Ipswich Preview – Wednesday 29 January 2025 New

Date: 28-Jan-2025

Metropolitan racing returns to Ipswich this Wednesday when we host a seven-race program.

The rail returns to the true position and as was the case for Saturday’s meeting, we will be greeted by hot weather so the track should be in the Good range on the day.

We’ve cast our eyes over the form and provided our top picks in each race.

Race 1 - 2:13PM TEMPUS TWO Maiden Plate (1666 METRES)

8 Hurricane Rosie

Hurricane Rosie looks ready to breakthrough for her maiden win after finishing runner-up in both her races this preparation.

The Bevan Laming-trained filly was no match for Hey Chardonnay when resuming over 1400m at Beaudesert but did find the line well for a 3.8 length second.

Last start she sat outside the lead and gave a good sight when finishing two lengths second over 1400m at Dalby.

The rise to a mile looks suitable third-up and she maps to get the run of the race for Martin Harley.

Selections: 8-3-9-7

Race 2 - 2:48PM SCHWEPPES QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1666 METRES)

7 Dracena

Dracena returned in good order over 1350m here last start.

The Josh King-trained Dracarys filly found a nice spot in running after initially being caught wide and looked a winning chance before being swamped late to finish just under a length second.

She clearly had the measure of the rest and will strip fitter second-up.

Her only previous start over the distance was on a heavy deck and resulted in her finishing a distant second to the talented Pope Cody.

Mark Du Plessis will give her every chance by riding her positively.

Selections: 7-12-1-5

Race 3 - 3:23PM TAB QTIS Three-Year-Old BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1350 METRES)

4 Love ‘N’ Rockets

Love ‘N’ Rockets impressed last start over this course and distance when breaking through for her first win.

The Tony Gollan-trained filly appreciated the rise in distance third-up, producing a powerful finishing burst to charge past her rivals and win by just under a length.

She’s at peak fitness now and Emily Lang’s 2kg claim comes in handy.

The better gate and a lack of speed should see her closer in the run.

Selections: 4-6-5-1

Race 4 - 3:58PM BARRIER REEF POOLS Maiden Plate (1200 METRES)

6 Ser Joh

Ser Joh draws poorly but I’m prepared to be with him given the standard of opposition and the form he brings.

The Rob Heathcote-trained Capitalist gelding worked to the line well first-up despite not having the clearest of runs when finishing 4.4 lengths seventh in the Magic Millions Maiden.

The form from the race has been excellent with three subsequent winners and it’s clearly a better standard race than what his rivals have been competing in.

The fact that Jimmy Orman has been booked is a good guide to the stable’s thoughts on his chances.

Selections: 6-10-12-7

Race 5 - 4:33PM GREAT NORTHERN BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (800 METRES)

3 Mr Galazi

Mr Galazi can be forgiven for finishing at the tail of the field last start at Eagle Farm given he suffered poor post race recovery.

The David Murphy-trained gelding was very good two starts back when leading over 1110m at Doomben in a much stronger race before being run down late to finish a neck third.

He is unbeaten in two previous starts over this course and distance.

Georgie Cartwright can settle in a prominent position.

Selections: 3-1-8-4

Race 6 - 5:10PM GORDON'S GIN Class 1 Handicap (1100 METRES)

4 Caxton Lass

Caxton Lass never got on the track last start at the Sunshine Coast so can be forgiven for finishing in the second half of the field.

The start prior the Rob Heathcote-trained daughter of Capitalist let down strongly to win in the heavy conditions first-up over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast.

While her better performances have been on rain-affected tracks, I think she can race just as well on a dry surface as she did when third-up last preparation.

She’s drawn to get a nice run for top apprentice Bailey Wheeler.

Selections: 4-3-6-9

Race 7 - 5:40PM IPSWICH EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (1350 METRES)

1 Disney Castle

Disney Castle has been freshened since suffering from heat stress and finishing a long last at Eagle Farm last start.

The Chris Waller-trained mare enjoys racing at Ipswich and won here just two starts ago over 1700m.

She’s just as proficient over this course and distance having won over it in her first Queensland start in April.

Jimmy Orman can give her a great run on speed.

Selections: 1-4-5-10

Best Bets

Race 2 – Dracena (7)

Race 3 – Love ‘N’ Rockets (4)