The quality of racing in Queensland continues to build as we quickly wind towards the Magic Millions, and Grand Prix Stakes Day will take place at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
I’ve run the rule over the lot, and you can find my complete 2021 Grand Prix Stakes Day Tips below.
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Merry Christmas From BRC C,G&E Handicap (1200m) – 1:48pm AEDT
Tip: No. 3 Mccovey Cove
Mccovey Cove is named bizarrely, but he is a pretty decent galloper, and I think that he can win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The David Vandyke-trained gelding has been a consistent performer this year, striking here at Eagle Farm in July most notably.
He’s good enough to win something like this.
Roku Gin F&M Handicap (1200m) – 2:23pm AEDT
Tip: No. 2 Motomiss
Motomiss is seeking a fourth win in succession when she takes her place in the second on Grand Prix Stakes Day, and she is the one to beat again.
The Les Hatch-trained mare broke back into the winner’s stall at Toowoomba in October and simply hasn’t looked back, notching wins at Ipswich and back at Toowoomba in the wake.
She steps out on Saturday in peak condition and she can win again.
Mount Franklin Class 3 Plate (1400m) – 2:58pm AEDT
Tip: No. 5 Tamilaide
The talented Tamilaide will take his place in the third at Eagle Farm on Saturday, and he is my best of the day.
The son of Adelaide simply doesn’t know how to run a bad race, recording three wins and five minors from his eight career starts to date.
He returned to the races with a credible effort for third in BM80 company at Ipswich, and I’m expecting big improvement for that hit-out.
Slipper Winners @ Magic Millions Quality Handicap (2200m) – 3:33pm AEDT
Tip: No. 4 Humbolt Current
There are some talented black type winners engaged in this contest, but I think that the value could sit with Humbolt Current at around the $5.50 mark.
Humbolt Current is yet to show his best in two starts back this time, but he is a horse that tends to need a couple before he finds top gear, and he has run into some stern opposition this time.
Getting out to 2200m is the key and with even luck, I think he can win.
Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes (2100m) – 4:12pm AEDT
Tip: No Bet
The undefeated Gypsy Goddess looks to take another step up in class in this year’s Grand Prix Stakes an perhaps unsurprisingly, she will go around a very firm favourite.
The $1.35 about her at publish is far too short for me, and given that I can’t find one to beat her, I’m happy to stay out.
Benchmark 85 Handicap (1000m) – 4:52pm AEDT
Tip: No. 8 Xerri
Xerri will take winning form into the sixth at Eagle Farm on Saturday and can make it two in a row.
The Snitzel gelding kept his best work for late when third in Class 4 company at the Gold Coast first-up, and he was far too good on the Sunshine Coast last time.
This is another rise in class, but the 1000m is definitely his go, and he gets into this race well under the conditions.
Listed Gold Edition Plate (1200m) – 5:28pm AEDT
Tip: No. 7 Miss Hipstar
Miss Hipstar has improved for two starts back this time, and I think that she represents outstanding value in Gold Edition Plate betting at around the $17 mark.
The Star Turn filly has been a great horse for the Kelly Schweida yard since making her debut, and she has won a couple of nice black type races.
She didn’t show a lot first-up this time, but she stuck on well to fill the minors in the Mode Plate last time, and this is the next logical step for her.
Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1400m) – 6:13pm AEDT
Tip: No. 9 Profit
This is an outstanding edition of the time-honoured Lough Neagh Stakes and there is a case to be made for several gallopers, including Profit.
Profit hasn’t been seen at the races since August, but he was a typically strong and consistent performer throughout the Brisbane Winter Carnival, and he has had the benefit of a couple of trials in the lead-up to his return.
The fact that he is yet to miss placing at this point of his prep fills me with confidence, and we can have an each-way play at around the $7 mark.
BRC Membership Plus BM72 Handicap (1600m) – 6:48pm AEDT
Tip: No. 10 Lethal Warning
This certainly isn’t the easiest way to end the day from a betting perspective, but Lethal Warning has plenty of upside and looks a winning chance.
Lethal Warning stamped herself as a runner to follow during her debut prep in winter, and she returned a fair effort to finish fourth on the Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago.
With improvement, she can fight out the finish.
