Selections and best bets from Chris Scholtz for the Queensland Derby meeting at Eagle Farm on June 1.
EAGLE FARM – June 1
Best Bets
RACE 2 (10) WARBY: Has to overcome a wide draw but Brisbane's top stable has this smart 4YO well placed to peak third up with Blake Shinn a significant riding engagement. He's a course and distance winner and is sure to appreciate the return to Eagle Farm after working home strongly from well off the pace last time over 1350m at Doomben. He also ticks the soft track box.
RACE 7 (1) I WISH I WIN: Remains the number one sprinter in my book and can reclaim that pedestal on the big Eagle Farm track after going down by a nose against a similar field in the Doomben Ten Thousand (1200m) when having his first start for seven weeks without a trial. He's as good as any of them on affected ground, is sure to be fitter and the return of Luke Nolen as his rider (8 rides – 3 wins/4 placings) are key factors in his favour. Rails draws have not been ideal in recent starts and while he has to contend with the inside gate again the broad Eagle Farm expanses should see Nolen aim for clear air away from the fence.
For Value
RACE 6 (3) STEPARTY: Easy to excuse his first-up sixth at Flemington when he was disadvantaged by the track pattern. Excellent value under these set weights conditions as he's a multiple G2 winner unbeaten at this trip on affected tracks and rates above them on his G1 placing in the Caulfield Guineas. Sure to be fitter and his wide draw will be an advantage if the rain eventuates.
Selections
RACE 1: (16) SUNSET SOIREE; (5) Poison Chalice; (13) Basarwa; (7) Tenzing
RACE 2: (10) WARBY; (16) Centre Bounce; (13) Star Of Chaos; (12) Geriatrix
RACE 3: (6) HEZASHOCKA; (4) Captain Envious; (9) Alegron; (5) Goldman;
RACE 4: (15) SHOCK 'EM OVA; (3) Adelaide River; (5) Lions Roar; (2) Just Folk
RACE 5: (1) BROADSIDING; (16) El Morzillo; (14) Brutal Bowler; (2) Bittersweet
RACE 6: (3) STEPARTY; (17) Stefi Magnetica; (7) Schwarz; (4) Corniche
RACE 7: (1) I WISH I WIN; (11) Magic Time; (9) Bella Nipotina; (10) In Secret
RACE 8: (1) TANNHAUSER; (18) Autumn Angel; (5) Navy King; (14) Saban
RACE 9: (19) MOESHA; (2) Comrade Rosa; (4) Coeur Volante; (12) Miss Hellfire
Why They Can Win….
RACE 1 – (16) SUNSET SOIREE: Ready to peak third up. Can exploit her light weight under favourable conditions.
RACE 3 – (6) HEZASHOCKA: Returns to favourable handicap conditions after his strong Doomben Cup effort. Mastered the heavy to win Gosford Cup.
RACE 4 – (15) SHOCK 'EM OVA: Impressive first-up and sure to be fitter. Has the figures to cope with rise in class.
RACE 5 – (1) BROADSIDING: G1 winner stands out as the one to beat despite wide draw. Strong trial was perfect prep after his classy Randwick wins on soft and heavy.
RACE 8 – (1) TANNHAUSER: First start as a gelding saw him beat the Oaks winner over 2000m. First go at 2400m but he can repeat as he's bred for the Derby trip.
RACE 9 - (19) MOESHA: Rates highly off her consistent interstate Group form.
