Our Queensland expert Blair Gibson takes a look back at last weekend’s action, identifying the coming winners you need to put in your blackbook.
It wasn’t the strongest Saturday card we’ve seen at Eagle Farm, but there were still a few performances that caught the eye and produced runners we can follow with confidence over the coming weeks. These are the types that often slip under the radar and can pop up at a price next start.
Satomi (Race 1 – 1st)
Trials had been solid without screaming ‘superstar’, and being a big, strong daughter of The Autumn Sun, there was a sense she might take a run or two to really hit her straps, especially over a bit more ground. That made what she did here even more encouraging.
She struck trouble at a crucial stage and was held up for much of the straight, which easily could have ended her race. Instead, once she saw daylight, she really stretched out late. The big expanses of Eagle Farm suited her, and the best part of her work was clearly through the line. That’s always a sign of a filly looking for further and one with plenty of upside still to come.
With natural improvement in fitness and race craft, she looks the type who can step into slightly stronger company and still measure up. Stick with her, especially when she gets to a trip that lets her build through her gears.
Gospel Girl (Race 10 – 2nd)
There was nothing flashy about this return, just the sort of honest, tough performance we’ve come to expect from her. She’s now got a very tidy overall record of 16 starts for 4 wins, 5 seconds and 2 thirds, and she rarely runs a bad race.
She mapped to get the right run, travelled sweetly and gave a good kick on straightening. It took a late challenger to grab her in a tight finish, and there was no knock on the effort. At $9.50 she was a touch overlooked in the market, which can often happen with these consistent types who don’t have the boom factor.
Under the care of Tony Gollan, you know she’ll be placed to advantage. She’s the kind of mare who can bob up in the right race, especially when she finds a slightly easier setup or gets conditions to suit. Keep her in the blackbook, she’ll win again this prep.
