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The Stradbroke Handicap (1400m, Group 1, handicap) is Queensland’s most time-honoured race. Jump time is 3:40pm AEST, so join us for our live blog of Brisbane’s richest race.
With a capacity field of 20 lining up this afternoon, horses from all over Australia are chasing glory, as well as a handsome $1 million cheque to the winner.
Last year, the ghostly grey Linton produced a massive sprint along the fence to snatch victory from local hero, Buffering. Three of the previous four winners came off sound efforts in the weight-for-age Doomben 10000 without winning with wide barriers being no disadvantage from the 1400m start at Eagle Farm.
Speed in the race should come from the favourite Srikandi off a wide draw. Expect Hucklebuck and Emblems to settle on the pace, while River Lad and Sacred Star should also push forward from wide barriers.
Top-weight Spirit of Boom is looking to become the first horses since Campaign King in 1988 to complete the Doomben 10000-Stradbroke double in the same year. He has become a model of consistency this preparation, winning two Group 1’s and running second three others. The 58 kilograms is a major concern, however he is proven at Group 1 level and oozes class.
Stablemate Temple of Boom was brave running second in the same race, while Rebel Dane peaked on his run after settling last. His first-up run behind Lankan Rupee was outstanding and Tommy Berry jumping on board is a huge bonus.
Knoydart drops 5.5 kilograms off a good run in the Doomben 10000, while Famous Seamus was luckless following a breakthrough win in the BTC Cup.
The lightweight chances are headed by Victorian Srikandi, looking for her sixth win in a row this campaign. Glen Boss has a huge opinion of the lightly-raced filly, however this is clearly her biggest test to date.
Hucklebuck is the other three-year-old contesting the event. He will derive great benefit from his first-up run in the Fred Best Classic, where he ran out of condition behind Havana after working hard early.
Of the others, Sacred Star won impressively last week and has the in-form Tim Bell on board. Gate 20 should not be a concern and he should find a nice spot behind the leaders.
Red Tracer couldn’t crack it for a win in the Sydney autumn carnival after a strong spring campaign in Melbourne. It is hard to resist the combination of Chris Waller and Nash Rawiller in a big Group 1 race and the mare has a great fresh record.
Smokin’ Joey stormed home to claim the Group 1 Goodwood last start and comes through the Adelaide carnival like Linton last year. Another last-start winner is River Lad, who led all the way to win the BRC Sprint in quick time. His weight-for-age form around Appearance stacks up nicely for a handicap like this.
The Stradbroke always provides a great finish and with dry conditions and a big field, this is sure to be another classic edition.
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