Ipswich Preview and Selections 14 July 2022

Date: 13-Jul-2022

We return to racing at Ipswich this Thursday after wet weather put pay to last Wednesday’s meeting. While we’ll be racing under clear skies, rain on Tuesday has ensured a rain-affected track. As of Wednesday, the track was rated a Heavy 8 with the rail out 6m the entire course. The first of nine races jumps at 11:17 am.

Race 1 - FOLLOW @IPSWICHTURFCLUB Maiden Plate (2180 METRES)

Speed: Looks like they may walk in this staying test. Cee Eye Cee, Saint Martin and Royal George look most likely of taking up the running.

Gear Changes: Caoimhe (8) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Winkers OFF FIRST TIME, Royal George (3) Pads (Front) AGAIN, Vancity (9) Blinkers OFF FIRST TIME

Port Mourant (1) looks close to a breakthrough win after two very good efforts. Two starts back he worked home well for a 0.3 length third over 2200m at the Sunshine Coast. Last start he worked home strongly here over 2500m but just couldn’t run down Jewel Flight when finishing second by 0.2 of a length. He defeated a number of horses easily that he meets again here.

Saint Martin (5) raced wide without cover over 1600m on the Poly on Sunday but still managed to box on well for a 3.1 length third. The start prior he found one better when a half-length second at the Gold Coast over 1700m. Can race on the speed and should be in the finish.

Alberin (7) is on the quick back-up after working home fairly on the Poly over 1600m on Sunday. She wasn’t suited by the speed so to finish fourth by 3.9 lengths was a good effort. This is her first try over this trip so she’s on notice but looks like she can handle it. She has more upside than most of these.

Royal George (3) is a 35-start maiden so it’s fair to say he struggles to win. However, he has the ability to go forward in a race with no speed and give some cheek. Last start he was run down late over 2500m by Jewel Flight to finish third. Gets in with a light weight after the claim and who knows, this might finally be his day.

On Top Selection: Port Mourant (1)

Race 2 - TAB VENUE MODE QTIS Three-Year-Old BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1350 METRES)

Speed: Badgers Nuts looks like the clear leader so Sam Collett should be able to control the speed.

Badgers Nuts (2) has been racing well since arriving in Australia. Two starts back he controlled the race in front and went on to win narrowly over 1350m at Doomben. Last start he again led over 1350m at Doomben but ran into a smart one in Enterprise Mia who ran him down in the straight. Sam Collett can lead here and control the tempo which will make the pair hard to run down.

Most Dazzling (1) was excellent when winning by a space at Toowoomba three starts back before never playing a part here on Ipswich Cup day. He bounced back last start at Eagle Farm when finishing off well for third behind King Hammurabi. Drawn to get a sweet run.

King Hammurabi (3) is racing in terrific form having won his past two starts. If the track was in the dry range he’d be a big chance of adding a third win to his streak. However, trainer Jason Edwards has said the horse dislikes wet tracks so that’s a concern.

Pretty Flash (6) broke through for her first win when finding plenty over this course and distance. She previously had some issues but master horseman Jake Capewell appears to have turned her around, Can go on with it now.

On Top Selection: Badgers Nuts (2)

Race 3 - SIRROMET QTIS Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1200 METRES)

Speed: The speed should be well and truly on early with these babies.

Gear Changes: Boom Rapture (18) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Minto's Power (2) Tongue Tie FIRST TIME, Winkers FIRST TIME, Von Crumb (6) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Zumaia (12) Winkers FIRST TIME

Milano Boom (9) resumes here following a 22-week spell. She warmed up for this with a very nice trial win over 650m at Toowoomba. She looks to have come from her initial preparation that saw her finish third over 1100m here. From barrier 4, Ben Thompson should be able to settle in a prominent position.

Half Moon Bay (8) is on debut for David Vandyke. A recent trial at the Sunshine Coast where she raced on the speed will have her tuned up for this. Unfortunately she’s drawn awkwardly but respect the stable.

Twyford (4) returns to racing against his own age after working home solidly here over this distance last start behind speed machine Prince Amongst Men. He’s now third-up so should be reaching peak fitness. He’s drawn well so gets his chance.

Viminele (5) is on debut for Lindsay Gough. He’s had two trials leading into this with the most recent on the Eagle Farm dirt last Friday. He looked a touch green but worked home well. He gets the benefit of the inside gate here.

On Top Selection: Milano Boom (9)

Race 4 - GREAT NORTHERN Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate (1200 METRES)

Speed: Spressi and Betcha Baby will look to cross from wide gates. Ahika and Wicked’n’ Lovin’it won’t be too far away. Early speed looks generous.

Gear Changes: Aynat (9) Ear Muffs OFF FIRST TIME, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) AGAIN, Betcha Baby (2) Tongue Tie AGAIN, Champion Parade (10) Winkers FIRST TIME, Shagonarock (13) Tongue Tie FIRST TIME, Spressi (5) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Tuscan Belle (6) Cross-over Nose Band OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie OFF FIRST TIME, Wicked'n' Lovin'it (8) Bandages (Near Hind) FIRST TIME, Blinkers FIRST TIME, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) OFF FIRST TIME

Ahika (1) is never too far away and has run well to finish in the placings her past two starts. Last start she chased Prince Amongst Men over this course and distance but just couldn’t narrow the gap, finishing 1.8 lengths second. There will be no complaints about her fitness with this being her fifth run this preparation. She should race on the speed despite the awkward gate.

Wicked’n’ Lovin’it (8) raced wide when 2.5 lengths fifth at the Gold Coast last start over 1200m. The start prior she struck interference at Doomben which proved costly when finishing third by 2.5 lengths to Eureka Boom With a low gate and a great run, she’ll be right in the finish.

Goodscent (12) is on debut for Shaun Dwyer. She worked home well in her only trial for a close second to talented filly Dovetail Diva. While only a trial, that’s good form for this. From a good gate, expect her to prominent.

Spressi (5) resumed from a 71-week break last start so will no doubt take a big fitness benefit from the run. She showed good speed but understandably weakened late behind Prince Amongst Men. She’s drawn wide but has the speed to cross and find a forward position.

On Top Selection: Ahika (1)

Race 5 - SCHWEPPES Colts, Geldings and Entires Maiden Plate (1200 METRES)

Speed: Flying Deputy should find the lead and run along at a genuine tempo. La Fusee won’t be too far away.

Gear Changes: Beneficient (15) Cross-over Nose Band FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie OFF FIRST TIME, Chain Of Fire (6) Cross-over Nose Band OFF FIRST TIME, Flying Deputy (8) Tongue Tie FIRST TIME, Hyde (13) Blinkers FIRST TIME, Winkers OFF FIRST TIME, The Grouse (2) Ear Muffs OFF AGAIN, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) AGAIN, Nasal Strip FIRST TIME, Timstar (17) Tongue Tie FIRST TIME

Boom By By (1) had no luck at Toowoomba over 1100m last start. He got shuffled back to last and never got clear until late. The start prior he finished 3.3 lengths second to Delyth over this course and distance, Delyth is absolutely flying so that’s excellent form for this. Jasmine Cornish takes the ride again on this super consistent galloper which is a huge plus.

Flying Deputy (8) led and weakened when resuming over 1200m at Doomben He’ll be fitter for the outing. The tongue tie goes on and he gets the services of Noel Callow.

Hyde (13) is a two-year-old taking on the older horses. Last start at Eagle Farm over 1200m, he settled back and wide before making a run on the turn before weakening in the straight. He’ll be fitter for the first-up run and is drawn to advantage. Blinkers going on for the first time should sharpen him up.

Chain Of Fire (6) was never on the track when resuming at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m with a 4.6 length seventh. Prior to that he won a trial in good style on a heavy track which suggests he’ll like the surface here. Expecting improvement with Luke Tarrant in the saddle.

On Top Selection: Boom By By (1)

Race 6 - CLUB MOUNT LEWIS BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (800 METRES)

Speed: As would be expected in an 800m scamper, they’ll go quick here with any number of horses capable of leading.

Gear Changes: Missie Archer (11) Tongue Tie OFF FIRST TIME, Mornay (10) Lugging Bit FIRST TIME, Nasal Strip OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Control and Lugging Bit OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie AGAIN, Shinshinto (9) Blinkers FIRST TIME, The Billionaire (7) Blinkers FIRST TIME

Conglomerate (3) led and weakened when in the worst part of the track at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m last start. That was a three-year-old Open race so he’ll apprecate the drop in class. He has a terrific second-up record having won two of three and placed in the other. Last preparation he won at his only start over this course and distance.

Commandeering (6) resumes here and has raced well fresh in the past. That includes a win over this course and distance last preparation. He enjoys the sting out of the track and gets the services of Jasmine Cornish who claims 2kg.

The Billionaire (7) may appreciate the drop back to 800m. He hasn’t had a lot go right in recent races despite showing some toe. The blinkers go on which might see Sam Collett put the handlebars down and go for it.

Hauraki Gulf (8) has shown a liking for rain-affected tracks. Last start he won over 900m at the Gold Coast on a Heavy 10 and three starts back he won at Grafton again on a wet track.

On Top Selection: Conglomerate (3)

Race 7 - IPSWICH EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE Class 3 Handicap (1690 METRES)

Speed: The early speed in the race looks drawn to the outside with Badge Of Gameness and Willinga Panache. Du Maurier could push up from the inside.

Gear Changes: Timely Shadow (12) Winkers FIRST TIME, Badge Of Gameness (15) Blinkers OFF AGAIN

Du Maurier (5) has struck form with back to back wins. Two starts back he fought tooth and nail to win narrowly at the Gold Coast over 1800m. He proved too strong last start over 1700m when pulling away late to win by a length. She’s drawn to get an economical run.

Hopeful Star (7) will appreciate dropping in class after boxing on well for second in Class 6 company over this course and distance last start. He’s drawn to do no work and will be fighting out the finish,.

Contreras (3) relished the heavy conditions to win by 4.3 lengths when breaking his maiden at the Gold Coast over 1800m two starls back. He went on with it last start when despite cramped for room, finished off strongly to win at the Sunshine Coast over 1800m. He again rises in class but looks up to it.

Derani (4) finished 1.3 lengths behind the smart Enterprise Mia last start over 1400m on the Poly. The start prior he wasn’t far off King Hammurabi. Needs to lift but may appreciate the rise to this distance.

On Top Selection: Du Maurier (5)

Race 8 - THE BARN FAMILY RESTAURANT BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1350 METRES)

Speed: Nishikori, Greek Star, Fastnet Jack and Serena all pushing forward to ensure a strong speed.

Gear Changes: Mister Larrabee (8) Blinkers OFF AGAIN

Regal Edition (5) belted his rivals by 3.8 lengths when charging home like he was shot out of a cannon at the Gold Coast last start. The start prior he was nearly put through the fence by the eventual winner Sea Palling when looking to make his move here. He’s racing in great form but will need to get back from the wide gate. The strong speed should help him.

Nishikori (4) was held up briefly but got home well in a slowly run race to finish second behind Gwan So over this course and distance last start. Besides his failure two starts back, he had been racing really well. From barrier 2, Ben Thompson will give him every chance.

Amore Primus (12) has a habit of beginning slowly which isn’t ideal but the strong speed here will suit. Last start she worked home well off a slow speed for a 1.6 length sixth to Gwan So. She’ll be fitter here and watch for her storming late.

Greek Star (9) raced on the speed last start and was only run down late by Gwan So. He’ll be fitter for the run and should be peaking here third-up. Will race on the speed and give them something to catch.

On Top Selection: Regal Edition (5)

Race 9 - KINGSLEY LAWSON LAWYERS Class 2 Plate (1200 METRES)

Speed: On paper it looks like it will be more than willing early with any number of horses vying for the lead. However, a number of the speed horses are drawn wide or accepted elsewhere and may not start.

Gear Changes: Cherrypick (14) Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) FIRST TIME, Nose Roll OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie OFF FIRST TIME, Crown War (16) Nose Roll OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME, Tolkowsky (4) Nose Roll FIRST TIME

Cherrypick (14) is having her first start for Jack Bruce after previously racing in Victoria with Peter Moody. Her two trials suggest she is ready for a bold showing first-up. Her form down south is more than good enough to stand her in good stead. She raced well fresh in past and placed in both her starts over this distance. She’s drawn to get a great run for Ben Thompson.

Siren Rock (3) is a newcomer to the Lee Freedman stable who raced previously in Victoria. He hasn’t been seen publicly since arriving but we can expect a bold showing from this stable. He’s raced well fresh in the past.

Little Miss Pixie (11) resumes here on the back of a very nice trial win in Toowoomba. She’s never won first-up but has placed in all four fresh races. Her form last preparation was very good besides a last start failure on the Poly. Can feature despite wide gate.

Tolkowsky (4) resumes on the back of two trials which should have him fit. Enjoyed the wet conditions at the Gold Coast two starts back when winning over this distance. Does his best work fresh.

On Top Selection: Cherrypick (14)

Best Bets

Race 2 - Badgers Nuts (2)

Race 9 - Cherrypick (14)

Story: Craig Sheppard

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