There’s free entry, free rides and even free tips for all eight races to help you find a winner!

Race 1 - 12:22PM BUNDAMBA COMMUNITY STAKES Maiden Plate (800 METRES)

Berava (1) blew the start and then was blocked for a run when finishing 1.7 lengths fifth on debut at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m. She then sat outside the lead last start again over the 1000m at the Sunshine Coast before weakening badly with 200m to go. He’ll be fitter third-up and given his inability to run 1000m, the drop back to 800m here suits. He’s drawn well for Jimmy Orman.

Polygal (6) improved out of sight last start when showing good speed to lead until late over 1100m at Dalby when finishing a length second. If she can replicate that then she should be in this for a long way.

Detroit Girl (11) didn’t do a lot in her only start in November. Resumes here with a number of gear changes. Well drawn and Ben Thompson rides.

Russian Pins (9) gave a sight last start over 1050m on the Gold Coast Poly before weakening late. Raced okay the last time she took on this course and distance.

On Top Selection: Berava (1)

Race 2 - 12:57PM WORKERS UNITED BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (800 METRES)

You Ess Ess Are (8) led over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast when resuming last start. She fought bravely but weakened with 100m to go to finish fourth. She’ll strip fitter second-up and returns to Ipswich where she bolted in by over 4 lengths over this trip first-up last preparation. The tongue tie goes on and she’ll give a big sight.

Bring Me Kash (3) resumes here following a first preparation that saw him win two of three starts. His only loss came when just over three lengths behind the talented Chinny Boom. Showed plenty of speed and did win over this distance at Gatton on debut.

Shinshinto (2) raced wide over this course and distance last start but fought on fairly for 2.2 length fifth to Thawra. He drops in class and gets the benefit of the inside gate. He should strip fitter third-up.

American Red (1) raced wide when finishing second by two lengths at Dalby over this distance last start. Three starts back he ran well for third behind Kat Chinna over this course and distance. That horse then ran well in town.

On Top Selection: You Ess Ess Are (8)

Race 3 - 1:38PM LABOUR DAY CLASSIC QTIS Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate (800 METRES)

A Certain Maybe (8) is on debut for Chris Anderson. She looked good getting to the line under her own steam to narrowly miss winning a 840m trial at Doomben recently. Bailey Wheeler takes the ride and with his claim the filly will carry just 53kg.

Balalaika Bird (1) is having his first start. He won a 650m trial at Deagon by four lengths in preparation for this. The time was considerably slower than the other trials on the same day. Jimmy Orman riding is a positive.

Chakra Boy (2) showed good speed before being run down when third over this course and distance on debut. He’ll strip fitter but draws terribly.

Coney Island Baby (3) showed good speed before weakening badly as if something went amiss when on debut over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast. He returns here so obviously there was no issue. The drop in distance looks a good move and he gets the inside gate.

On Top Selection: A Certain Maybe (8)

Race 4 - 2:13PM GOOD JOBS, BETTER SERVICES QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Handicap (1350 METRES)

Classique Gal (13) resumed at Doomben over 1200m with a very good fourth to Duly Elected. She was held up a touch in the straight so should have finished closer than 0.9 of a length margin. She competed in stronger races than this last preparation. She draws nicely in barrier 2.

Rangatira (5) was belted by Ring Of Steel when finishing fourth by nearly 10 lengths over 1200m here last start. He was working home well and the winner looks to have above average ability. He should be fitter third-up and will enjoy the extra distance.

Valiant Joan (14) resumes here and has looked good in two trials in preparation for this. Maps to get a nice run.

Naree (12) was found to be shin sore in her only start last preparation. She resumes here and was given a solid hit out in a recent trial. The inside gate is a massive boost to her chances.

On Top Selection: Classique Gal (13)

Race 5 - 2:48PM IPSWICH TRADES HALL Class 2 Handicap (1666 METRES)

Tiger For Life (3) has found form as he has stepped up in distance. Two starts back he led and hung on to win narrowly at Toowoomba over 1850m. He then proved too strong when leading all the way over this course and distance last start. He’ll go forward and should prove hard to run down.

Dazzling Flash (5) has finished second at both starts back this preparation. She worked to the line strongly last start over 1350m at Warwick to get within a length of My Pins. She looks ready for the rise to a mile and should race on speed.

Pick Za Beans (8) can be forgiven for her last start failure at the Sunshine Coast. She worked home well the start prior over 1400m for third behind National Choice who ran a great race for a close third behind Antino on Saturday at Eagle Farm. A repeat of that sees her challenging for the win.

Madam Cha Cha (6) was easily account for by Dazzling Flash last start at Warwick. She’ll be reaching peak fitness and gets the blinkers on for the first time which will hopefully tune her up.

On Top Selection: Tiger For Life (3)

Race 6 - 3:27PM SAFETY AT WORK BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1350 METRES)

Green Reign (3) worked to the line well for fourth behind Birriecart when resuming over 1200m first-up at Doomben. That was a BM75 and he now drops to a BM65. He’ll strip fitter second-up and will appreciate the extra distance.

Dixon Bay (5) fought out the finish when a close third over this course and distance two starts back. Last start he looked the winner at Beaudesert, only to be swamped on the line. He maps to get a great run on speed.

Reformist (2) is having his first start for Peter Quinlan after previously racing with Ed Cummings in Sydney. He races well fresh and is 7 weeks between runs. He placed in a number of races over 1400m in stronger races than this so that form should hold up well here.

Do Well Legend (9) finished off well to win narrowly over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast last start. This is harder but he draws well in barrier 1.

On Top Selection: Green Reign (3)

Race 7 - 4:08PM HALL PAYNE LAWYERS STAKES BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1350 METRES)

Wegobam (11) has been in great form since joining the Jack Bruce stable. She looks ready to win after running on powerfully to just miss the win at the Sunshine Coast over 1200m. She was in front past the post so the rise to 1350m looks ideal. Maps to get a great run.

Brave Maso (14) has been racing well but just lacked that knock out punch. She was just a length off the winner at the Sunshine Coast last start after settling closer than usual.

Nishikori (1) went very close to winning over this course and distance two starts back in Open company. He’ll find this easier but is drawn awkwardly and has a big impost.

Peak Road (6) was held up but found the line strongly once clear to finish a close second at Ballina first-up. He’ll strip fitter second-up.

On Top Selection: Wegobam (11)

Race 8 - 4:43PM VOLUNTEER STAKES BENCHMARK 68 Handicap (1200 METRES)

Ruinart (14) fought gamely to hold on to win last start at the Sunshine Coast over 1200m. The second horse was Wegobam and third was two lengths away so there was plenty to like about the run. She’s racing in great form and will be at peak fitness here. Drawn nicely for Ben Thompson.

Rose Of Shiraz (11) resumes here and is undefeated in two first-up races. She’s had two trials but hasn’t set the world on fire with her efforts. She should race on the speed and gets winkers for the first time.

Hakkai Maru (4) was very good when finishing third at Doomben over 1050m first-up. She’ll strip fitter and won her only other start over this course and distance. The wide barrier is a negative.

Brocky (5) has been up for a very long time. He’s never far away and has raced well over this course and distance without winning.

On Top Selection: Ruinart (14)

Best Bets

Race 4 – Classique Gal (13)

Race 7 – Wegobam (11)

Race 8 – Ruinart (14)

By Craig Sheppard

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