The $200,000 Listed Ipswich Cup headlines an eight race card in Queensland’s primary race meeting on Saturday. View our runner by runner preview of the race.
The race was first run in 1935 and continues to be a popular social event with over 23,000 patrons expected on course. Rob Heathcote’s Our Lukas will attempt to win the race for the 3rd consecutive year.
Here is a preview of the Cup with my thoughts on each runner. There appears to be moderate speed on paper here with only Our Lukas, Mr Clangastic, Gold In Dubai and The Hombre pushing forward early. American Gangster should sit just behind the speed. The track should be in the dead range.
Our Lukas: Stepping up in distance here after a few, poor runs. I can’t tip him as although he doesn’t have to beat much, he’s giving the others weight and not racing in peak form.
Mr Clangtastic: Was awful in the Premier’s Cup off a 21 day break. His two previous runs in New South Wales were okay albeit on rain-affected tracks. His chances improve if the track is wet but should have no excuses from barrier one.
Shuffle the Cash: This horse is going well although can be hard to catch at times. Should run in the first four providing he doesn’t give too much of a start. The week back up off the Brisbane Cup shouldn’t be a concern.
Spechenka: The longer the better for this bloke. Bit hard to gauge his form considering 1600m was way too short last start. His runs in the Xmas and Summer Cups in Sydney have him well and truly in this on his best form.
Gold in Dubai: Strangely ridden in the Spear Chief over 1500m in his first run in Queensland. He’s clearly best ridden either leading or near the lead but they went back at Eagle Farm. The distance will certainly test but he’s a place chance on his better Melbourne form.
The Hombre: Didn’t have much luck in the Premier’s Cup but I still think 2150m is too far for this horse. Jim Byrne retains the ride which is a positive sign but I doubt he could figure in the first three.
Little Stranger: Caught wide in the Premier’s Cup and was then left in front way too far from home. Hasn’t won since Captain Cook graced Australian shores but he’s an each way special here if ridden cold.
Teary Eyed: Capable of running in the first four here if there is a solid tempo. Suited if the track is rain affected.
Arcencial: Gave a bunch of wackers a thumping in her first run in Australia. Has more upside than
most of these and you’d think she’d handle the 2150m okay. Handles all surfaces and should go very
close.
Danagaze: Untested at this distance and has to step up in class. Ran on okay at Eagle Farm however and certainly not the worst here if he runs the trip.
Warrior Within: Couldn’t win if it started on Friday.
American Gangster: Outclassed in this grade but always tries hard.
General Mackjosh: He’ll run all day albeit slowly. They’ve certainly come a long way to race here so could run a cheeky race if the others stop at the top of the straight.
Patmoss: Making up the numbers.
Rambling On: Fan of the trainer but a 3rd at Wagga doesn’t even bode well here.
Selections: A typically open Ipswich Cup where most horses are well and truly past their peak. I’d back Little Stranger each way. He’s currently at $11. He should you a great sight but don’t cheer too loudly if he hits the front because he tends to take fright at the winning post. Shuffle the Cash and Arcencial are probably the biggest dangers but don’t be afraid to back something at odds.
Written by Peter Addley
| Bookmaker | Why Bet | Sign Up | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Back Yourself with Ladbrokes! | Join | Review |
|
Back a Winner with Neds! | Join | Review |
|
Sign up to Unibet and start betting in minutes! | Join | Review |
|
Sign up to swiftbet and start betting in minutes! | Join | Review |
|
Sign up to Unibet and start betting in minutes! | Join | Review |
