EAGLE FARM, FEBRUARY 23: DAVID FOWLER SELECTS ...

By David Fowler | Saturday, February 23, 2013

HRO's resident form expert David Fowler looks at today's meeting at Eagle Farm

Form assessed on a slow 6 but looking to an early upgrade.

RACE 1:

GOING GOING GONE (4) takes a leap from two Ipswich wins but his time last start was excellent. GREY COUNTESS (1) was impressive EF win Feb 9 but goes up 4kg and has a bad gate. Some test now. These two stand out. Rough chances 8,10.

RACE 2:

ALCANCIA (6) should have finished closer when EF 4th a fortnight ago. Goes to 1300m and a better gate seems him hard to beat. ACCIDENTAL (8) is back to his right distance and down 5kg. Improves. Query on HOLD ME TIGHT (11), first-up with no trial but showed promise last campaign while DIENEKES (2) will race on pace and goes well fresh. Rough chances 3,4,7,9.

RACE 3:

RUN WITH ME (4) appeals strongly each-way. Ran well latest D'bn midweek 2nd and drops 5kg. Track drying out is a plus. TICKET TO DREAM (7) is in a suitable race while DANHRO (8) won the big MM maiden at GC but this is a different ball game. Priced very short in my book. IN A STORM (5) might secure an easy lead. Rough chances 6,9.

RACE 4:

Small field with every runner having some chance but can't knock LONGSHOREMAN (4) who is racing well and likes bite out of track. Genuine tempo here assists as well. BLACK CASH (8) is an improving type who won well recent EF midweek. EPIC TERRA (3) races on pace and is consistent while JAM FANCY (6) gets a good run. Rough chances 1,5,7,10.

RACE 5:

DIVINE CITY (5) is ready to win another city race. Worked to line well latest EF 5th at 1400 and Cahill stays with her. Fancy BEVICO GIRL (6) crosses and leads here and will give a good sight. WHITESAILS (3) was well backed latest EF win but up 3.5kg now while KARANJA (1) has jumped out of the ground being ridden quietly. Rough chances 11,12.

RACE 6:

BETTER THAN READY (5) should be a moral. Fantastic first-up a fortnight ago and drawn to get a perfect run. RIVER LAD (2) set for this and excels first-up. Keep in mind he won a Group 3 during last year's Carnival. IM COOL (12) secures a good trip but this class?? while FUNTANTES (1) can never be dismissed. Rough chances 3,7.

RACE 7:

Keen on the speedy LEEALAN (6) who I think leads for certain and ready to strike third run back. SILVER BULLION (1) has drawn the good gate and should run well in this company with 3kg claim. Watch betting moves with TIME TO PLUNDER (11)...ex Anthony Cummings now with Birchley. Cahill rides. PURE PURRFECTION (9) is smart but has the wrong gate. Rough chances 3,7.

RACE 8:

Big field and plenty of chances but MISHANI SINNER (9) appeals each-way because has the right gate at her right distance. KUCHINSKAYA (4) beat several of these last start at D'bn and beat them with sheer speed. TOMS LUCK (2) got too far back last start and significant riding change now. Do better. TIGER DIMEJAN (7) is first-up and smart but very concerned by gate. Rough chances 3,10,17.

BEST BET: BETTER THAN READY

BEST EACHWAY: LEELALAN

BEST ROUGHIE: ILLBETRICKED

QUADDIE: 1,3,5,6 / 5 / 1 6 9 11 / 1 2 3 4 7 9 10

David Fowler