Ipswich Race Previews, Thursday 12 February 2026, Part 2
Ipswich Race 5
Ipswich Race 5 - SCHWEPPES Maiden Handicap - 1350m - Soft 5 (potential downgrade to Soft 6/7) - Rail +3m
In-Depth Form Analysis for Every Horse
1. RIGHTEOUS LEGEND (60.0kg, BP 9, Les Tilley / Billy Healey)
High-class pedigree (Justify x Redoute's Choice mare) with $200k purchase price. Lightly raced 4yo gelding with consistent recent form: 32x24. Best efforts include strong 2nd at Beaudesert 1200m (good tempo, brave from behind leader) and 2nd at Eagle Farm 1400m (travelled well 3WNC). Recent 4th at Gold Coast 1400m was fair (settled back, some work, held on). Suited to 1350m progression, drawn wide but has tactical speed. Good trials pre-campaign. Strengths: class edge, recent consistency, suits soft ground (0-3-3). Weakness: yet to win, topweight. Projected: strong top chance if handles wide draw.
4. CHEVALLUM (58.5kg, BP 2, Jag Guthmann-Chester / Matthew Hoysted)
Promising 3yo (King's Legacy x Zoustar mare), $90k NZ buy. Debut 2nd at Warwick 1200m Soft 5 (strong late, dug deep from midfield 3WWC, beaten 0.1L). Good recent trial win. Barrier 2 ideal for soft track positioning. Trainer in form. Strengths: fresh, soft ground affinity, sharp recent trial, low weight relative to ability. Weakness: limited exposure. Projected: major player first-up with ideal setup.
8. ASTERN EFFORT (57.5kg, BP 8, Ben Thompson / Rex Lipp)
Most exposed with strong recent consistency: 49222. Multiple placings at 1350m-1400m including narrow 2nd at Doomben 1350m (led, claimed late), 2nd at Eagle Farm 1400m (over-raced but fought on), 2nd at Warwick 1350m. Gear (blinkers/tongue tie) helping. Good sectional closing. Strengths: proven at track/distance range, consistent placer, recent form peak. Weakness: yet to break maiden despite chances. Projected: hard to beat again.
7. LAUNCHER (58.0kg, BP 10, Brandon Lerena / Allan Chau)
4yo with solid placed form: 3253x. Recent efforts include 3rd at Murwillumbah 1550m (handy, didn't quite finish off), 5th at Gold Coast 1710m (tightened, fair), 2nd at Eagle Farm 1600m (led, fought hard). Suits step back to 1350m. Strengths: placed form in stronger company, good jockey, fitness from prep. Weakness: long break (119 days), wide draw. Projected: each-way hope if finds front.
12. SATURDAYS GIRL (56.0kg, BP 3, Andrew Mallyon / Chris Waller)
Well-bred Zoustar mare ($420k Easter buy) with placed efforts: 5x835. Recent 3rd at Ballina 1265m (held up, strong late), 5th at Doomben 1650m (blundered start). Previous 5th at Ipswich 1350m Soft. Strengths: good jockey, Waller polish, soft ground placed, barrier 3 suits. Weakness: inconsistent finishes. Projected: improved chance at right trip/conditions.
13. CERETTI (55.5kg, BP 1, Cejay Graham / Tony Gollan)
3yo filly with promise: 36x35. Recent 5th at Eagle Farm 1000m (awkward jump, fair), 3rd at Gold Coast 1000m Soft (wide, strong late). Rail 1 ideal. Strengths: low weight, Gollan stable, soft ground form. Weakness: sprint form, step to 1350m query. Projected: value each-way if settles.
6. KING COUNTRY (58.0kg, BP 4, Kacie Adams / Darren Treacy)
Recent 3rd at Taree 1400m Soft (green early, strong from back). Earlier poor but recent improvement. Strengths: recent placing, soft ground, barrier ok. Weakness: inexperience, greenness. Projected: roughie chance.
9. KOOLIBAH (57.5kg, BP 5, Damien Thornton / Chris Waller)
Debut runner, Chris Waller-trained. Trials mixed but acceptable. Strengths: top stable, jockey. Weakness: no raced form, unknown at trip/conditions. Projected: watch market/support.
10. CRYPTO MAGIC (57.0kg, BP 6, Adin Thompson / Bruce Brown)
Recent 9th at Ipswich 1350m (settled back, no impact). Earlier poor. Strengths: knows track. Weakness: form weak. Projected: unlikely.
11. MONAKEED (56.5kg, BP 11, Fiona Sandkuhl / Matthew Hoysted)
Recent 6th at Doomben 1200m (green, late pick-up). Earlier 10th. Strengths: Hoysted stable. Weakness: wide draw, moderate form. Projected: outsider.
14. STEADY ON (55.5kg, BP 13, Karl Zechner / Jimmy Downes)
Recent 11th at Ipswich 1350m (wide, no impact). Earlier poor. Strengths: low weight. Weakness: poor recent, wide draw. Projected: unlikely.
15. FIVE OF US (54.0kg, BP 7, Georgina Cartwright / Scott Morrisey)
Recent 9th at Doomben 1200m (wide, faded). Earlier moderate. Strengths: featherweight. Weakness: poor recent form. Projected: outsider.
Scratched: 2, 3, 5.
Race Preview
This 1350m maiden handicap shapes as competitive with several consistent placers and a couple of promising lightly raced types. The track is Soft 5 (possible downgrade) with rail +3m, favouring on-pace runners or those with tactical speed early, though late closers have succeeded in similar setups. Pace should be genuine with a few speedsters (Astern Effort has led/pressed recently, Righteous Legend and Launcher can push forward). Soft ground suits several including Chevallum (debut on Soft), Astern Effort (placed on Soft), and Ceretti (placed Soft sprint).
Key form standouts include Righteous Legend's consistent high-level placings against decent opposition and pedigree suggesting more upside at this trip. Astern Effort brings the strongest recent sequence (multiple 2nds at 1350m-1400m) and proven fight in finishes. Chevallum's debut 2nd was eye-catching (narrow margin, strong late on Soft) and barrier 2 plus Hoysted stable make it dangerous fresh. Launcher adds depth with solid placed efforts over longer, while Saturdays Girl and Ceretti offer value from good gates and proven soft form.
Emergencies appear unlikely to feature unless scratching changes dynamics. Watch for any late track downgrade favouring pure soft trackers. Overall, a race where recent consistency and gate speed should prove decisive, with class edge likely prevailing.
(Word count: 378)
Top 4-6 Predicted Contenders
- 1. Righteous Legend — Classiest form, consistent placer, strong pedigree/trials, suits conditions.
- 8. Astern Effort — Proven at trip, multiple recent 2nds, gear helping, hard to beat.
- 4. Chevallum — Sharp debut 2nd on Soft, ideal barrier, promising type fresh.
- 7. Launcher — Solid placed form, good jockey, fitness edge.
- 12. Saturdays Girl — Waller polish, recent placing, soft ground suited, good draw.
- 13. Ceretti — Rail draw, low weight, soft placed, upside.
100% Framed Market
Ipswich Race 5 - SCHWEPPES Maiden Handicap 1350m
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1 RIGHTEOUS LEGEND — AODDS 3.2
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8 ASTERN EFFORT — AODDS 4.0
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4 CHEVALLUM — AODDS 5.0
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7 LAUNCHER — AODDS 8.0
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12 SATURDAYS GIRL — AODDS 10.0
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13 CERETTI — AODDS 12.0
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6 KING COUNTRY — AODDS 21.0
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9 KOOLIBAH — AODDS 26.0
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11 MONAKEED — AODDS 41.0
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10 CRYPTO MAGIC — AODDS 51.0
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14 STEADY ON — AODDS 61.0
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15 FIVE OF US — AODDS 101.0
Ipswich Race 6
This is a deep-dive form analysis for Ipswich Race 6 (Barrier Reef Pools BM0-60 Handicap, 1350m, Soft 5 turf, rail +3m entire) on 12 February 2026. Analysis draws exclusively from the provided form data. No external sources were used, as the supplied details (recent runs, sectionals, margins, gear, positions, comments, pedigree basics, trainer/jockey stats, trials, barriers) provide sufficient depth for assessment. Scratched runner STORM FORCE TEN is excluded.
In-Depth Form Analysis for Every Horse
1. JUNGLE PRINCE (5yo G, 59.5kg, BP 9, Tarzino x Please Leave by More Than Ready)
Recent form is poor (9x898), with no competitive showing in the last 12+ months. Best effort was a distant 8th at Doomben 1350m (S5, 4.2L) on debut back after long spell, but over-raced early and faded. Prior 1700m/1690m runs at Ipswich were well beaten (8-9L+), often settling midfield/rear and lacking closing speed. Has won at 1350m previously but form has deteriorated sharply. Wide draw compounds issues on a track favouring on-pace types. Lightly raced in recent prep (4th-up now), but no evident upside. Trainer/jockey combo modest here. Weak claims on current form.
2. BUSKER (4yo G, 59.0kg, BP 1, Trapeze Artist x Street Made by Street Boss)
Resumes after 14 days with a solid recent 5th at Doomben 1200m (G4, 4.8L), settling midfield and battling on fairly without threatening. Prior spell showed promise with a strong maiden win at Sunshine Coast 1400m (S5, led/midfield, strong finish 1.2L margin). Has tactical speed to utilise rail draw 1. Heathcote/Duric strong combination (high strike rates). Suited dropping to BM0-60 after tougher Class 1s. Fitness improving (2nd-up), soft ground ok from past runs. One of the better recent efforts in field → major player.
3. COOL PANELS (6yo G/B, 59.0kg, BP 7, Adelaide x Solar By Panels by Red Dazzler)
Consistent recent form (6x142), winning two of last three at 1200m (Kilcoy G4 0.6L margin, strong late from midfield; prior Kilcoy win). Respectable 2nd last start 1200m despite slow begin, working home well. Also placed over 1400m. Proven soft ground performer (wins/placings). Gough/Cartwright reliable (solid strike rates). Drawn midfield, can settle closer. Peaking now (4th-up), suits track/distance profile. Strong each-way chance.
4. CRACKER ESSGEE (8yo G, 58.5kg, BP 6, Hvasstan x Flying Essgee by Easy Rocking)
Veteran with enormous career volume but recent form mixed (12756). Best recent effort a narrow win at Sunshine Coast 1300m (S5, strong late from midfield). Placed 2nd Toowoomba 1300m prior (brave on pace). Last-start 6th Eagle Farm 1400m was wide throughout but fair effort. Multiple 1350m placings historically. Moor adds appeal. Soft ground suits (many wins/placings). Fitness ok (19th-up but still competitive at level). Value contender if settles better.
6. FOR BETTER (4yo M, 58.0kg, BP 8, Better Than Ready x Freezethemillions by Freeze)
Disappointing last start 12th Gold Coast 1400m (G4, on-pace but faded badly). Prior form better: maiden win Sunshine Coast 1400m (S5, strong finish). Trial win Eagle Farm 1000m recent (good). Lightly raced, scope remains (improver type). Archibald/Thompson decent. Drawn wide but may push forward. Soft ground unproven but pedigree ok. Risk after poor last run but capable on best.
7. RETAINER (4yo M, 58.0kg, BP 5, Fastnet Rock x Veneers by Stravinsky)
Recent 9th Eagle Farm 1400m BM65 (7.7L, midfield, fair late). Better prior: strong 3rd Sunshine Coast 1400m (S5, big late from back). Consistent minor placings 1200-1400m. Kendrick stable in form. Good draw 5. Soft ground suits (placings). Peaking (6th-up). Solid each-way.
8. EVERYWHERE (4yo G, 57.5kg, BP 4, Wandjina x Miss Leibert by Falvelon)
Recent 6th Gatton 1100m (2.4L, made ground late). Maiden win Gatton 1400m (strong). Placed Ipswich 1350m heavy prior (3rd). Nolan stable modest but horse has scope. Good draw 4. Soft ground unproven recently but ok. Improving type → chance.
9. MOSAMOUR (4yo M, 57.5kg, BP 3, Vadamos x Floramour by More Than Ready)
Long absence (131 days), poor last two runs in Victoria (10th 1765m eased down, 6th 1600m held up late). Trials moderate. Waller/Thornton strong but needs big improvement. Draw helps. Risky.
10. BRUTAL GLORY (3yo G, 57.0kg, BP 2, Brutal x Spring Glory by Sebring)
Recent 8th Ipswich 1100m (6L, slow begin, rear). Prior poor 8th Ipswich 1200m (required trial after). Early 4th Ipswich 1100m ok. Schweida/Graham solid. Rail draw helps but form thin → outsider.
11. PRETTY RHO (5yo M, 54.0kg, BP 10, Lonhro x Gheedaa by Hinchinbrook)
Long career but recent poor (10th Beaudesert 1200m 10L, 10th Gold Coast 1400m). Better earlier: 3rd Ipswich 1200m (strong late). Light weight helps but wide draw hurts. Chatterton/Brooker modest. Needs much better.
Race Preview
This BM0-60 over 1350m at Ipswich looks competitive with a mix of recent winners, consistent placers, and scopey types. Soft 6 (possible downgrade) should suit on-pace/midfield runners given rail +3m often advantages those not too far back. Pace likely moderate with BUSKER (rail, tactical speed), CRACKER ESSGEE (veteran can push), FOR BETTER (may cross), and RETAINER (settles handy) prominent early. COOL PANELS can stalk from midfield and finish strongly based on recent Kilcoy efforts. JUNGLE PRINCE and PRETTY RHO face tough tasks from wide gates with poor recent form. MOSAMOUR's long break and poor trials make it hard to enthuse despite class edge. BRUTAL GLORY too inexperienced and poor recent. EVERYWHERE has upside from good draw and prior 1350m placing. Key is fitness and tactical position – horses that settle top-6 with cover look best placed. Strongest recent form lies with COOL PANELS (two wins in last three, soft ground affinity) and BUSKER (fresh, rail, strong Heathcote prep). CRACKER ESSGEE's experience and last-start win give it durability. RETAINER's late charge potential adds depth. Expect a tight finish with 4-5 genuine winning hopes. (≈380 words)
Top 4-6 Predicted Contenders
- COOL PANELS — Peaking 4th-up, recent 1200m win + strong 2nd, soft ground suits, consistent closer.
- BUSKER — Rail draw, recent Doomben 5th solid, maiden win strong, Heathcote/Duric sharp, 2nd-up improver.
- CRACKER ESSGEE — Veteran with 1350m affinity, recent Sunshine Coast win, places often, Moor boosts.
- RETAINER — Late charge pattern, recent Sunshine Coast 3rd eye-catching, good draw, peaking.
- EVERYWHERE — Upside from 1400m win, prior 1350m placing, good gate, value if steps up.
- FOR BETTER — Maiden win strong, recent trial win, scope if overcomes poor last.
100% Framed Market
Ipswich Race 6 - Barrier Reef Pools BM0-60 Handicap 1350m
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3 COOL PANELS AODDS 3.80
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2 BUSKER AODDS 4.20
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4 CRACKER ESSGEE AODDS 5.50
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7 RETAINER AODDS 6.50
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8 EVERYWHERE AODDS 9.00
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6 FOR BETTER AODDS 12.00
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1 JUNGLE PRINCE AODDS 21.00
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11 PRETTY RHO AODDS 26.00
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10 BRUTAL GLORY AODDS 34.00
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9 MOSAMOUR AODDS 41.00
Ipswich Race 7
This is a deep-dive form analysis for Ipswich Race 7 - SEVEN NEWS BM58 Handicap (2150m, Turf, Soft 5/6 expected, Rail +3m) on 12 February 2026.
In-Depth Form Analysis for Every Horse
1. LIKEABEEL (10yo G, 62.5kg, BP 4)
Veteran stayer with proven stamina (wins at 2200m x5, 2500m, 3200m). Strong historical class edge in longer races but recent form is poor: 9th (7L) Sunshine Coast 2200m BM58 11 days ago (well back, no impact despite blinkers); 5th (6.9L) Ipswich 1700m BM65 prior. Earlier 2nd Grafton 2350m (came from back, solid effort) and dominant 3200m win Nov 2025 show lingering ability on soft/heavy. Weight is punishing now (62.5kg after claim), age/fitness waning (11 days fresh, but 10yo), and recent runs lack punch against similar depth. Suited to Soft 6 but needs luck from midfield. Weakened contender at best.
2. VERMEER (5yo G, 61.5kg, BP 6)
Consistent staying type (wins 2190m/2210m). Recent: strong 2nd Grafton 2208m BM58 (led late, fought hard); prior 5th Ballina 1900m (led but faded); 3rd Ipswich 2150m CL2 (set pace, held on well); 3rd Grafton 2350m (tracked, fair); 3rd Eagle Farm 2231m BM68 (solid from on-pace). Excellent recent consistency in 2000m+ (multiple placings), handles Soft/G, maps midfield/forward. Trainer/jockey combo limited stats but horse peaks third-up+. Key danger if pace suits.
3. VERMILION KIRIN (5yo G, 61.5kg, BP 8)
Lightly raced stayer with wins at 2060m/2150m on Soft/Heavy. Recent poor: 10th Doomben 2050m BM65 (faded badly after on-pace); 6th Doomben 1615m BM78 prior (battled ok). Long spell before that; distant 7th Doomben 2050m mid-2025; but strong 1st Toowoomba 2150m CL1 (won well on Soft). Trials modest. Needs to rediscover best (distance suits, but recent lacks depth). Risky.
4. BACCARAT ROUGE (4yo M, 60.5kg, BP 7)
Progressive mare, recent 2000m+ form strong: dominant 1st Gatton 2000m BM58 (loomed, won tight); 1st Kilcoy 1900m BM60 (sprinted clear on Heavy); but poor 7th Eagle Farm 1800m BM68 latest (faded badly). Earlier placings at shorter. Stamina proven now, handles Soft, but latest run concerning (possibly trip/grade). Can bounce back if settles better.
5. PIERONIMO (4yo G, 59.5kg, BP 9)
Improving stayer, recent 3rd Sunshine Coast 2200m BM58 (close, worked home); 5th Sunshine Coast 1800m BM58 (no kick); 4th Ipswich 2000m BM70 (close enough). Blinkers on latest helped. Distance suits (win at 2200m), Soft ok, drawn wide but improving third-up. Solid each-way hope.
6. WILL IT SNOW (4yo G, 59.5kg, BP 2)
Lightly raced improver. Recent: 6th Sunshine Coast 2200m BM58 (fair from midfield); strong 3rd Ipswich 2150m BM62 (knuckled down late); 2nd Gold Coast 1800m CL2. Maiden win 1400m but building stamina. Soft/Heavy suits pedigree, rail draw advantage, peaking prep. Rising chance.
7. PAPAL MISS (7yo M, 58.5kg, BP 3)
Veteran with staying wins (2000m x2, 2150m). Recent poor: 8th Sunshine Coast 2200m BM58 (no impact); 8th Sunshine Coast 2200m BM78 prior; 4th Sunshine Coast 1800m BM58 (late ground). Better earlier (2nd poly 2000m). Weight drop helps, rail draw, but form lacks punch lately. Place hope at best.
8. GIDDY GAN'S JOY (6yo M, 58.0kg, BP 14)
Proven stayer (wins 2135m, 2200m x2, 2400m). Recent: 4th Gatton 2000m BM58 (made ground wide); 5th Ballina 1605m (fair); earlier distant 6th Lismore 2110m. Wide draw hurts, but class to overcome if settles. Past head-to-heads mixed but capable on best day.
9. HAMILTON BROWN (4yo G, 57.5kg, BP 1)
Shorter distance specialist (win 1050m), recent 1600m-1840m runs ordinary (6th Eagle Farm 1840m, 5th Eagle Farm 1600m). No staying form, unsuitable trip. Outclassed.
10. ALASKA DE LUNE (5yo M, 57.0kg, BP 5)
Recent maiden breaker Ipswich 2150m (strong late on Soft); prior 4th Sunshine Coast 1800m MDN (big run late). Lightly raced, progressive, distance suits, blinkers/nose roll help. Upset potential third-up.
11. VANCITY (7yo M, 57.0kg, BP 13)
In-form stayer: dominant 1st Sunshine Coast 2200m BM58 latest (drove hard); 2nd Sunshine Coast 1800m BM58 (huge late). Wide draw issue but class and recent sectional strength major positives. Leading hope.
12. KEY COMPONENT (4yo M, 56.5kg, BP 12)
Improving: 2nd Ipswich 1990m BM0-58 (led late, just missed); 6th Ipswich 2150m BM62 (ground late); maiden win Sunshine Coast 1800m. Stamina building, wide draw concern but peaking. Value each-way.
13. MAURITA (5yo M, 55.5kg, BP 11)
Recent 1st Ipswich 1990m BM0-58 (dug deep late on Soft); prior ordinary but blinkers off helped. Distance suits, weight advantage, recent win momentum. Rising.
14. CLASSIQUE GAL (6yo M, 55.0kg, BP 10)
Recent 6th Ipswich 1990m BM0-58 (faded); earlier short placings. Long-distance form poor lately. Unlikely.
Race Preview
This 2150m BM58 shapes as a genuine staying test on Soft ground (possible downgrade to Soft 7), with a +3m rail likely favouring on-pace runners or those with tactical speed. Pace should be moderate—Vermeer, Classique Gal (if forward), and possibly Baccarat Rouge or Key Component can push up early, setting up for strong closers like Vancity, Pieronimo, Will It Snow, Alaska De Lune, and Maurita. Recent 2200m form at Sunshine Coast (Vancity won narrowly from Whatjeudoin', Pieronimo 3rd, Will It Snow 6th) provides direct benchmark—Vancity's win was tough and sectional-strong. Vermeer brings consistent 2000m+ placings and maps ideally. Recent Ipswich 1990m win by Maurita (over Key Component) adds local form. Alaska De Lune's maiden-breaking effort at track/distance on Soft is eye-catching for a lightly raced mare. Will It Snow continues to build stamina and draws soft. Veterans Likeabeel and Papal Miss carry weight/age concerns despite past merit. Baccarat Rouge's recent win streak halted sharply last start. Overall depth is moderate—strong closers favoured if pace genuine. Contenders separate from the pack on current trajectory.
(Word count: 378)
Top 4-6 Predicted Contenders
- VANCITY — Dominant recent 2200m win, strong late, proven at trip, major player despite wide draw.
- VERMEER — Ultra-consistent in 2000m+, maps well, hard to beat third-up.
- WILL IT SNOW — Improving stayer, strong late Ipswich 2150m, rail draw, peaking.
- ALASKA DE LUNE — Track/distance Soft win latest, lightly raced upside, value.
- PIERONIMO — Solid recent 2200m placing, blinkers help, each-way chance.
- MAURITA — Recent 1990m win, weight swing, late strength.
100% Framed Market
Ipswich Race 7 - 2150m BM58 Handicap
- 11 VANCITY — AODDS 3.8
- 2 VERMEER — AODDS 4.8
- 6 WILL IT SNOW — AODDS 6.0
- 10 ALASKA DE LUNE — AODDS 7.5
- 5 PIERONIMO — AODDS 9.0
- 13 MAURITA — AODDS 10.0
- 4 BACCARAT ROUGE — AODDS 13.0
- 12 KEY COMPONENT — AODDS 15.0
- 8 GIDDY GAN'S JOY — AODDS 21.0
- 1 LIKEABEEL — AODDS 26.0
- 7 PAPAL MISS — AODDS 34.0
- 3 VERMILION KIRIN — AODDS 41.0
- 14 CLASSIQUE GAL — AODDS 51.0
- 9 HAMILTON BROWN — AODDS 101.0
Posted Feb 11, 2026, 10:21 PM UTC