Best Bet | Race 1 #6 Plundering

Had no right to win on debut after being caught wide with no cover for the entirety at the Sunshine Coast. Jockey Brodie Loy didn’t panic and kept the 3yo relaxed and in a nice rhythm before letting down strongly at the top of the straight to win by 0.4 length. It was a pretty average maiden he won there at the Sunshine Coast, but the manner in which he did it suggests he’s a horse with a bright future. He was also green in the straight on debut and should be better for the experience. He’s drawn better here at the Gold Coast, and from barrier one should be given every chance. Loy will likely look to push off the fence in the straight. This is a strong race but he’s a horse with plenty of upside.

Next best | Race 4 #2 Far Too Easy

Happy to give Far Too Easy another chance despite what looked a below-par effort first-up last start at Eagle Farm. From the middle gate, Jimmy Orman takes the ride and he should be midfield with cover before unleashing in the right part of the track upon straightening. While he appeared a touch disappointing to start the preparation, he’d only had the one trial and Eagle Farm can be a bruising surface for horses lacking fitness. The form from that race looks solid with the winner It’s Me subsequently not far off Shades of Rose in a G2 Sydney race.

Best each-way | Race 6 #7 Snazz ‘n’ Charm

Has been a horse with a lot of promise but he’s failed to deliver much in recent preparations. He finally chalked up another win when dominant last start at Ipswich, and I’m hoping that victory is the catalyst for a continuation of winning form. This is clearly a much tougher assignment, but the booking of Ryan Maloney is a positive move. He’s drawn wide but there’s plenty of pace in the event, and he can sit back and launch down the outside at the business end.