Racenet’s stable of bookies have got stuck into the form for Saturday’s races around the country.
The bagmen have done the form for the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m), Queensland Derby (2400m) and Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
They have also provided their best and value bets.
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Here is this weeks edition of Tips From The Big Bookies.
Matthew Campbell – Betr
KINGSFORD SMITH – A CASE OF YOU – Race 8 No.2 (Eagle Farm)
Maybe now out to 1300m on the big Eagle Farm track we will see the best of him. Has been threatening with fast finishes and is one for one at the distance and big race rider Mark Zahra goes on board.
QLD DERBY – KOVALICA – Race 7 No.1 (Eagle Farm)
He has been favourite for a long time and I see no reason to jump off now especially after his great third in the Doomben Cup. Undefeated at Eagle Farm and James McDonald is back on top.
SIRES PRODUCE – CIFRADO – Race 6 No.1 (Eagle Farm)
Tough race but thought he was the most likely to appreciate the rise to the 1400m where a couple of the main protagonists might be found wanting. Once again draws perfectly to have a crack at them late.
BEST – GUNSTOCK – Race 9 No.2 (Sandown)
Talented horse that resumed with a win at this level here at Sandown over the 1600m. Last time second-up he won the Group 3 Coongy on a soft track where he excels.
VALUE – CONSCRIPT – Race 8 No.10 (Randwick)
Really liked his return when running second to Astero at Rosehill on a heavy track. His second-up record is terrific as is his record at the 1100m which he drops back to.
Don Harley – TAB.com.au
KINGSFORD SMITH –THINK ABOUT IT–Race 8 No.11 (Eagle Farm)
Can’t go past this serial winner. Eight starts for seven wins and one minor placing and Sam Clipperton has ridden five for five. I won’t knock winning form.
QLD DERBY – PROMISES KEPT – Race 7 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Looked the winner in the SA Derby until just reeled in by Dunkel which grew wings. Kovalica is the danger in my view, but I like the Mark Zahra, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace combo in staying races.
SIRES PRODUCE – ZIA – Race 6 No.15 (Eagle Farm)
Is two from three starts now for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Will likely push forward in the early stages. Query where she gets to from the gate, but she’s a pacey type that appears to have a good tank.
BEST – UNSPOKEN – Race 6 No.3 (Randwick)
Nearly pinched it from Akasawa last time out at Scone when flying home after exploding out of the ruck from near last. Up for fourth run in Australia now, so should be more settled and ready to win.
VALUE – REDWOOD SHADOW – Race 10 No.8 (Randwick)
Was put up $15 with us and that didn’t last long. Trimmed into $12 almost immediately. Has won in this class before and will appreciate firmer ground than the heavy Rosehill deck last run.
Sam Phillips – Sportsbet
KINGSFORD SMITH – ROTHFIRE – Race 8 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Logical pick off his last start win in the Victory Stakes and he’s got home track advantage at Eagle Farm where his record suggests he’s always tough to beat at.
QLD DERBY – KOVALICA – Race 7 No.1 (Eagle Farm)
Hard to ignore the favourite after running third at weight-for-age in last week’s Group 1 Doomben Cup. The Chris Waller-trained galloper should be winning.
SIRES PRODUCE – SNAPBACK – Race 6 No.11 (Eagle Farm)
Still a maiden but has plenty of ability and looks well placed to score on Saturday. The stable has a good record in this race and Snapback can add to it.
BEST – IOWNA MERC – Race 7 No.14 (Randwick)
Back as a gelding and looks to have returned in good order off the back of two impressive trials. Not the strongest race and can kick off with a win.
VALUE – GODZILLA – Race 1 No.3 (Randwick)
Disappointing first-up but the blinkers go on and if he bounces back, the current price on offer could look silly. A horse with plenty of talent and can blow these away.
Joshua Bell – Ladbrokes
KINGSFORD SMITH – KING OF SPARTA – Race 8 No.7 (Eagle Farm)
Finished a length off them in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate and not beaten far in the William Reid. Was given five weeks in between runs before a narrow defeat to Rothfire in the Victory Stakes.
QLD DERBY – ANDALUS – Race 7 No.5 (Eagle Farm)
Beaten less than half a length in the NZ Derby over 2400m behind Sharp ‘N’ Smart and then ran into a heavy track in the Australian Derby. Has since moved to John O’Shea and freshened up for this.
SIRES PRODUCE – ARMED FORCES – Race 6 No.7 (Eagle Farm)
Didn’t handle the track when making his debut at Rosehill but was just nabbed late at Group 2 level at just his second career race start. Looked the winner for a long way in that race.
BEST – KAZOU – Race 5 No.4 (Randwick)
Scored by 2-1/2 lengths in impressive fashion last start making it three wins from five starts. Looks well placed in a race of this quality and think she wins this.
VALUE – HUESCA – Race 10 No.10 (Randwick)
Racing well this preparation without winning. Led throughout before being run down late at Rosehill last time out and will appreciate being back on top of the ground in this event.
Kevin Kemp – Pointsbet
KINGSFORD SMITH – ROTHFIRE – Race 8 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Great effort in this race last year to run third and strikes this rendition in stronger form. Fantastic effort to win the Victory Stakes last start and draws to settle just in behind the strong speed.
QLD DERBY – ABERFELDIE BOY – Race 7 No.3 (Eagle Farm)
The favourite has gotten too short and think this horse presents the best value. Hit the line strongly in the SA Derby, can settle closer from the draw and has been set to peak in this race fourth-up.
SIRES PRODUCE – MAKE A CALL – Race 6 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Tough race, can find fault with all horses in the market and has a long tail to boot. Think this horse comes through the right races from the autumn and is the horse set to peak here.
BEST – GREEN FLY – Race 8 No.3 (Sandown)
Brilliant return first-up running the fastest last 400 to 200m in a much stronger race. Undefeated second-up and boasts a victory over Detonator Jack on the resume.
VALUE – YOSHINO – Race 4 No.1 (Randwick)
Doesn’t know how to run a bad race this boy, draws perfectly to settle in behind the speed, gets the gun apprentice on and can run a very cheeky race. Over the odds in my opinion.
Chris Gregory – Playup
KINGSFORD SMITH – ROTHFIRE – Race 8 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
He has raced at the top level his whole career and looks well placed. He maps to be stalking the leaders and with a fair amount of speed engaged Rothfire could be the one to pounce at the business end.
QLD DERBY – KOVALICA – Race 7 No.1 (Eagle Farm)
Goes around the odds-on favourite and deservedly so based of his performance in the Doomben Cup last week. Provided he handles the quick back up, he should be winning.
SIRES PRODUCE – SOLIDIFY – Race 6 No.9 (Eagle Farm)
Brings a fresh angle to this race and I am keen to see what he can do over the 1400m. Has raced like he wants further and he maps to get a great run.
BEST – YELLOW BRICK – Race 5 No.2 (Eagle Farm)
Returned as a winner first-up and expecting him to make it two on the bounce on Saturday on his way to the Stradbroke. He is really consistent and loves to find the line.
VALUE – UNION ARMY – Race 4 No.10 (Randwick)
Deserves another chance after not getting things to suit at Scone last time out. Has drawn much more favourably here and can take up a more forward position.
David Mackay – TopSport
KINGSFORD SMITH – ROTHFIRE – Race 8 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Has not been sighted since his strong win in the Victory Stakes. Ability to mix it in this class and Blake Shinn has been called upon to steer. Looks hard to beat.
QLD DERBY – PROMISES KEPT – Race 7 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Looked to have the SA Derby wrapped up until Dunkel powered over the top late to pinch it. Looks at peak fitness now and will be a strong chance to knock a short priced Kovalica.
SIRES PRODUCE – SNAPBACK – Race 6 No.11 (Eagle Farm)
Third-up from a spell, has shown something on return. Was steered into an ugly spot last run yet still hit the line strong in third. Ready to take the next step with some luck.
BEST – HEARCOMESTHESTAR – Race 1 No.2 (Sandown)
Debuted over this trip a few weeks back and really went when called upon. Looks a great filly and might not be troubled in this field at all. Hard to beat.
VALUE – COLD CASE – Race 5 No.7 (Murray Bridge)
Resumed last week after a couple of trials and wasn’t completely disgraced finishing within four lengths of Sghrripa. Keen for a little each-way action here, up in trip should suit too.
Clint Wallis – Neds
KINGSFORD SMITH – ROTHFIRE – Race 8 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Brave effort first-up in the Ascot Handicap under 61kg then scored a tough win in the Victory Stakes last start where he did the hard yards outside the leader. Confident he’ll be in the finish.
QLD DERBY – ANDALUS – Race 7 No.5 (Eagle Farm)
Went around 100-1 in the New Zealand Derby and was back and wide before making a long-sustained run from around the 600m and was still coming on the line. Better chance than the price suggests.
SIRES PRODUCE – SOLIDIFY – Race 6 No.9 (Eagle Farm)
Placed on debut at Tauranga and has subsequently won back-to-back races at Te Rapa, the most recent being a very comfortable win at Listed level. Shapes as though the step up to 1400m will be perfect.
BEST – YELLOW BRICK – Race 5 No.2 (Eagle Farm)
Resumed in the Gold Coast Guineas at the Sunshine Coast and despite a wide run he was much too good for his rivals. Sure to have come on from that and has yet to taste defeat at Eagle Farm.
VALUE – BLAZE A TRAIL – Race 2 No.2 (Eagle Farm)
Got back from an outside draw in The Archer and thought he ran on ok. Will be fitter for that and the drop back to a Class 6 will be much more suitable. Likelihood of a good surface also helps his chances.
Zach Littman – Bet Nation
KINGSFORD SMITH – A CASE OF YOU – Race 8 No.2 (Eagle Farm)
Absolutely flew home in the Doomben 10,000, only getting beat by 2-1/2 lengths. The extra 100m will only suit and with the softer draw, he will not be as far back in the run.
QLD DERBY – KOVALICA – Race 7 No.1 (Eagle Farm)
On a seven-day back-up and more than impressive against older horses last start in the Doomben Cup. Loves racing at Eagle Farm and just needs to hold its form to be winning here.
SIRES PRODUCE – SNAPBACK – Race 6 No.11 (Eagle Farm)
Still a maiden but won’t be for much longer. No run at the vital stage last start as Gosford over 1200m. Start before had a tough run with more than enough excuses.
BEST – ANTINO – Race 2 No.1 (Eagle Farm)
Hoping to make it four wins on the bounce after another win at his favourite track. Expecting to move through the graders quickly. Four weeks freshen up for this and should prove too good.
VALUE – HARD TO CROSS – Race 5 No.5 (Sandown)
More than satisfactory first-up last over 1200m. Straight to 1600m here and expecting big improvement. Likes a softer track and has the ability to run into a place.
James Thomas – Palmerbet
KINGSFORD SMITH – VILANA – Race 8 No.5 (Eagle Farm)
He was only fair last start but the extra 100m will suit him here as he is two from two over 1300m. James McDonald will take the reins for the first time but has ridden him in trials previously.
QLD DERBY – KOVALICA – Race 7 No.1 (Eagle Farm)
Excellent winner of the Queensland Guineas before a solid third placing in the Doomben Cup last start where he beat home Zaaki. He ran on well there and he looks like he will eat up the 2400m.
SIRES PRODUCE – SOLIDIFY – Race 6 No.9 (Eagle Farm)
Kiwi raider that has won two on the trot and will get conditions to suit here. Has drawn well in barrier four and Ryan Elliott has flown across the pond to stick with him.
BEST – DEMOCRACY MANIFEST – Race 9 No.14 (Randwick)
He is very well placed here with only 53.5kg on his back. I think it will pay to put a pen through his last start. He has drawn a great barrier and Kerrin McEvoy should be able to put him to sleep.
VALUE – SPACEBOY – Race 8 No.6 (Randwick)
Has finished in the quinella six times in eight first-up attempts and his recent trials suggest he is ready to rock n roll. He will only carry 54kg and Kathy O’hara should be able to cross straight to the rails.
Matthew Steed – Bet365
KINGSFORD SMITH – A CASE OF YOU –Race 8 No.2 (Eagle Farm)
Has shaped well in all his three runs in Australia, the latest when hitting the line well behind Giga Kick. Draws better here and think he will be better suited with the increase in trip. Looks set to run well.
QLD DERBY – ABERFELDIE BOY – Race 7 No.3 (Eagle Farm)
Should be ready to peak now after his three runs since the Victoria Derby. Hit the line strongly in the SA Derby last start and will have no worries at the distance. Looks the value in the race.
SIRES PRODUCE – MAKE A CALL – Race 6 No.4 (Eagle Farm)
Freshened since running fifth in the Champagne Stakes after just going down in the Fernhill. Readied for this after a Randwick trial win and if he gets any luck in the run think he can play a part.
BEST – FOX FIGHTER – Race 8 No.5 (Randwick)
Have loved both his runs this time in hitting the line and running great sectionals in the process. Looks set to peak here and should take plenty of holding out.
VALUE – IOWA – Race 6 No.5 (Randwick)
Dominant win two starts back at Doomben before failing as favourite in the Wagga Cup. Drops back a few notches in grade here and seems to be the forgotten horse.