River Lad has given Queensland a local victory in the state’s flagship race with a head-bobbing win in Saturday’s Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm.
In a race dominated by the on-pace runners, River Lad and Temple Of Boom settled first and second in the run and that’s how they finished.
Filly Srikandi enjoyed a beautiful run behind the speed but was unable to reel in the first two, finishing third.
The victory by River Lad gave trainer Natalie McCall her maiden success at Group One level and was aided by a top ride from Damien Oliver who was able to cross from a wide draw.
The runner-up’s stablemate Spirit Of Boom was game under his topweight of 58kg to finish fourth.
The backmarkers were unable to make any impression in the race.