AU - Ipswich - Race 4

Thoroughbred

12 Runners

8.3f

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 5

19.5K

VIEW

Verdict

SWEET PRETENDER (7) has patchy form but did have excuses last time at the Sunny Coast. Her minor placing three back at Ipswich reads favourably for this, where she was doing her best work late. Expecting a similar effort this time. KHARIF (6) has been ticking along well since knocking off his maiden at Port Macquarie on 15 Aug. Doesn't strike a deep contest this time and only needs to hold his form to be fighting out the finish. PIERTAGA (10) is knocking on the door, unlucky not to strike through last time when missing narrowly. Gets in low at the weights on the quick back-up and is drawn cosy. Can play a role in the finish. THE TORQUE FACTOR (2) couldn't meet expectations last time but should be at his top now and can be kept safe for a minor spot.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
7	Has the strongest overall profile despite the ugly last-start margin, with her Sunshine Coast run marred by an awkward start, checks and being forced wide before finishing well beaten by 22 lengths. She had also been held up when favourite at Toowoomba two back. Blinkers go on and her distance record makes her the clear winning hope. 1st Pick 7 Sweet Pretender Jockey: Brandon Lerena Trainer: William Kropp J: Brandon Lerena T: William Kropp	159	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Has the strongest overall profile despite the ugly last-start margin, with her Sunshine Coast run marred by an awkward start, checks and being forced wide before finishing well beaten by 22 lengths. She had also been held up when favourite at Toowoomba two back. Blinkers go on and her distance record makes her the clear winning hope.
6	Has been close enough in two recent Class 1 runs to be highly competitive in this grade, finishing sixth at Sunshine Coast when beaten two and a half lengths and sixth at Grafton when beaten just over three lengths. Must finish off cleaner than last start, but this sets up well. 2nd Pick 6 Kharif Jockey: Boris Thornton Trainer: Declan Maher J: Boris Thornton T: Declan Maher	106	-	-	-	13%	7/1
Analysis Has been close enough in two recent Class 1 runs to be highly competitive in this grade, finishing sixth at Sunshine Coast when beaten two and a half lengths and sixth at Grafton when beaten just over three lengths. Must finish off cleaner than last start, but this sets up well.
10	Went within a long neck of winning a Benchmark 55 at Gatton last week after tracking the speed and being run down late by Water Lad. That followed a strong Warwick second when she came from a hopeless position to place. Clear place chance with each-way appeal. 3rd Pick 10 Piertaga Jockey: Ashley Butler Trainer: Ryan Tyrell J: Ashley Butler T: Ryan Tyrell	116	-	-	-	20%	4/1
Analysis Went within a long neck of winning a Benchmark 55 at Gatton last week after tracking the speed and being run down late by Water Lad. That followed a strong Warwick second when she came from a hopeless position to place. Clear place chance with each-way appeal.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.

State-Bred

A horse bred in a particular state and thus eligible to race in restricted state-bred races. These can be anything from maiden races to stakes events.

Filly

A female horse that is four years of age or under.