Stradbroke preview
Brisbane’s biggest race day hits Eagle Farm on Saturday with black-type racing from start to finish. There are four Listed races, two Group Two’s and three Group One’s including – arguably Queensland’s biggest race – the Stradbroke Handicap.
A full field of 18 runners (plus five emergencies) have accepted for the race, all in pursuit of the $1 million prize for the winner. Linton won it last year at big odds with an almost unbelievable sneaky rails run, and it’s that type of luck that many will be hoping for – especially those drawn awkwardly.
Srikandi was the clear favourite before barriers were drawn but after drawing barrier 17 (with emergencies) the 3YO filly is a slight drifter and she shares the top line with Hucklebuck. The Ciaron Maher-trained filly is six wins from seven career starts, including her last five in a row and she just keeps handling all that is put before her. Glen Boss takes the ride at 51kg.
Hucklebuck has also been allocated 51kg but he’s drawn the rails in barrier one. The 3YO gelding has won five from his nine career starts including a Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes in the spring, and he’s second-up into this where his second-up record is two from two.
Surely no one would be surprised if the ‘Boom Brothers’ ran the quinella. Spirit of Boom has been allotted top-weight of 58kg but he is in rare form. He’s won two and been runner-up four times in his last six runs, his two victories coming at Group One level. Temple of Boom has also been in good form, especially his last three runs where he’s been ridden by apprentice Tegan Harrison. He beat Spirit of Boom three starts back, ran second to him last start and the run in between; both were beaten by Noel Mayfield-Smith’s, Famous Seamus. He has drawn barrier ten but he’s one horse that doesn’t seem to mind drawing wide.
Rebel Dane has drawn the ‘car park’ in barrier 22 with Tom Berry back from Hong Kong to ride while Knoydart (barrier 14) is one who might enjoy the wide spaces of the Eagle Farm track. The gelding is one of two runners for John O’Shea (Emblems, the other) and one of three for Team Darley (Anthony Freedman’s Reparations, the third).
Red Tracer comes into this off a six week freshen-up, her most recent run being a third in the Group One Queen of the Turf Stakes during the Sydney Carnival. She’s had two recent barrier trial wins and is one of potentially three runners for Chris Waller.
Sacred Star had his Stradbroke admirers after his win last week in the QTC Cup but has drawn wide in barrier 20 while Smokin’ Joey is a last start Group One Goodwood winner.