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Ipswich Preview And Selections 7 January 2023
Date: 06-Jan-2023
Saturday’s seven-race card will be the first race meeting that we host in 2023. Unfortunately storms midweek saw the track reach a heavy rating but with warm weather forecast we should see an improvement back to the soft range by the first race. The rail is in the true position the entire course.
We’ve provided our thoughts on each race below.
Race 1 - 12:53PM FOLLOW @IPSWICHTURFCLUB BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (800 METRES)
Speed: As would be expected with a 800m scamper, there is plenty of speed engaged.
Gear Changes: Deece Scent Kiss (7) Blinkers OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie OFF FIRST TIME
Boogielu (5) is a short track specialist having won four of five over this distance. His only defeat came here last start when caught four wide on speed. He draws nicely here in barrier 2 and has the speed to lead. He has a good record on heavy and soft tracks unlike his opponents.
The Billionaire (3) has been racing well with back-to-back seconds. He was first past the post last start at Gatton over this trip but lost the race on protest. Has won here before but won’t want the track too wet.
Orsetto (4) loves racing at his home track. The Brian Costello-trained galloper has won five of ten starts over this course and distance. He opened up this preparation with two wins here before a solid effort at Doomben. His record on rain-affected tracks isn’t good so will hope that it dries out.
Ever Bella (6) may find this too short. However, she will find it easier than the races she has been competing in Sydney.
On Top Selection: Boogielu (5)
Race 2 - 1:28PM TAB Class 6 Plate (1100 METRES)
Speed: Hamilton Hill looks the likely leader with Princess Bojack pushing up on the inside.
Gear Changes: Spending My Time (5) Cross-over Nose Band FIRST TIME, Brave Enough (6) Cross-over Nose Band OFF FIRST TIME, Pads (Front) OFF FIRST TIME
Princess Bojack (8) should be ready to hit peak fitness after two runs back this preparation. Last start she battled on fairly over this course and distance behind Ovidius. She races well here and did beat a very handy field of three-year-olds on Ipswich Cup Day. She’s extremely well weighted under set weight conditions and will carry just 52kg after Melea Castle’s claim. She will make full use of the inside gate.
Wolff Boss (2) never runs a bad race. He was picked off in the shadows of the post at Toowoomba over 1300m last start. That followed a win first-up and a second two starts back. He drops in distance but is a month between runs. Will probably get back from the wide gate but will be finishing off strong.
Zumikon (3) resumes here on the back of a nice trial win. The veteran galloper races well fresh and while his best days are behind him, he usually can give his backers a sight.
Hamilton Hill (7) was well beaten in two runs back this preparation. She’s a speedy customer that could prove hard to run down if allowed to dictate in front.
On Top Selection: Princess Bojack (8)
Race 3 - 2:08PM SIRROMET Maiden Plate (2150 METRES)
Speed: Is That You Ethel looks the clear leader at an average tempo.
Gear Changes: Master Of Menace (4) Bandages (Hind) OFF FIRST TIME, Thrax (8) Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) FIRST TIME, Game Star (12) Bubble Cheeker (Near Side) FIRST TIME
Rufus Winwright (9) worked home fairly over 1650m on a soft Beaudesert track for fourth last start. He is one-paced but looks to have the ability to stay all day so the rise to 2150m looks like it will suit. Trainer Adam Campton is astute at race placement so respecting his decision to come here. Elione Chaves can give him an economical run from the inside gate.
Is That You Ethel (13) led over 1710m here last start but as was the case the start prior, he found one better. She’s drawn well and looks the only natural leader so if Wendy Peel can get away with some cheap sectionals, she may prove hard to run down.
Burn The Boats (1) has had 39 chances to break his maiden status. Could start 40 be the charm? He finished third over this course and distance last start which followed a solid on pace second at Kilcoy.
Think D’oro (10) perhaps has the most upside in this field having only had the one start. On that occasion he worked home fairly to finish just over five lengths behind the winner.
On Top Selection: Rufus Winwright (9)
Race 4 - 2:48PM KINGSLEY LAWSON LAWYERS BENCHMARK 78 Handicap (2150 METRES)
Speed: Hostage Of War and Vandangle look most likely to go forward at a genuine tempo.
Namakwa (1) should be at peak fitness following four runs this preparation. Last start he fought well in the straight but was ultimately overpowered by Greek Hero over 2000m at Doomben. That was a Saturday metro race so he looks well placed despite the weight rise back at provincial level. He has very good form over this distance range including a win in the Stawell Cup. Luke Dittman can settle handy.
Hostage Of War (2) led that Saturday race Namakwa finished second in last start. He showed some fight but was run down late to finish fourth. That’s good form for this race. Billie-Rose Andrew can go forward and could prove hard to catch.
Ostermeier (3) worked home fairly when second-up over 1825m at Eagle Farm. He has a very good record over this course and distance, winning two and placing second once from four starts. He should be fitter third-up and the claim helps.
Let’s Torque A Deel (6) stormed home to win over 2450m at Beaudesert last start. This is harder but he should be strong at the end of a testing contest.
On Top Selection: Namakwa (1)
Race 5 - 3:28PM BRAD MADSEN MEMORIAL Class 2 Plate (1500 METRES)
Speed: There looks to be good speed here with Scenic Rim, Midnight Rambler and Bullet Hero all capable of going forward.
Gear Changes: Kobestar (3) Blinkers AGAIN, Cross-over Nose Band OFF FIRST TIME, Nose Roll OFF FIRST TIME, Shadie Milly (10) Blinkers OFF FIRST TIME
Hyde (7) steps up to this distance for the first time but looks more than capable of handling based on his last start win over 1350m at the Gold Coast. On that occasion he attacked the line with gusto to win by just under a length with third a further two lengths away. He looks to have plenty of upside and should enjoy a nice run behind the speed.
Midnight Rambler (4) was caught wide last start at the Sunshine Coast but still fought on well for a 1.5 length second in a similar class race. He’s been in good form this preparation and looks to enjoy a nice run on speed here.
Scenic Rim (5) looked to be in for a good preparation when winning over 1350m here first-up. That hasn’t panned out but he’s had excuses. He didn’t see out 1700m last start so dropping back to this trip looks ideal.
Sumnamilla (9) got through the heavy going well to win three starts back at the Gold Coast. She’ll find this easier than last start and has the class to win this.
On Top Selection: Hyde (7)
Race 6 - 4:08PM DJ TRACKSIDE 14 JANUARY QTIS Three-Year-Old BENCHMARK 58 Handicap (1200 METRES)
Speed: We should see a strong speed set here with the likes of Tres Redoute, Vodka Martini, Russian Pins and Deb’s Ellie all likely to go forward.
Vodka Martini (1) has started his career in fine style with two wins. He’s looking to remain undefeated after leading over 1100m here last start and proving too strong in the run home. He rises to 1200m for the first time but looks like he will eat it up.
Sunset Soiree (9) was an impressive winner on debut at the Sunshine Coast over 1200m. She sat just off the speed before scoring a run along the fence. Once clear she dashed strongly to win by 2.5 lengths. She’ll be suited by the strong speed and if Anthony Allen can get clear air once they straighten, she’ll be tough to hold out.
Tres Redoute (10) led over this course and distance last start but a saddle slip caused problems late and the horse was unable to be ridden out. She still managed to come third. Looks close to another win and is drawn to advantage.
Menari Magic (3) is drawn poorly so will need an A+ ride from Sean Cormack. However, his form this preparation has been good. He wasn’t too far behind Beast Mode first-up and that horse has proven it is above average. He gave a good sight last start when second to Busting.
On Top Selection: Vodka Martini (1)
Race 7 - 4:45PM IEEC OPEN EVENING 2 FEBRUARY BENCHMARK 62 Handicap (1200 METRES)
Speed: There looks to be good speed engaged inside and out so it may get willing early.
Gear Changes: Anarchy (10) Cross-over Nose Band FIRST TIME
De Manara (2) has settled in nicely at Desleigh Forster’s stable after previously racing in Sydney. Two starts back he finished third by just over a length at Eagle Farm. He returned to that track last start and led before being run down late over 1400m. He drops in distance but also class. Looks primed for a big race.
Uncle Bud (6) is most likely going to race at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday but if Steven Kirkwood decides to race here then he’s a big chance. He was strong through the line when resuming with a close third to the flying Atlantic Way at Toowoomba first-up. Strips fitter and loves the sting out of the ground.
Chief Artie (15) resumes here on the back of solid trial win. Rarely runs a bad race but has struggled to win. Last preparation when first-up he finished second to the talented Argyle Lane. He comes up with the outside gate which is problematic.
Badgers Nuts (7) reared when the gates opened first-up so I’m prepared to put a line through that run. The former kiwi has had the benefit of a full preparation with new trainer Paul Jenkins so expecting improvement second-up. Showed glimpses of ability last preparation.
On Top Selection: De Manara (2)
Best Bets
Race 4 – Namakwa (1)
Race 5 – Hyde (7)
Race 7 – De Manara (2)
By Craig Sheppard
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