Ipswich Preview and Selections – 21 September 2023

Date: 21-Sep-2023

Racing returns to Ipswich today where eight races are scheduled to be run and won.

A hot day is forecast so racing will likely take place on a good surface with the rail out 2m the entire course.

We’ve provided our top selections for each race below.

Race 1 - 12:37PM FOLLOW @IPSWICHTURFCLUB Maiden Plate (2150 METRES)

Brooklyn Dash (10) was very good last start when finishing second over 2200m at the Sunshine Coast. The Annabel Neasham-trained Sebring mare was shuffled back on the home turn and was last entering the straight. She was then held up in the straight yet still hit the line hard to get within half a length of the winner. She was jumping from 1590m so there was plenty of merit in the run and she’ll be better for the experience.

Bid For Fame (9) is due for a win having placed in all five runs this preparation. The rise to this distance should suit given she ran on well over 1849m at Eagle Farm last start. The car park draw is not ideal for a horse at such a short quote.

State A Fact (8) led over 1849m at Eagle Farm but was run down late to finish second by just under a length last start. He was just ahead of Bid For Fame but did enjoy all the favours in front.

Nassau County (5) was not helped by a wide gate when finishing fifth by 4.2 lengths over 1666m here last start. The inside gate and the rise in trip may see an improvement.

On Top Selection: Brooklyn Dash (10)

Race 2 - 1:12PM CONTRACT CHEFS AUSTRALIA Class 4 Handicap (1666 METRES)

Duke Of Gordon (4) got too far back in his first start for Annabel Neasham over 1800m at Eagle Farm. Despite that he ran on well clocking some of the quickest closing splits of the race to finish sixth by 3.46 lengths. That was a NMW Saturday race so he will appreciate the drop in class. He’s drawn well for Damien Thornton.

The Love Rocket (7) is another got too far back at their last start. After drawing wide, she found herself near the tail of the field before running on strongly to finish two lengths fifth over 1800m at the Sunshine Coast. She looks close to a win and has won over the course and distance before.

Vitesse Francais (2) hasn’t won for well over a year but finds a suitable race to break through. He won his only previous start over the course and distance.

Jakkalberry Finn (1) won the Surat Diggers Cup last start. This is harder and he’ll carry pretty much the same weight.

On Top Selection: Duke Of Gordon (4)

Race 3 - 1:47PM BLONDIES POWDER COATING Maiden Handicap (1350 METRES)

Desert Safari (7) went too keenly in front last start over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast and as a result weakened to finish third by 4.1 lengths. To prevent that happening again, the blinkers have been replaced by winkers. He was five weeks between runs so will strip fitter.

Thorsby (4) worked hard to find the lead last start over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast but to his credit, boxed on fairly to finish fourth by 2.3 lengths. Previous form was good with three placings. He maps to get a great run and with Emily Lang’s 2kg claim, could be hard to run down.

Aces Up (5) is on debut following four trials. He was given a solid hit out in the most recent so a bold showing can be expected. Strong jockey Justin Huxtable going on is a positive.

Gleaming Legend (8) draws poorly but has been racing well. He will strip fitter third-up.

On Top Selection: Desert Safari (7)

Race 4 - 2:27PM VINCE INSURANCE Class 1 Plate (1350 METRES)

Big Ticket Boy (3) resumes here following a soft trial. The Lindsay Gough-trained five-year-old gelding ran well at his only previous first-up race which happened to be when on debut. There doesn’t look to be a great deal of speed which should see Georgie Cartwright push forward and give them something to catch.

Bassac Lane (2) led all the way when beating up a moderate field when winning on debut on the Gold Coast Synthetic. Unfortunately, nothing went right at his last start when slow away at Doomben. He did work home fairly when the race was over. The rise in trip should suit.

Prospettiva (12) ran a solid race when finishing fifth to dominant winner Chickerartie over this course and distance last start. That was just his first start for Paul Jenkins so the kiwi horseman will have had time to work his magic on the horse. Drawn to get a great run.

Rally (7) resumes here and has never run a place in five first-up races. However, he did finish last preparation in great form with a win over 2000m at Gatton. The outside gate isn’t ideal and he may want further.

On Top Selection: Big Ticket Boy (3)

Race 5 - 3:04PM LIVING TURF RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 Handicap (800 METRES)

This 800m scamper is a lottery and will depend on who jumps well and luck in the running. Some of the leading contenders in racebook order are:

Russian Diva (4) won over this distance at Gatton when resuming last start. Wide barrier is not ideal.

Princess Marian (5) led over this course and distance last start before being run down late to finish second. She’ll strip fitter third-up but wide barrier is no help.

I Am Thor (7) found 1100m too far last start and will appreciate the drop back in trip. Has been thereabouts in similar races.

Prince Of Marakesh (8) ran on strongly to just miss running down Russian Diva first-up at Gatton. Will strip fitter and his only win did come when second-up.

Russian Pins (11) ran well when finishing second on the Gold Coast Synthetic last start. Poorly drawn but stable know what horses to bring to Ipswich.

Race 6 - 3:42PM TAB RATINGS BAND 0 - 60 Handicap (1200 METRES)

White Ribbon (11) was sent to Kilcoy last start by Tony Gollan to give the mare a better chance to break her maiden. She obliged, bolting in by 2.8 lengths. She’ll have taken confidence from the win and comes here at peak fitness. Angela Jones can give her a nice run just off what looks a strong speed.

Beau Witness (4) wasn’t suited by the tight Gatton track when finishing third over 1100m there last start. Three starts back he finished third by 2.2 to Boom Torque who has won four in a row. Jimmy Orman a plus in the saddle.

Yes To Excess (6) is drawn poorly but enjoys racing at Ipswich. She ran well in a stronger race than this at the Sunshine Coast last start and finished just 1.3 lengths behind the winner despite racing wide.

Spring Valley (10) resumes here and has raced well fresh in the past. She’ll have benefited from her first full preparation with Paul Jenkins.

On Top Selection: White Ribbon (11)

Race 7 - 4:17PM KINGSLEY LAWSON LAWYERS Open Handicap (1350 METRES)

Magic Charlee (2) caught the eye at triple figure odds when savaging the line to finish third over 1100m at Doomben first-up. The rise to 1350m looks ideal second-up. He won a similar class race over this course and distance earlier this year. Jimmy Orman takes the ride and should be able to give him every chance from barrier 3.

Acrobatic (3) settled further back than normal before running on fairly when resuming over 1200m at Doomben. He’ll strip fitter second-up and races well at Ipswich.

Pivotal Motion (5) struggled in town last start and looks better suited at the provincial level. He has a terrific record at Ipswich having finished in the quinella in 11 of 14 starts.

Olympic Legend (7) won over this course and distance three starts back. He looks the likely leader and if he gets an easy time, he could prove hard to catch.

On Top Selection: Magic Charlee (2)

Race 8 - 4:57PM RAY WHITE IPSWICH Class 3 Handicap (1350 METRES)

Sea Palling (1) resumes here for new trainer Jason Edwards. He looked slick racing on speed in a recent trial where he cruised to the line for a close second. They ran good time and belted the rest. He races well fresh and has won at Ipswich before. Dan McGillivray who claims 2kg can go forward and give this a shake. Blinkers going on signals intent.

Turn Up The Night (7) brings solid NSW form here that should measure up well. He was a winner over 1400m at Bathurst three starts ago.

Motion Legend (3) loomed in the straight last start at the Sunshine Coast over 1400m but weakened late to finish 1.2 lengths fifth. He won the start prior at Warwick. He’s drawn to get a great run.

Divine Courage (6) should be reaching peak fitness third-up after not being far away in two stronger races this preparation. Maps well and will enjoy the rise in trip.

On Top Selection: Sea Palling (1)

Best Bets

Race 3 – Desert Safari (7)

Race 7 – Magic Charlee (2)

Value Bet

Race 8 – Sea Palling (1)

By Craig Sheppard

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