Racing will return to Eagle Farm for the first time in two years on Saturday and with it comes a potential deluge of rain.
Brisbane is forecast to receive as much as 100mm on Saturday which could make it an even tougher task to find winners.
Volkstok’n’barrell was our each way play when fourth in the Group 1 Doomben Cup and that effort reads pretty well for the Eagle Farm Cup (2200m).
The New Zealand galloper has been solid in both Queensland runs this campaign and rates well against his rivals today on weight adjusted ratings.
James McDonald takes the ride for the first time and from barrier 4 would expect him to not be far away in this small field and should have no issues with the 2200m having placed in Group 1 company over 2400m previously.
Whilst having not raced in genuine heavy ground throughout his career Volkstok’n’barrell has won on soft ground previously and with a few runs under his belt should be fit enough for a stern test.
Ticks plenty of boxes coming into this and certainly looks the one they have to beat in a fairly modest field.
Maurus also out of the Doomben Cup and Puccini backing up off a second in the Premier’s Cup (2200m) last week the obvious dangers also if Volkstok’n’barrell runs near to his best he should prove too strong.
Later in the programme Shades Of Bella will look to follow up her last start win at Caulfield when lining up in the Juanmo Stakes (1200m).
The Darren Weir-trained runner followed up two solid efforts with a handy win over 1200m at Caulfield last time out and fourth up now should be ready to fire.
Takes a slight step up in class however possesses a handy career record and certainly looks right up to winning a race like this.
Should get a nice run off the pace from barrier six and the current price of $10 looks a solid each way bet.
The Darren Weir stable can never be discounted and Dean Yendall who has ridden the last two starts remains on board.
Looks a fairly open race with no real favourite dominating the market and Shades Of Bella should be right around the mark once again today.
Last week saw the bet of the day Fine Mist finish out of the placings with the each way play Attention saluting in the Sires’ at good solid odds.
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BRISBANE BEST
Bet of the day: Race 3 #5 Volkstok’n’barrell @ $2.80
Each way play: Race 5 #11 Shades Of Bella @ $10
