3 minute read

Timothy Bell has been in outstanding form of late, claiming his first Group 1 win during the winter carnival and will look to continue that form at Eagle Farm

Boasting a handy book of rides on the eight race program, Bell will partner the Matthew Dunn-trained Wingara in the Austral Volkswagon Benchmark 80 Handicap (1600m), who comes into the race having won his last three starts.

The rising five-year-old gelding started his winning streak when running out a 2L winner at the Gold Coast which has been backed up with two solid victories at Eagle Farm, the most recent coming at this C/D.

The most recent victory of Wingara was the best of his career to date, settling up on the speed before powering away over the final 300m for a 2.3L win, in what rates well on weight adjusted Timeform ratings.

The son of Encosta De Lago goes up 2kg on that effort today but stays in a benchmark 80 Handicap and can certainly get the job done once again in this company.

Bell has ridden Wingara in his last two outings and from barrier 2 is likely to get a good run up on the speed once again, proving the 1600m is no barrier for him last start.

Wingara has won with such authority on all three occasions, finishing strong and pulling away from his rivals over the concluding stages.

I expect Platinum State and Kiss Me Deadly to also be up in the firing line early from good draws but on recent form, Wingara should prove too strong over the final stages.

Fantisha who appreciated the drop in class last start looks the biggest danger along with Freton who has been racing consistently well of late.

A big field will line up in the Stoddard Group Benchmark 75 Handicap (1300m) where the Tony Gollan-trained Joint Initiative will look to bounce back forma modest showing here last start.

The four-year-old gelding did not seem to handle the 1500m, however won both races to prior to that and will appreciate the drop to 1300m today.

Jim Byrne goes on board for the first time and will need plenty of luck from barrier 17 but on form prior to last start looks right up to this and the current price of $14 looks a good each way prospect.

Expecting Byrne to put Joint Initiative into the race from the wide draw and would not be surprised to see him right in the finish against these.

BET OF THE DAY: Race 5 #11 Wingara @ $2.90

EACH WAY PLAY: Race 6 #9 Joint Initiative @ $14