Lord Mayor’s Cup betting preview & top tips | Eagle Farm, Race 4

The fourth race of the day at Eagle Farm is the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup to be run over 1800m for $150,000 in prizemoney. The speed will come from Homesman and Tiptronic, while Quick Thinker and The Candy Man can settle closer in the run. The bookmakers have struggled to sort this field out, with So You Win and Homesman sharing favouritism at $6 apiece, while Vanna Girl ($8.50), Hang Man ($9). Laure Me In ($9) and The Candy Man ($9.50) round out those runners in single figures. As always, our Queensland form analyst, Nick Lloyd, has found his top three and a suggested bet for spending $100.

This time 12 months ago, Vanna Girl was the talk of the town and she duly saluted in The Roses at this track and trip, so at the juicy each-way price, that is the way we are going here. Trained by Toby & Trent Edmonds, this four-year-old mare has won eight from 18 and is undefeated here at Eagle Farm which is a definite advantage against some of these southern raiders. Brad Stewart has not ridden her since her successes in the Winter last year, so the fact that he is reuniting with the daughter of Husson is a big plus. Drawn barrier seven, Vanna Girl should get a nice tow into the race and be able to close off nicely. Blinkers are off for the first time as well which is a nice tactic we think. This is her pet track and distance.

The big punters knew that Hang Man was not going to win before they even jumped in the Chairman’s Handicap last time out, with the Moroney-trained gelding a big drifter in the market ($2.70 to $4). While Hang Man seemingly had every chance, he just didn’t finish off under the 59.5kg. The start prior, the son of Windsor Knot closed off brilliantly behind Paths Of Glory and Zaaki and he beat home Persan the start before that which is all very good form. Drawn barrier 10 of 13 is not ideal, but Glen Boss can pull something out of his backside in big races, so he will have to here. If he can find a spot early, he can sprint quickly late over the 1800m.

Aliferous was really good last start in the Gosford Cup, closing off brilliantly to finish second to Polly Grey. Given there is plenty of speed engaged here, the wide barrier (11) is not too much of a concern as she will get back anyway under Craig Williams. While the step back from 2100m to 1800m is not ideal, Kris Lees has given her a three week freshen which is bound to suit. With two starts at Eagle Farm for two placings, she can be in the finish again.

Best bet for 2021 Lord Mayor’s Cup