Ipswich racing fans are gearing up for one of the biggest days on the local sporting calendar, with a high-quality Ipswich Cup Day program featuring three Listed races and competitive fields across all nine events.
Local racing analyst Rowan Anderson has labelled Belvedere Boys as the horse to beat in the 2026 Listed Ipswich Cup, describing the Matthew Dunn-trained gelding as the standout selection of the day.
“Giddy up Ipswich,” Anderson said as he unveiled his Cup Day selections.
“This year’s meeting shapes as a beauty, with strong fields across the entire card and three Listed features headlined by the famous Ipswich Cup.”
Belvedere Boys Chasing Ipswich Cup Glory
The Listed Ipswich Cup headlines Race 7 and Anderson believes Belvedere Boys is peaking at exactly the right time.
The son of Maurice has earned more than $700,000 in prizemoney throughout his career and brings proven staying credentials into the feature event. His ability to handle varying track conditions is another factor working in his favour.
Adding further intrigue is the opportunity for jockey Jake Bayliss to create a special family milestone. Bayliss is aiming to emulate his father, who won the Ipswich Cup 37 years ago.
While barrier 12 presents a challenge, Belvedere Boys’ customary racing pattern of settling back before launching late means the wide draw may not prove decisive if the race is run at a genuine tempo.
Anderson has installed Belvedere Boys as his Best Bet of the Day at $3.80.
Value Runner Could Surprise
For punters chasing a bigger return, Anderson has identified Quothquan in Race 3 as his Value Bet of the Day.
The gelding resumes from a spell but boasts an impressive record of 18 top-three finishes from 31 starts and has previously competed against strong metropolitan opposition.
Recent trial performances suggest he is ready to perform first-up, while apprentice jockey Jace McMurray’s claim reduces his weight and could prove a significant advantage.
At around $17, Anderson believes Quothquan offers excellent value.
Strong Support Across the Card
Several other runners have caught Anderson’s eye throughout the meeting.
In the opening race, local specialist Zoustrology is expected to make the most of his strong Ipswich record after already posting two wins at the track this preparation.
Addition is tipped to continue her recent good form in Race 2, while Pulveriser enters Race 4 off a dominant Ipswich victory and appears capable of another strong performance.
Race 5 features progressive mare Cindersea, who has recorded four wins from just ten starts and looks well placed from an inside barrier draw.
Listed Features Promise Quality Racing
The Listed TL Cooney in Race 6 sees Call Da Vinci rated as the horse to beat after competing in some of Queensland’s strongest three-year-old races this season, including the QTIS Jewel, Listed Daybreak Lover and Group 2 Queensland Guineas.
The Listed Eye Liner Stakes in Race 8 features experienced performer Cifrado, who enters the race with nearly $1.9 million in career earnings and the class credentials to match.
The final Listed race of the day, the Gai Waterhouse Classic, could provide a value result with She’s Exotic. Despite being rated a longer-priced chance, her record of seven wins from 12 starts and a favourable weight profile make her a genuine contender.
Cup Day Set to Deliver
With strong fields, quality Listed races and a packed Ipswich Cup Day atmosphere, racing enthusiasts are expected to flock to the track for one of the region’s premier sporting events.
Anderson believes the combination of established stakes performers, emerging talent and competitive betting markets will make for a memorable afternoon of racing.
Rowan Anderson’s Ipswich Cup Day Selections:
- Race 1: Zoustrology
- Race 2: Addition
- Race 3: Quothquan (Value Bet)
- Race 4: Pulveriser
- Race 5: Cindersea
- Race 6: Call Da Vinci
- Race 7: Belvedere Boys (Best Bet – Ipswich Cup)
- Race 8: Cifrado
- Race 9: She’s Exotic
With history, prestige and substantial prizemoney on the line, all eyes will be on Race 7 as Belvedere Boys attempts to write his name into Ipswich Cup folklore.
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