10 July 2015
Night two of the Queensland winter carnival takes place at Albion Park this Saturday night.
And what a star-studded program it is highlighted by the Gr.1 $100,000 Greg & Sharon Mitchell Queensland Oaks, a high quality field boasting outstanding depth with fillies from New Zealand, New South Wales and Victoria taking on the best local talents.
The dominant combination of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen have the two favourites for the event in the shape of multiple Oaks victor Fight For Glory plus the ultra-talented Linda Lovegrace, both have been impressive since arriving in Brisbane a few weeks ago.
Fight For Glory is aiming for her fourth Oaks trophy this season following her success in the New South Wales, New Zealand and Gold Coast Oaks.
The Art Major filly has drawn the second-line and Rasmussen is booked to drive.
Other features include the Gr.2 $50,000 Gurney Group of Companies 4 & 5yo Championship, the Gr.3 $40,000 Mr Feelgood Gold Coast Derby, the Gr.3 $30,000 Burwood Stud Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes, the $20,000 Lunchbox Lodge Country Cup Final and the $20,000 Rising Stars Championship Final.
Another highlight is the BOTRA Pink Pants Lady Drivers Invitation Race which features several high profile local and interstate drivers who are playing their role in raising awareness in breast cancer.
Gambling giant UBET are offering several jackpots for punters including a guaranteed $30,000 Quadrella pool which will be staged on races 2, 3, 4 & 5.
And Trot Tips is keen to get involved.
“It’s another cracking meeting with so many highlights and features, the carnival started with a bang last week and I’m tipping it will be even better this week and the following week which wraps up the Albion Park side of things. I’m predicting a Kiwi quinella in the Queensland Oaks with Linda Lovegrace the filly to beat from her ideal draw; hopefully we’re cashed up by then.” Trot Tips Mick Polster said.
The Quadrella takes in several feature races and Polster believes early favourites look set to dominate.
“In the opening leg which is the Country Cup Final, I’m keen on Our Leonardo and Gentle Western as the two to beat. Our Leonardo was excellent in defeat first-up and looks a certain leader while Gentle Western is a classy pacer still on the rise, although beaten last week; I’m expecting more from him on the weekend. For added insurance I would include Nureyev, a strong heat winner last week.
“In the Fleur De Lil, the two winning chances are classy mare Forever Gold who faces a gigantic class drop after running a cracking race last week in the Sunshine Sprint behind Avonnova and Smolda. Natalie Rasmussen drives this week too. Sweet Molly Oshea was luckless behind Bling It On last week in her local debut, draws perfectly and has the services of Luke McCarthy this week.
“The Rising Stars Final is wide open with several winning hopes but I think the main chances rest with Change Of Mind, Mista Natural, Cougar Oriely, Girl With Fire, Major Coup and Lenny The Legend. In the Gold Coast Derby I think Menin Gate is the obvious while Hug The Wind and Burnaholeinmypocket being the main threats, you could go one out with Menin Gate while the other two are the insurance. I will play around with these runners and for varying amounts.”
UBET also have a $30,000 trifecta jackpot on the opening race while $2000 First 4 jackpots are being staged on races 3, 5, 7 and 8.
For further information from Trot Tips, visit the website – trottips.com
The first race is scheduled to start at 5.05pm.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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