The Doomben 10,000 is set to be another cracking race this year. Six of the eleven starters named to line-up for this prestigious race are Group 1 winners, four of which have won a Group 1 this prep.
The barrier draw was done on Wednesday morning, which saw Rebel Dane, the early favourite in the betting, ease out a little after drawing Barrier 10.
The inside barriers have historically been the most successful in this race, but drawing wide is not the end of the world as there is a lot of time for jockeys to manoeuvre their rides before the first turn.
Getting a good spot before the turn is quite important at Doomben as the track has tight turns, so any runners caught wide will be made to work a lot harder than those on the fence.
Two runners that drew ideally this morning were both Tony Gallan’s runners, Spirit Of Boom (Barrier 2) and Temple Of Boom (Barrier 4). They have both looked in good touch this prep with Spirit Of Boom winning the Group 1 William Reid Stakes and Temple Of Boom winning a Group Two at Eagle Farm two starts back against a very competitive field. These runs read as very good form coming into this race.
Another that has drawn nicely is five-year-old gelding, Famous Seamus (Barrier 3). He will be looking for consecutive Group 1 victories after winning the BTC Cup last start. But the extra distance on that run shouldn’t be an issue as he is a two-time winner at this trip. Even with this form, the punters do not seem to be convinced with Famous Seamus at this level – hardly any money has come for him and he keeps drifting out.
The ones the punters have come for thus far are Buffering, Spirit Of Boom and Rebel Dane.
Queensland superstar Buffering will be out to break his poor record in Queensland Group 1 races, where he is yet to win. He has drawn Barrier 8 and will hoping for an improved showing from last start where he reportedly was not his usual self. Punters seem confident though, as he currently holds favouritism narrowly from Rebel Dane.
Rebel Dane looked very sharp when second behind Lankan Rupee in the T.J Smith at Randwick. He has since been freshened with a trial and is reportedly looking good in track work. Drawing Barrier 10 was obviously not ideal, but jockey Glen Boss should be able to get him into a good spot behind the speed and it should be a pretty fast tempo up front which will suit Rebel Dane.
Outside of the favourites, one runner that currently looks a good price is a four-year-old gelding from the Darley Team. Knoydart has been good all prep and has drawn pretty well in Barrier 6. He has a good record at this distance and was superb two starts back in Melbourne in the Newmarket. He ran a brave third behind Lankan Rupee after things didn’t really go his way during the race. A strong showing here would be no surprise.
Saturday’s weather forecast in Brisbane looks perfect for a great day of racing, the track will most likely be in the ‘good’ range. Bring it on!
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Floyd Calhoun
Guest
The mandatory photo that accompanies nearly every racing article. I wonder whether she knows.
Andy Hawk
Guest
poor guy with the white hat is still carrying the girl in the blue dress at Doomben. Talk about commitment!
Haradasun
Guest
I heard when doing trackwork he would know each horse intimately, never used a clipboard, just a stopwatch and the rest was in his head. Amazing trainer.
Richard Hosnell
Roar Pro
Hot Snitzel seems to relish with give in the ground, this may have been why he was too good for Knoydart in Sydney, I think Knoydart's run was pretty brave, but you are right in saying they both have to be in the mix, its a very open race.
Richard Hosnell
Roar Pro
Yes, very sad and a big loss for the racing community
Bondy
Guest
I haven't seen the fields yet, but those horses drawn in rarely go forward apart from Temple most horses drawn wide should cross relatively easily Buffering and Reb Dane, it must be Buffering's last chance he's been solid in commission at most recent runs including odds on last start. Dont be surprised if Temple leads all the way and wins its somewhat harder to kick off the bend at Doomben when you back mark there, this race could almost be categorised as a Gr 2 field also. Condolences to the Walter family a great patient trainer of thoroughbreds will be sadly missed.
Drew H
Guest
Comes as a shock. Suppose there will be plenty of tribute this weekend.
Scuba
Guest
RIP Guy Walter. Master trainer, will be sadly missed.
Scuba
Guest
Spirit of Boom will drop out, so his barrier is irrelevant. Don't like the way he's laid in at his last two. Temple of Boom is a couple of lengths short at this level, as his most recent run showed. Not sure why Famous Seamus is friendless - but it's often the case than long-priced winners start longer than they should at their following run. Buffering didn't seem to be at his best last start. If he finds his right form he breaks his QLD G1 duck. Rebel Dane was very average behind Hana's Goal in the All Aged, which may have been because the first up run behind Lankan Rupee on the bog took it out of him. Always been a hype horse, could win but will start unders. Knoydart was beaten by Hot Snitzel last time. If you give Knoydart a chance, I'd prefer to go Hot Snitzel at a much longer price. Out of those you haven't mentioned, reckon Conservatorium is a rough place chance. Good effort in the Goodwood when wide throughout. Driefontein has been up for a long time and her run in the Goodwood was poor (albeit that all the leaders folded). Couldn't have Scream Machine or Peron. Famous Seamus in a small betting race for me.
Drew H
Guest
Bring it on indeed. Scream Machine is the madman's pick. It's not a bad race but I'm only specking. "Try to beat the most proven" is the challenge. Conservatorium is the other madman's pick.