Five runners. Heavy ground. Proper jumping test. No hiding place.
This revolves around Bluey. She’s the highest rated (OR 133), tops the performance figures by a clear margin and has already shown she can win when grinding from the front. Her profile is straightforward: jump, bowl along, make it hard work for the rest. On heavy ground at a sharp right-handed track, that’s a powerful weapon.
The question isn’t ability. It’s pressure. In small fields over 2m on deep ground, if a front-runner gets an easy lead, the race is over a long way out. If she’s taken on early and forced to stretch, it brings stamina and late pace into sharper focus. She’s solid, but she’s not invincible if made to work.
Queens Gamble is the obvious threat. Her chase form hasn’t been explosive, but she’s been holding her own in stronger company than this. She travels well, and in a tactical race that can count for plenty. If Bluey has to fight for the lead, Queens Gamble is the one most likely to pick up the pieces turning for home.
The others look up against it. Followango won a weak handicap over further and now drops in trip in deeper class. Presenting A Queen has struggled when raised in grade. Sunday Soldier is inconsistent and hasn’t shown enough over fences to suggest a sudden leap forward.
It’s a tight, tactical Listed race, but the logic is clean.
If Bluey controls it, she wins.
If she’s pressured early, Queens Gamble makes it interesting.
Most likely winner: Bluey.
Main danger: Queens Gamble.