We take a look at the feature race meeting in Queensland on Saturday which is at the Gold Coast where the Hollindale Stakes headlines the card. View our race meeting preview and tips.
Race 1 – 11:25am AEST – Play Gold Coast Handicap (1800m)
Olympic Class is a lightly-raced gelding that still has plenty of upside.
There was a lot to like about the way that he returned to the races at the Sunshine Coast and he should take good improvement from this contest.
I really don’t think that this is the strongest race and there is no horse in this field with as much upside.
Race 2 – 12:04pm AEST – Bat Out Of Hell (900m)
Sugar Boom is obviously a much better mare than her last start effort at the Gold Coast suggests and she is well-placed to return to winning form.
The daughter of Spirit Of Boom has speed to burn and she was dominant when given an opportunity over this track and distance during the Magic Millions Carnival.
James McDonald in the saddle is a positive and I expect her to prove too speedy for the rest of this field.
Race 3 – 12:39pm AEST – Gold Coast Cup (2400m)
The Gold Coast Cup is packed full of winning chances and you can make a case for just about every horse in this field.
There aren’t many horses that bring strong form into this race and there are simply too many variables to bet with any confidence.
I am happy to let this race go through to the keeper.
Race 4 – 1:14pm AEST – Listed Goldmarket (1200m)
Stampe wasn’t disgraced in the Victory Stakes last start and The Goldmarket is a genuine drop in class.
I like the fact that he is on the quick back-up and he generally does take good improvement into his second-up run.
Craig Williams in the saddle is a positive and I expect him to be in the finish in an open race.
Race 5 – 1:49pm AEST – Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m)
Ranch Hand showed plenty of ability during his maiden racing campaign and he is well-placed to make a winning return to the races in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic.
He showed plenty of speed to win on debut at Warwick Farm and he wasn’t disgraced behind his stablemate Shaquero in the Magic Millions Classic.
It would not surprise to see him go to another level this campaign and he should get a lovely run in transit with James McDonald in the saddle.
Race 6 – 2:24pm AEST – Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m)
I am keen to take on the form coming out of the Princess Stakes and Nothinsweetaboutme represents outstanding value at her current price.
She started her racing career with two wins from as many starts and she wasn’t disgraced in what was a strong edition of the Kemble Grange Classic.
William Pike will be able to settle her right on the speed and she will give her rivals something to catch.
Race 7 – 3:04pm AEST – Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m)
Marboosha will go into the Gold Coast Guineas as a deserving favourite, but I’m not sure that there is as much between her and Amish Boy as the current market suggests.
It has been a while between wins for Amish Boy, but he has been excellent this campaign.
He finished in the placings of the Magic Millions Guineas, Autumn Stakes and Newmarket Handicap before he wasn’t beaten far in a strong edition of the Arrowfield Stakes.
This is a genuine drop in quality and the wide barrier draw could prove to be an advantage at this stage of the afternoon.
Race 8 – 3:44pm AEST – Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m)
This is an outstanding edition of the Hollindale Stakes and you can make a case for just about every horse in this field.
She isn’t the most consistent horse in the world, but Nettoyer is capable of a producing a high-rating effort on her day and she stands out at her current quote of $20.
Nettoyer beat Probabeel to win the Queen Of The Turf Stakes last start and a repeat of that effort would have her right in the mix here.
The give out of the track suits and you can expect to see her storming home in the concluding stages.
Race 9 – 4:24pm AEST – Listed Silk Stocking (1400m)
Wonderful Riri has developed into a very consistent mare and she finds herself in a very winnable edition of the Silk Stocking.
There is no doubt that she has gone to another level this campaign and she showed a lovely turn-of-foot to get the job done at Doomben last start.
The barrier draw is ideal and she should have every possible chance in the run.
