Giddy Up Ipswich!
The day has arrived for the race that stops the city – Ipswich Cup Day.
This year’s meeting shapes as a beauty, with strong fields across the entire card and three Listed features headlined by the 160th running of the famous Ipswich Cup.
Good luck and happy punting!
Best Bet of the Day
🥇 Race 7 – Belvedere Boys ($3.80)
Value Bet of the Day
💰 Race 3 – Quothquan ($17)
Race 1
Tip: Zoustrology ($3.10)
Zoustrology brings strong local credentials into the opener. The son of Zousain has already posted two victories at Ipswich this preparation and returns to a track he clearly enjoys. Drawn barrier four with Ben Thompson aboard, he should secure the ideal run and prove hard to hold out.
Race 2
Tip: Addition ($6.50)
Addition comes off a confidence-boosting victory and appears capable of going on with the job. Robbie Dolan sticks with the mare and barrier six should allow her to settle just off the speed before producing her finish at the right time.
Race 3
Tip: Quothquan ($17)
Quothquan has mixed it with quality metropolitan opposition throughout his career and boasts 18 top-three finishes from 31 starts. While first-up since March, two recent trials suggest he is ready to perform fresh. Jace McMurray’s claim sees him carry the light weight, which sould prove a major advantage.
Race 4
Tip: Pulveriser ($7)
Pulveriser is racing in career-best form and his recent Ipswich win over 2200 metres was dominant. The inside barrier is a significant advantage and Ben Thompson should enjoy a comfortable run throughout before asking him for the finish.
Race 5
Tip: Cindersea ($3.40)
A highly progressive mare with four wins from just 10 starts. Barrier two should allow apprentice Jace McMurray to secure the run of the race and she looks ideally placed to continue her strong campaign.
Race 6 – TL Cooney
Tip: Call Da Vinci ($4.80)
The class runner of the race. His recent form through the QTIS Jewel, Listed Daybreak Lover and Group 2 Queensland Guineas is superior to many of his rivals. Unbeaten in two starts at Ipswich and drawn barrier one, he looks set for every opportunity.
Race 7 – Listed Ipswich Cup
Best Bet: Belvedere Boys ($3.80)
Belvedere Boys gets the nod as the day’s standout selection.
The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding has banked more than $700,000 in prizemoney and appears to be peaking at exactly the right time. The son of Maurice has proven himself at the staying trip and handles all track conditions, making him a genuine Ipswich Cup horse.
The story adds another layer of intrigue with local jockey Jake Bayliss chasing a special family milestone. Thirty-seven years after his father won the Cup, Bayliss has the strongest chance in a number of years to create his own chapter in local racing history.
Barrier 12 is the challenge, but his racing pattern generally sees him settle back before unleashing a powerful finish. If the tempo is genuine, expect Belvedere Boys to be storming home late.
Race 8 – Listed Eye Liner Stakes
Tip: Cifrado ($7.50)
A proven stakes performer with nearly $1.9 million in earnings. The Rex Lipp-trained gelding carries top weight but possesses the class edge over many of his rivals. Boris Thornton should be able to slot midfield from barrier eight before launching late.
Race 9 – Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic
Tip: She’s Exotic ($13)
At the odds, She’s Exotic looks one of the best value plays of the meeting. Seven wins from 12 starts is an outstanding strike rate and she receives a significant weight advantage over several key rivals. Jake Bayliss takes the ride and from barrier eight should enjoy every chance to produce a late finish.
Suggested Quaddie
Race 6: 1, 3, 5, 2
Race 7: 4, 14, 2, 3
Race 8: 2, 17, 9, 15
Race 9: 16, 13, 3, 4
