Race 1 – BENCHMARK 78 Handicap
No. 3 Overfull
After completing a mid-winter preparation in the Listed Lightning Stakes at Morphettville, OVERFULL (3) resumes with a preparation that suggests she is ready to deliver fresh.
The Peter Robl-trained mare has taken measured steps through two trials, her latest a controlled effort at the Gold Coast where she travelled comfortably and finished a neck away without being pressured.
Her form across multiple states shows she is capable of matching stronger company in Sydney and Melbourne, and she has proven equally effective in Queensland, highlighted by her Sunshine Coast win over this distance two starts ago.
Jasper Franklin's 3kg claim should help her roll forward and hold a prominent position early.
Selections: 3–5–6–8
Race 2 – Class 3 Handicap
No. 2 Eclair Encore
Arriving from Sydney in strong form, ECLAIR ENCORE (2) appears well suited stepping into this grade.
The Kris Lees-trained mare produced a powerful closing burst over this distance at Rosehill last start, going within a whisker of winning a tougher race.
She returns to Queensland for the first time since the Group 1 Queensland Oaks, and in the lead-up to that race she scored her only previous start over this track and trip.
Winkers are applied for the first time and Ben Osmond's 2kg claim should allow her to settle in the first few pairs.
Selections: 2–1–10–4
Race 3 – Class 3 Handicap
No. 6 Now Is The Hour
NOW IS THE HOUR (6) made an immediate impression for Tony Gollan, showing sharp early speed first-up at Doomben when crossing from a wide alley and racing clear late for a dominant victory.
A luckless second-up run was followed by a refreshing short break, after which he returned to Eagle Farm and once again displayed his natural speed to overcome another wide draw and score convincingly.
Last start he finally drew a favourable gate, and in a twist of fate he found himself unable to build momentum at the right time, yet still battled on bravely to finish second by a head.
Eagle Farm is where he does his best work and Angela Jones maps to give him a soft run.
Selections: 6–10–7–11
Race 4 – BENCHMARK 85 Handicap
No. 7 Nails Murphy
NAILS MURPHY (7) has been inching closer to another win after producing two excellent efforts at Doomben.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding turned his form around two starts ago when chasing home the talented Margot's Deel and finishing a clear second.
He returned to the same course and distance last start and again found the line strongly, closing late to finish just over a half-length away in third.
With little natural speed in the race, Braith Nock should be able to hold him in a handy position from the outset.
Selections: 7–1–5–11
Race 5 – BENCHMARK 78 Handicap
No. 12 Silver Wedding
A return to easier company brought the best out of SILVER WEDDING (12) last start, where she threaded through a tight passage and surged late for a confidence-boosting win at Doomben.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare had been competing well in deeper Sydney races prior and brings that standard back into a field where she fits strongly.
Angela Jones takes the ride and the 55kg assignment gives her a clear chance to repeat the dose.
Selections: 12–3–11–9
Race 6 – GROUP 3 GRAND PRIX STAKES
No. 3 Matias
MATIAS (3) continues to build beautifully this preparation and arrives here looking ready for the rise to 1800m.
The Ryan & Alexiou-trained gelding produced a strong second when resuming at Rosehill before unleashing a powerful finish behind Johny Dory at Canterbury over 1550m.
He then broke through at Newcastle with an authoritative victory, surging clear late in a manner that suggested he is only improving.
This trip looks ideal now and Michael Rodd should be able to secure a comfortable position in running.
Selections: 3–1–11–2
Race 7 – LISTED GOLD EDITION PLATE
No. 1 Grafterburners
GRAFTERBURNERS (1) made a statement first-up at Eagle Farm when charging through the line for a dominant win over this distance.
At Doomben second-up, the Kelly Schweida-trained gelding may have felt the effects of that big return performance, but his determination was on full display as he lifted under pressure to score narrowly.
Returning to Eagle Farm should bring out his best again and he draws to enjoy a favourable run in transit.
Selections: 1–10–13–11
Race 8 – LISTED LOUGH NEAGH STAKES
No. 6 Accredited
Dropping back to his preferred distance should suit ACCREDITED (6) after a tough fourth in the Group 3 Festival Stakes over 1500m.
That race has since proven strong form with winner Yorkshire going on to claim the Group 2 Ingham.
Two starts back over this journey he was excellent in The Hunter, driving along the inside to finish just over a half-length from the winner.
Joe Pride has him at peak fitness now and barrier 1 should allow Daniel Moor to position him perfectly.
Selections: 6–1–4–3
Race 9 – OPEN Handicap
No. 2 Walsh Bay
TIP OF THE DAY
Few horses are going better than WALSH BAY (2), who is searching for her seventh straight win in what has been a remarkable campaign.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare has climbed from Benchmark 62 company to capturing both the Toowoomba Cup and the Mooloolaba Cup with authority.
She resumed from a short break last start with another powerful closing effort to win the Mooloolaba Cup and that run sets her up beautifully for the step to 1800m.
Damien Thornton's affinity with her is a major asset and with limited speed engaged, she should be able to roll forward and prove very difficult to catch.
Selections: 2–4–8–3
Race 10 – QTIS BENCHMARK 85 Handicap
No. 6 Bossed Up
Stepping to 1200m for the first time, BOSSED UP (6) shapes as though the trip will suit him perfectly.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding settled off the pace at Doomben last start before unleashing a sharp sprint to reel in the leaders and win with authority.
He has a strong affinity for Eagle Farm, boasting two wins and a second from three attempts at the track.
The wide draw is a negative, but with solid tempo predicted, Angela Jones should be able to slide across, find cover and produce him late.
Selections: 6–5–10–1
