Racing returns to Keppel Park today for the running of the Yeppoon Cup on a very exciting five race card. Currently rated an improving Soft 6, the track has done a great job coping with heavy storms through the week, though all eyes will be on the heavens again today with another solid afternoon of storms predicted.

A small but select field lines up in the Yeppoon Cup and Country Cups Challenge Qualifier over the 1400m. Le Dude ridden by Elyce Smith (a) and trained by Glenda Bell brings strong form to the race where he started $7 in Mackay Cup a handful of runs ago. Trainer, Glenda Bell (pictured) is looking to go one better this year, after finishing second in the race with The Baker in 2019. Le Dude appreciates the rain effected going, and although having his maiden start at the track, looks really hard to beat.

Le Dude does meet some stiff opposition with Jay Jay, (J: Natalea Summers; T: Angela Stephens) and Proane (J: Sonja Wiseman; T: Tracy Simmons) getting close to peak fitness now after a couple of runs back from a spell and their best form is very competitive here.  Regal Reece is an intriguing runner and should not be underestimated. Trained by Chris Attard and to be partnered by Michael Murphy, the 6 year old son of Reset boasts a win at the track/distance, is 1 from 1 on wet tracks and his last run at Townsville where he was beaten less than 2 lengths, puts him right in this race with a huge chance – big watch!

Interestingly, the astute Bevan Johnson has selected to run the dual accepted, Chinchinbilla in Yeppoon today after deciding to bypass the Home Hill option. Confident move and any move in the market should be treated with caution.

The other headline race at Yeppoon is the Country Stampede Qualifier over the 1000m, where class runner of the field, Raiden will need to contend with 65.5kg in a tactical race with a small field. Expert OTBRA tipster Dave Weinert suggests Shigeru Mahogany (J: Sonja Wiseman; T: Raymond Williams), has a significant enough pull in the weights and is the horse to beat in what will be an intriguing race series qualifier.  Good luck to all connections.

 

Photo Courtesy of Qld Country Life Publication