The Chris Waller-trained stayer The Lord Mayor has a sense of timing for his attempt on one of Toowoomba’s biggest races of the year on Saturday.
The Lord Mayor looks set to peak third-up in the TAB Toowoomba Cup over 2000m.
The four-year-old has been good in two starts so far this campaign, finding the 1400m of the Newcastle Newmarket too short first up but still finishing only four lengths away then working to the line well for a 2.2 length fourth at Eagle Farm a fortnight ago.
That was over 1500m so he should relish the step up to 2000m having won two of four attempts at this trip and he also drops 3kg on that run.
The Lord Mayor is unbeaten third up, scoring at Rosehill over 2000m last preparation, so he should be ready to show his best.
He should also be sharpened by the addition of blinkers for the first time and with jockey Brad Stewart going aboard he looks ready to win.
Progressive filly Spirit’s Choice looks set to return to the winner’s list when she lines up in the Barrier Reef Pool Handicap earlier in the program.
The three-year-old did a terrific job when she kicked clear before being cut down on the line by the smart Mishani Hustler in the rich TAB Jewel over this distance last start.
She had won three in a row before that, two of them by more than six lengths, and also scored the only time she visited this course.
A wide gate is a potential obstacle but she has the gate speed to work across the field so if jockey James Orman can get her into a good position her talent can get her home.
BRISBANE BEST
BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 7 #5 The Lord Mayor @ $4
BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 4 #3 Spirit’s Choice @ $3.30
