Ipswich Preview & Best Bets – 21/02/2024

Ipswich Tips for Wednesday, February 21

Our form expert provides Ipswich tips for today’s horse racing at Ipswich Racecourse and gives his best bets.

BEST BET 🏆

Race 1:  No.2  LAYDOWNLILY

The Natalie McCall-trained LAYDOWNLILY is inbeaten this time in and looks to have the edge on them in this contest as well. Last start, the Better Than Ready filly came off an impressive first-up maiden win at the Sunshine Coast when she franked that effort by going back-to-back in a BM65, here over 1200m. After Cejay Graham’s claim, she carries 2kgs more than last start, but is better served than the race-favourite (Bernice’s Spirit) who will carry 4kgs more than her last start maiden win. Already a winner at the track and even fitter for two starts back, she looks in line for the hat-trick today.

NEXT BEST 🥈

Race 3:  No.9  FIREBOLT

Still in search of that illusive first win, the Annabel Neasham-trained FIREBOLT receives some weight relief here and looks well placed to end her run of outs today. Last start, the Better Than Ready filly made it back-to-back bridesmaid finishes when she beat all but one home in a 1550m Maiden on a Heavy 9 at Murwillumbah. Bailey Wheeler is back for his second ride on the three-year-old and after his claim, she carries just 54kgs for this assignment. Fitter for three runs back, she should be at peak fitness today and a trouble-free run can see her challenging for victory here.

BEST VALUE 💰 

Race 2:  No.3  FLOP TURN RIVER

The Toowoomba-based galloper, FLOP TURN RIVER is in good touch this time in and already experiencing success at Ipswich, looks a solid winning chance here at odds today. Last start, the Better Than Ready gelding was having his first start for new trainer, Pat Webster, and wasn’t disgraced when finishing mid-field in a strong BM65 over 1300m on his (new) home track. The former Team Sears-trained gelding drew wide that day and just faded in the final 100m of the race, beaten less than three lengths on the line. He made his Ipswich debut two starts back where he took out a BM58 over the longer 1700m journey. At peak fitness after five runs this preparation and a already a winner at the track and distance, we can expect to see a much improved performance from him today where he looks well worth an each-way ticket in this contest.