We are back with a busy schedule this weekend, headlined by the Group 1 South African Fillies Sprint contender Under Your Spell in Scottsville, South Africa. Never No More is another runner at stakes level, who would be thoroughly deserving of a win.
Saturday, June 4th
Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Good
Barade
Barade will get his Queensland campaign underway for new trainer Jack Bruce. His form this campaign is better than it reads on paper, and he appears to be enjoying a change of scenery. This run should prepare him well for targets over a more suitable journey.
Race 1 – 11:08am | 1800m BM85 | T: Jack Bruce | J: James Orman 58.5kg | Barrier 5 | Saddlecloth 2
Never No More
Never No More is proving a most-consistent performer and is thriving at Matt Dunn’s Murwillumbah base. The key here is the drop in weight, which he’s sure to enjoy. The race doesn’t appear to have much pace on paper, so we’ll likely see him closer to the speed from barrier 2. There is no horse in our colours who deserves a win more!
Race 7 – 2:38pm | 1500m Listed Spear Chief Handicap | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Tim Clark 54kg | Barrier 2
| Saddlecloth 8
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Mirann
Mirann is racing in good form and is capable of featuring here. The step back to 1800m isn’t necessarily ideal, but he can park himself in a lovely spot in running from gate 4 and is more than up to this class. He was game last time out after covering ground, backing up a lovely effort in the Listed Gosford Gold Cup.
Race 7 – 2:30pm | 1800m BM94 | T: John O’Shea | J: Reece Jones 53.5kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 7
Flemington
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Dick Whittington
This Matthew Smith-trained galloper put in an improved effort last time out and heads into Saturday’s race in good shape. This race will prepare him well for his next start, which is likely to be over a more suitable 2400m.
Race 6 – 2:45pm | 2000m BM84 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Harry Coffey 55.5kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 13
Sous Les Nuages
French import Sous Les Nuages looks to have come back a much more furnished horse this time in, off the back of a most encouraging first-up performance. The soft track should be to his liking on Saturday and a repeat of his return effort would see him being very competitive.
Race 6 – 2:45pm | 2000m BM84 | T: Matt Cumani | J: Jordan Childs 57.5kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 4
Harbour Views
To read about Harbour Views’ chances on Saturday, click here.
Race 8 – 4:00pm | 1400m Handicap | T: Matthew Williams | J: John Allen 59.5kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 3
Scottsville, SA
Current Track Rating: Good
Under Your Spell
The highest rated three-year-old filly in South Africa, Under Your Spell will have her first start for us, up against the older mares at Grade 1 level. She has done nothing but please her trainer and can certainly feature with her customary strong finish. A trip to Europe likely follows.
Race 7 – 11:15pm | 1200m G1 South African Fillies Sprint | T: Sean Tarry | J: Calvin Habib 59kg | Barrier 10
| Saddlecloth 10
Sunday, June 5th
Geelong
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Raffish
Beaten by the narrowest of margins last start, this consistent gelding gets another chance to break through on Sunday. Archie Alexander has introduced some schooling into this stayer’s training regime, which will hopefully provide the spark for him to put his first win on the board.
Race 4 – 2:05pm | 2418m Maiden | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates 59.5kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 3
Moe
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Eidolon
We expected more from Eidolon last start but he appeared to peak late having had a month between runs. He’s now at peak fitness, and in this grade, a very competitive showing is expected.
Race 9 – 4:10pm | 1628m 0-58 Handicap | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Jake Noonan 60kg
| Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 1
Best of luck to all connections!
