It’s a Group One day of racing up in the sunshine state, as the JJ Atkins and Stradbroke Handicap are set to be run at Eagle Farm. One of the most loved races of the calendar year is the Stradbroke, and it has been turned slightly on its head this year as many of the leading chances were handed carpark draws on Tuesday. The JJ Atkins field is full of super talented juveniles, and will be run over 200m less than usual this year. Racing at Flemington with a nine race card, and there is a Listed race nestled in among eight other events at Randwick this Saturday. PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby identifies his five best plays of the day below.
Flemington R1 #1 Prezado $2.60 at PlayUp – Aiming for three consecutive wins now, two of which have come at this track and distance. Prezado is clearly a Flemington 1000m specialist, and in my opinion faces an easier race than the won he won last start. On that occasion, he ran the fastest last 600m sectional of the entire day, adding more merit to his win. Maps to stalk the speed from barrier five, and the booking of Craig Williams is very good. Should continue his great form. Selections: 1-6-3-4
Flemington R2 #14 Safeeya $4.80 at PlayUp – First up here off two jump outs, the latest had no vision due to fog, but the first one was sound as she worked nicely through the line from midfield. One run so far in her career came in an unbelievably strong form line, featuring the likes of Hanseatic, River Night and Away Game. She was running through the line that day, so i’m tipping the step to 1100m here with the added ability she has gained from the time off should have her hard to beat. Blinkers on, maps nicely midfield with cover. Selections: 14-15-3-6
Flemington R5 #2 Kings Brook $12.00 at PlayUp – Looks over the odds here at double figures in a competitive race. Comes off a very good run last start when hit the front in the straight but was mowed down late, that was over a mile. Coming back to 1400m will definitely suit, and is well weighted after the claim. Twice a winner at this track and trip. Selections: 2-4-13-10
Randwick R7 #8 Coruscate $10.00 at PlayUp – This Godolphin runner looks over the odds here in a competitive race. Has been running very well of late, including a win this track and trip last start, and a 2nd behind News Girl at Caulfield two runs back. The wetter track should be no issue, his distance stats are great and he gets in with no weight in a low draw. Lots of ticks on paper, hoping he can get to race day and prove that. Selections: 8-1-6-12
Eagle Farm R6 #1 Ballistic Boy $2.70 at PlayUp – Another horse who is racing in very good form, unlucky not to win the Gunsynd Classic last start, in fact probably does win it if the races was 20m longer. Likely to snag back here from barrier 12, and now has a better weight swing on the horse who beat him last time in Supergiant. The extra distance here will definitely suit, and looks a deserved favourite in this race. Selections: 1-3-4-15
Extra Tips
- JJ Atkins Tip: Eagle Farm R7 #17 Isotope WIN $7.50 at PlayUp
- Stradbroke Tip: Eagle Farm R8 #18 Exhilarates $8.00/$2.70 at PlayUp & #5 Victorem $8.00/$2.70 at PlayUp & #14 Outback Barbie $34.00/$9.00 at PlayUp ALL EACH WAY
