Bundaberg · Race 4
Haifa (Bm55)
1212m · Soft 6 (est.) · $10,000
Our Pick
The Fruitologist
Won last start at Bundaberg, resuming with strong fresh record.
Gardiner and Tierney combining at 58% above expectation last 100.
First run on soft going, untested in these conditions.
The Read
The Fruitologist won at Bundaberg last start and is resuming today with a perfect first-up record (1 from 1), which aligns with its pattern of running well fresh. The Gardiner/Tierney combination has struck 58% above expectation over their last 100 rides, adding weight to the stable's current form. The main watch point is that this is a first run on soft going, so ground conditions remain untested for this horse.
Key factors driving the rating up (▲) and down (▼).
Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Show 4 matchupsHide matchups
Where two runners other than our pick have raced each other before. Most recent meeting shown.
Braidwood Queen vs Rapid Dude
Braidwood Queen finished 5th to 9th at Gympie 3 months ago, 5.4 lengths clear.
Paballo vs Braidwood Queen
Paballo finished 2nd to 8th at Gympie last preparation, 6.6 lengths clear.
Rapid Dude vs Paballo
Rapid Dude finished 2nd to 3rd at Gympie last week, 6.4 lengths clear.
Von Bee vs Duke Of Lancaster
Von Bee finished 7th to 8th at Esk a fortnight ago, a length clear.
Blame The Bubbles
7J: Kayla Johnston · T: Darcy Short
Suited at the trip: 3 wins from 6 starts over 1212m.
Resuming today, yet to win first-up from 3 attempts, usually needs a run.
Wide barrier 7 of 8 to overcome.
The Read
Blame The Bubbles has a solid record at this trip with 3 wins from 6 starts over 1212m, which is the main positive. However, the case is tempered by recent speed and form concerns, and this looks a class move up that may catch the horse out. The most critical watch is first-up fitness: it's 0 from 3 when resuming and typically needs a run to find its best, which combined with the wide barrier 7 draw makes today a genuine test of readiness.
Duke Of Lancaster
1🔧 Blinkers again.J: Emma Simsir · T: Alan Robinson
Among quickest recent time figures in field, 0.2s under track average.
Drawn to get soft run from barrier 1.
Returns to blinkers today, sharpening gear applied.
Resuming after break, yet to win first-up from 4 attempts.
The Read
Duke Of Lancaster carries among the quickest recent time figures in the field at 0.2 seconds under the track average, and barrier 1 shapes up to deliver a soft run through the race. The case leans on that recent speed and a favourable draw, though the horse is resuming today with a poor first-up record of 0 wins from 4 attempts and typically needs a run to find best form. Blinkers are being reapplied as a sharpening tool. Watch closely how it settles and travels early given the lay-off, as the fitness question is the main uncertainty against the positive form and track/barrier setup.
Full Field
The read on each runner - look past the pick for value.
Duke Of Lancaster🎯 Next Best🔧 Blinkers again.
J: Emma Simsir · T: Alan Robinson
Duke Of Lancaster carries among the quickest recent time figures in the field at 0.2 seconds under the track average, and barrier 1 shapes up to deliver a soft run through the race. The case leans on that recent speed and a favourable draw, though the horse is resuming today with a poor first-up record of 0 wins from 4 attempts and typically needs a run to find best form. Blinkers are being reapplied as a sharpening tool. Watch closely how it settles and travels early given the lay-off, as the fitness question is the main uncertainty against the positive form and track/barrier setup.
Von Bee
J: Sophie Wilcock · T: Kym Afford
Von Bee owns the quickest recent time figure in the field, running 0.6s under the track average, which is the standout concrete edge here. The case leans on that recent speed, though both recent form and jockey form are registering as concerns worth monitoring. Barrier 2 sets up a soft run which plays to type. The main watch: Von Bee resumes today with a poor first-up record (0 from 4) but has struck once into a prep (1 win from 4 starts second-up), so fitness through the line will be the key test.
Braidwood Queen
J: Shakira Bailey · T: Malcolm Bailey
Braidwood Queen has a genuine strength at Bundaberg with 3 wins from 8 starts at the track, and barrier 3 should allow a soft run in the race. However, the case is complicated by a class move that reads as a concern, recent speed figures that are not standout, and form that warrants caution. The main thing to watch is the first-up fitness factor: the horse is yet to win on resumption from 3 attempts and usually needs a run to be fully competitive.
Chico Casino
J: Kelly Gates · T: Rob Davidson
Chico Casino has a solid fresh record, placing in 4 of 6 first-up runs, which counts in its favour after a break. However, recent form and recent speed are both flagged as concerns, and the horse is moving up in class which adds risk. The main watch point is that it remains unproven in the wet, with no wins from 9 attempts on soft ground, so track conditions will be critical to monitor.
The FruitologistTOP PICK
J: Stephanie Tierney · T: D W Gardiner
The Fruitologist won at Bundaberg last start and is resuming today with a perfect first-up record (1 from 1), which aligns with its pattern of running well fresh. The Gardiner/Tierney combination has struck 58% above expectation over their last 100 rides, adding weight to the stable's current form. The main watch point is that this is a first run on soft going, so ground conditions remain untested for this horse.
Blame The Bubbles⚔️ Danger
J: Kayla Johnston · T: Darcy Short
Blame The Bubbles has a solid record at this trip with 3 wins from 6 starts over 1212m, which is the main positive. However, the case is tempered by recent speed and form concerns, and this looks a class move up that may catch the horse out. The most critical watch is first-up fitness: it's 0 from 3 when resuming and typically needs a run to find its best, which combined with the wide barrier 7 draw makes today a genuine test of readiness.
Paballo
J: Chris Meehan · T: T B Thomas
Paballo's trainer and jockey combination has struck at 104% above expectation over their last 100 runners, a genuine edge in execution. The horse placed last start beaten just 8 lengths and is clearly racing in form. However, the case carries two material concerns: this is a class move up from recent races, and the resumption is problematic given Paballo has failed to win in 7 first-up attempts and typically needs a run to peak. Watch the wide barrier 8 draw as the main tactical obstacle to monitor.