Nine races, all black type and all shaping as hugely competitive are the feature of Stradbroke day at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The big G1 itself, the $3m Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), will have many differing opinions as those with light weights take the attention of the punters. Think About It ($2.80) doesn’t know how to run badly and won’t get a better chance at a handicap with this weight again).
Same goes for Hawaii Five Oh ($4.50) for Tulloch Lodge as they seek back to back Straddies. They will also have Converge ($8) right in the reckoning while Aft Cabin ($9) will run well for Godolphin.
Another G1 on the program is the JJ Atkins (1600m) for the babies and Chris Waller will chase his own piece of history looking for his 150th G1. He will have the likes of Tannhauser ($4.50), Chrysaor ($8) and Congregation ($8) all with top chances.
Yet more million dollar racing is in The Q22 with the WFA stars running over the 2200m. Huetor ($3.50) hopes to win again off his Doomben Cup victory but has plenty of company with strong stayers like Duais ($8) and Without A Fight ($3.50).
Speaking of stayers, the two milers run in the G2 Brisbane Cup where Al Aabir ($6) will be trying to emulate the last two Winter Cup winners who backed up and scored at Eagle Farm. He take on many of the usual marathon stayers like Selino ($15) and True Marvel ($11).
The G2 Dane Ripper (1300m) for the girls will have a big field. Plenty of G1 standard mares heading to the Tatts Tiara here like Sheeza Belter ($8) and September Run ($15) plus Opal Ridge ($3.50) in great form.
Other highlights on the card include the G3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) for the 3yos, Listed Wayne Wilson (1600m) for the milers, the Hinkler Handicap (1200m) giving the sprinters more options and an Oxlade Stakes (1300m) where the babies run.