Horse Racing Tips for the Kingsford Smith Cup 2025

Make no mistake, Saturday’s Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) is the perfect curtain-raiser to the Stradbroke Handicap in three weeks.

This year's edition features a fascinating mix of battle-hardened stars, progressive four-year-olds peaking in their careers, and even a lone three-year-old with plenty of upside.

But the real challenge? A serious lack of natural speed, setting the stage for a tactical affair at Eagle Farm.

The bigger and wider track layout will give backmarkers a chance to launch late.

It’s a wide-open Group 1 with potential for a false favourite, making it an enticing betting race.

You can get my full set of tips for racing this Saturday via the link below.

Neil Evans’ 2025 Kingsford Smith Cup Preview & Best Bets

Track Conditions

The track was rated a Soft 5 as of Thursday and is expected to firm up by Friday.

However, with rain forecast on Saturday, punters should work around a Soft 5 or slightly worse come race time.

Speed Map Overview

With few natural leaders, Victorian raider Rise At Dawn looks likely to find the front and control the tempo.

Sitting just behind will be Kimochi (from a soft draw) and Zarastro wider out, with Libertad close in behind.

The midfield pack will include Golden Mile, early favourite Joliestar, Benedetta, and Gold Coast Guineas winner Bosustow.

Back in the ruck, expect to see Group 1 stars Private Eye and Giga Kick biding their time for one late run.

The Favourite – Joliestar $2.60

There’s no doubting her class, but early markets have Joliestar well under the odds.

She’s been freshened since her Group 1 Newmarket win, but that was a soft edition of the race.

With six weeks between runs and a wide draw, she’s a vulnerable favourite.

Overexposed at short quotes, she’s yet to fully convince as a dominant weight-for-age performer.

Neil’s Best Bet – Giga Kick $5.50

Back on track and perfectly placed second-up, Giga Kick is ready to remind punters of his class.

His run in the Group 1 Goodwood was full of merit, hitting the line well after enduring a tough wide run in transit.

Now fitter, better drawn, and suited to the spacious Eagle Farm track, he gets the setup to finish powerfully.

At $5.50, he’s excellent value in a race lacking tempo, especially under weight-for-age conditions.

The Dangers

• Benedetta ($7.50) – Had little luck in the Doomben 10,000, blocked at the worst possible time, but still closed off well. Steps up to 1300m, which suits.

• Bosustow ($9.00) – Flying through the grades and makes the leap to open Group 1 company. Drawn well, maps for a soft run, and is a legitimate threat late.

• Joliestar ($2.60) – Still has to be respected on class, but the price makes her one of the more overrated Group 1 favourites in recent times.

Neil’s Top 4 Selections – Kingsford Smith Cup

1. Giga Kick (Best Bet)

2. Benedetta

3. Bosustow

4. Joliestar

For thousands more tips including free selections for today's racing, head to Australia's best racing tips market at thegreattipoff.com.