One of five listed races scheduled for the Doomben program this Saturday, the Brisbane Handicap will see improving Absalon and Fillydelphia, the quinella from last fortnight’s Recognition Stakes, face off again. As they did in the Recognition Stakes, punters are sticking with the mare who holds the call at $3.80 over Black Cash $4.60, with Absalon $5.00 on the third line of beating with Someday. They appear to be the only chances in the races as the field falls away quickly around them.
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1. FILLYDELPHIA – M Cahill 58kgs (9)
Took a few runs to hit her straps this time in but when she did she dominated her rivals to record a comprehensive 3 ¼ length win in Open company over 1400m. That win was followed up by her most recent start in the Listed Recognition Stakes (1600m) a fortnight ago. From barrier one she got further back than anticipated and on a heavy track, couldn’t pick up the winner Absalon, who sat up on the speed and had a 4kg advantage. She meets Absalon 2kgs better here and only has to make up the 1 ¼ length deficit of last start. 
2. SOMEDAY – C Munce 56.5kgs (2)
After a successful campaign during the Brisbane Winter carnival, the Kelso Wood trained galloper contested, with no success, some of the better races in Sydney early in the spring. He returned home with a solid effort in the Listed Keith Noud, is first run in seven weeks, and backed that up with a ninth of thirteen (3.6 lengths) in last week’s G3 George Moore Stakes (1200m). Good effort last start after settling near the tail of field due to a wide draw. Quick step up in distance is unusual for him but did win the Listed Glasshouse Handicap off a quick back up. Hasn’t missed a place at three attempts at the mile (each in Listed company) and comes from an astute yard. Not to be underestimated.
3. ABSALON – L Cassidy 56kgs (7)
A tough win in a BM 75 (1400m) at Sydney’s Kensington track, was enough for Sam Kavanagh to send his charge north for a shot at the Listed Recognition Stakes last fortnight. Jumping well from midfield, Cassidy pushed the Mossman 5yo into second position on settling before kicking him away at the top of the straight. Relishing the wet conditions, he was strong through the line and recorded a 1 ¼ length win over Fillydelphia. He is improving with each run this time in and despite a further 2kgs here, cannot be ignored off of his last win.
4. BLACK CASH – R McMahon 55.5kgs (6)
Made it three wins from four starts this preparation when recording a narrow but strong win in the Greys race (1400m) during the VRC Carnival. We next saw the 5yo by Show A Heart step out in last fortnight’s Listed Recognition Stakes (1600m) as the 5/2 favourite. He appeared to get a lovely run in behind the speed but was unable to improve his position in the straight and finished sixth (2.9 lengths) behind Absalon. Expected to see more from him last start and with one win from six starts at the mile, it may be a trip that just sees him out – especially at this level?
5. PEPPERWOOD – R Thompson 54kgs (8)
The nine year old will line up for start number seventy-four and his fifth since returning from a nine week let-up. None of those five runs, the latest being an eight (3.4 lengths) in the Recognitions Stakes (1600m) would suggest that the old boy would be a legitimate chance here.
6. BANG ON – P Schmidt 54kgs (12)
A 6yo mare who last preparation, raced with success in races over a middle distance. She returned from a seventeen week spell last month and not surprisingly, in the two races she has contested – over 1300m and 1400m, she has been well accounted for. The step up to a mile will be of some benefited by the rise in class more than eradicates that advantage.
7. DOZINTMATERANYWAY – B Stewart 54kgs (11)
The 7yo gelding found his way to Liam Birchley’s stables from New Zealand earlier this year but hasn’t got close in any of his six Australian starts. Three of those starts have come since he returned from a spell at the beginning of last month and in each, he has finished in tenth place and no closer than 5 ½ lengths from the winner. Hard to see him making any impact in this race.
8. DANAGAZE – A Pattillo 54kgs (1)
Put in a poor performance when resuming form a fifteen week spell, finishing ninth of eleven in Open handicap over 1400m at Eagle Farm. His next and most recent start was a much improved effort that saw him flash home from the tail of the field in a BM 85 (1600m) to run a close up fifth behind Altai Warrior. Much better last start but still not a run that would suggest he could handle the significant jump in grade that he is faced with here.
9. BILLY AUCASH – R Wiggins 54kgs (4)
After a string of close up finishes, the 6yo gelding enjoyed stepping up to the 1800m two starts ago to claim a BM 90 (1800m) in good style. He then finished better than most when from the last quarter of the field, he ran seventh (3.7 lengths) behind Absalon in the Recognition Stakes. Honest last time but will find this race no easier.
10. ESSINGTON – B El-Issa 54kgs (5)
Ran fourth for the sixth consecutive time last start in the Listed Recognition Stakes (beaten 1 ¾ lengths) behind Absalon. He was afforded a lovely run from a good gate and stuck on well. That was his first run over a mile in some time and it should serve him well. Having drawn well again here, a similar run should be obtained and a place chance again would be likely.
11. PLAYACTION – J Taylor 54kgs (10)
Last two races contested by this 6yo gelding did not read well for a Listed race. He finished ninth of twelve (beaten 8 ½ lengths) before last start, again running ninth (beaten 5.7 lengths) both in BM 85 grade. Each time an apprentice claimed 3kgs meaning that, despite the jump in class he’ll receive little weight compensation.
12. HORA SEXTA – J Bryne 54kgs (3)
An improving type by Lonhro who faces his moment of truth having raced through his grades by winning five of his last six starts. The most recent effort was his best yet when from the tail of the field, he finished hard to record an impressive 1 ¼ length win in a Restricted race at Eagle Farm over 1400m. Why not have a stab at a Listed race given the way he is progressing and that the live chances in the field seem limited. Good jock, good gate.
RACE OVERVIEW.
No need to go any further down the field then the first three here. Fillydelphia can reverse the result of last week, especially with a better track. Absalon may still be improving and make his own luck up on the speed and very wary of Someday who, despite the quick back up and jump in distance, has the class to handle the challenge.
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- FILLYDELPHIA
- ABSALON
- SOMEDAY