Today I’m riding at Ipswich in Queensland. The rail is out 10 metres and the track is rated in the good range. This is my first-time riding at this track and I’m looking forward to the opportunity of riding here and walking the track when I arrive on course.
Race 6 is the IPSWICH CUP TIX ON SALE QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 2210 metres. My ride here is PURE DEAL who is trained by Bevan Laming. This gelding by Dundeel has had 14 starts for a record of three wins, with all of those wins being over 1800 metres. I rode him for the first time when he raced second up this preparation at the Gold Coast in an open BM78 race where he finished 4.6 lengths from the winner. He raced on heavy ground last start and after starting from an outside barrier closed the race off really well. He has drawn a wide barrier again today and it will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race. I liked the way he stayed on last start against the older horses and that experience will set him up well for this race. The step up in distance will suit him and he has solid form for today’s race where he can make his presence felt.