Can Spirit Of Boom bow out of racing a winner and be the first Queensland horse since La Montagna to win Queensland premier race, the Stradbroke Handicap? Spirit Of Boom has been in outstanding form but history says that the weight he has been allocated for Saturday’s feature, will make it hard for him to head off to stud a triple Group 1 winner. Only champion gallopers Rough Habit (1992) and Campaign King (1988) have been able to carry 58kgs or more to victory in this race. In fact, in the last 20 years, Show A Heart has carried the highest weight to victory – 56kgs. Spirit Of Boom is quoted an $8.00 chance and sits on the second line of betting behind two smart 3yo’s in Srikandi and Hucklebuck, both assigned 51kgs. At $5.00 each, the lightly race juveniles dominated the betting but favouritism is something that has also been hard to carry to victory in the Stradbroke. Thorn Park, who won this race ten years ago in 2004, when coincidently ridden by Glenn Boss who takes the ride on Srikandi, was the last favourite to salute.
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Stradbroke Handicap 2014 field
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1. SPIRIT OF BOOM – M Rodd (6) 58kgs
He deservedly won the G1 Doomben 10,000 last start after running close seconds in both the G2 Victory Stakes and G1 BTC Cup. His last start win made it thirteen consecutive top four finishes – all at G1 or G2 level, including finishing fourth (1.1 lengths) in this race last year carrying 54kgs. Will have the job in front of him with the top weight under handicap conditions but his form is outstanding and cannot be dismissed.
2. REBEL DANE – T Berry (22) 56.5kgs
Ran a terrific second to superstar sprinter Lankan Rupee first up in the G1 TJ Smith (1200m) on a heavy track but was flattened by that run a fortnight later when, as the short-priced favourite, he finished a disappointing fifth (3.3 lengths) in the All Aged Stakes (1400m). Given a freshen up after that run, punters again stuck with him in the G1 Doomben 10,000 and he finished well from the tail of the field in a race dominated by those closer to the speed and fence, to finish fourth (3/4 length) behind Spirit Of Boom. That run and a genuine tempo here suit and if he can navigate some sort of path from his horror draw, should be right in the mix.
3. FAMOUS SEAMUS – R Wiggins (10) 56kgs
More was expected from him in his three runs immediately following an excellent first up third in the G2 Challenge Stakes but two starts back, in the G1 BTC Cup, the 5yo gelding showed his true ability, letting down well from midfield to record a half length win over Spirit Of Boom. He had no luck in his next and most recent outing, the Doomben 10,000, where he missed a run at the top of the straight and again shortly thereafter, finishing ninth (4.1 lengths). Dismiss that last start and meets Spirit of Boom 2.5kgs better. Drawn well in ten and a genuine chance at double figure odds.
4. RED TRACER – N Rawiller (16) 56kgs
As expected, too good for her own sex first up last prep winning the G2 Millie Fox comfortably before, despite starting favourite on each occasion, finding a few too good in the G1 Canterbury Classic (3rd), George Ryder (10th) and at her most recent start back in April, the Queen Of The Turf (3rd). Has had two winning trials over the past month in readiness for this race and whilst it will be a feat by both horse and trainer to take this out at her first run in seven weeks, she has the ability to do it – especially if there’s a bit of rain.
5. TEMPLE OF BOOM – T Harrison (18) 56kgs
A return to Queensland and to drier tracks, as seen this 7yo produce some of his best results over the past month. He unexpectedly won the G2 Victory Stakes as a 40/1 shot three starts ago before proving it no fluke but running a credible fourth to Famous Seamus in the BTC Cup and making his younger sibling and stable-mate Spirit Of Boom, earn his head victory when second in the 10,000 a fortnight ago. Has enjoyed sweet runs in each of those races and whilst he drops to handicap conditions here which is a plus, the wide draw will see him working for the majority of the race.
6. SMOKIN JOEY – B Melham (3) 55.5kgs
This 6yo has proved very hard for punters to catch, with his last two victories both being recorded as a 40/1 shot. Once of those wins was his most recent start, the G1 Goodwood Handicap where, under 56kgs and on a slow track, he finished strongly from the tai of the field to defeat in-from mare Platelet by half a length. Quoted $17.00 for Saturday’s race but likely to get back and will need plenty of luck from gate 3.
7. RIVER LAD – D Oliver (19) 55kgs
The ultra consistent son of Top Echelon recorded his twelfth and first Group win last start with a head victory in the BRC Sprint (1350m) defeating Benny’s Buttons. From gate 10 in the field of 13, he shot across to lead and toughed out the finish well. Drops 2.5kgs on that win but has drawn poorly out in gate 19 and if he is to repeat the pattern of last start, could be vulnerable after early work.
8. CONSERVATORIUM – J Bowditch (2) 54kgs
Put together a sensational campaign this time last year that included narrow seconds in both the G1 Goodwood and G2 QTC Cup before a deserved win in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes but, from four starts this preparation, has struggled to repeat those efforts. In each of those runs though, all at Group level, he has been assigned at least 57kgs or higher so the return to 54kgs and the inside draw should see a marked improvement but from his current performance level, still not enough to be winning here.
9. SACRED STAR – T Bell (20)
The Flying Spur 4yo capped off a memorable day for Tim Bell last week when he was successful in the QTC Cup (1300m). He settled in a great spot and always had the leaders in his sight up the straight before finishing too well and holding of Masthead’s challenge to win by a head. That was the New Zealander’s first run in Australian and first hit-out for fourteen weeks. He’ll strip fitter and boast an impressive record back in NZ which includes a head second in the G1 NRM Sprint (1400m). Unfortunately though, he has a bad barrier to contend with here and in races such as this, everything has to go right.
10. KNOYDART – K McEvoy (14) 53.5kgs
Returned as a gelding last campaign and blossomed, winning his first three runs back, including the Listed Canterbury Classic and Hareeba Stakes before finishing third in both the G1 Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap behind Lankan Rupee and Spirit Of Boom on both occasions. Came back to racing as the hot favourite in the G3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) and loomed up ominously topping the Randwick rise but couldn’t reel in Hot Snitzel on the slow track, finishing second by 1 ¼ lengths. His next and most recent start saw him come from near last and as the widest runner in the Doomben 10,000 to run fifth (1.8 lengths) behind Spirit Of Boom. Laid in up the straight last start and his mind not being on the job as prove costly the last couple but, a drop to 53.5kgs here is massive and his spring form top shelf.
11. BELLTONE – E Wilkinson (4) 53.5kgs
Kicked off his campaign with a good fourth (1.8 lengths) in the Listed Prime Minister’s Cup on the Gold Coast to Dances On Stars before tackling the G2 QTC Cup last week. Settled on the pace in the QTC Up but weakened from the turn and finished second to last, five lengths from the winner Sacred Star. Has been assigned big weights both runs back so the 53.5kgs and good draw here will be welcomed but likely to be accounted for at this level.
12. VELROSSO – L Cassidy (21) 52.5kgs
As he always does, the General Nediym gelding was doing his best work last when fifth (1.4 lengths) behind Mighty Lucky first up on the Listed Luskin Star at Scone three weeks ago. That was only his second attempt at a Listed race so faces a big step up here in terms of class and the barrier will make the challenge any easier to meet.
13. EMBLEMS – C Schofield (8) 52.5kgs
Just held his ground on the slow track first up in the G3 Hall Marks Stakes back in April when fifth (3 ¾ lengths) behind Hot Snitzel and Knoydart before starting the 5/4 favourite in the Listed Luskin Star at Scone three weeks ago. From the inside gate he held a forward position but found Mighty Lucky and Haussmann a shade too strong late over the 1300m journey, finishing third (1/2 length). First go at a Group race and to be considered a chance of winning, had to be winning last start in good style.
14. REPARATIONS – D Moor (13) 52.5kgs
After several consistent runs in Stakes races at the start of the year, including a second to Messene in the Listed National Sprint (1400m) at Canberra, the 5yo by Exceed And Excel returned from a brief break with a deserved win in the Listed T’bred Cup (1440m) at Caulfield. Finishing strongly from midfield, the Anthony Freedman trained galloper bettered Loot’n’Run by a long neck on the line. He had a solid hit-out just over a week ago when winning a Doomben Trail by 3 ¼ lengths. Going well and represents a light-weight chance at big odds.
15. LUCKY HUSSLER – J Taylor (11) 52.5kgs
Last week’s eleventh of thirteen in the QTC Cup, where he failed to make an impression from the second half of the field, followed a poor effort in the G3 BRC Sprint where as 15/4 favourite, he finished in a similar position. That has seen the Husson 4yo, who showed great potential as a 3yo last year during this carnival, fail to finish in the top ten at each of his last four starts. Not the form you want to be carrying into a G1 race.
16. SCORPIO QUEEN – (12) 52.5kgs
New Trainer Kris Lees is going to throw this 5yo mare by Choisir into the deep end first up off a nine week break. She travelled to Sydney to contest some of the good fillies and mare races but found at least a few too good for her on each occasion. She looks well out of her depth on those efforts in this race.
17. SRIKANDI – G Boss (17) 51kgs
Made it five straight wins and continues to impress with a comfortable 1 ¼ length win in the G3 Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m), a race for fillies and mares, a fortnight ago. The daughter of Dubawi shot straight to the lead and gave none of her thirteen competitors a chance and was eased down on the line. She carried 57kgs last start and drops to a featherweight of 51kgs for Saturday’s race where she’ll push forward again despite gate 17. Ready for to take on the top grade on her recent efforts and will give them plenty to catch.
18. HUCKLEBUCK – D Tourneur (1) 51kgs
Started favourite in the Australian Guineas (1600m) but never looked a genuine threat before finishing eighth (2.6 lengths) behind Shamus Award. Given a break of nine weeks after that run, he returned to racing in the G3 Fred Best Classic (1350m) at Doomben where he took up the lead position. Fitness levels and a sweet run to the winner Havana, saw him finish fourth (1.4 lengths). Will strip fitter for that run and whilst still not proven at the elite level, the 51kgs make it possible for him to run a bold race here, as does the inside draw.
19. MASTHEAD – C Munce (15) 52.5kgs (1st EM)
The Written Tycoon 5yo has had three runs back in Australia after contesting several seasons in Singapore, each of them solid efforts. The latest of these runs came in last week’s QTC Cup where from a midfield position, he tried to chase down Sacred Star, failing to do so by a short neck. Was being held by Sacred Star on the line last start but meets that horse 1kg better and drawn slightly better. Not without some hope of filling a place should he get a start.
20. INTO THE RED – A Spinks (5) 51kgs (2nd EM)
Drew well and settled handy to the speed before toughing at well to finish second to Havana in the G3 Fred Best Classic two starts back. The Not A Single Doubt colt than draw poorly in the QLD Guineas (15 in a field of eighteen), settled back in the field and never made an impression in the run home, finishing second to last and six lengths form the winner Sir Moments. Drawn much better here, will go forward (if he gets a start) but hard to see him holding out the challengers late.
21. HAVANA – (9) 51kgs (3rd EM)
Starcraft gelding who had always promised to win a good race and two starts ago he did. From an inside gate he secured a lovely run in transit back on the fence behind the leaders before gaining an inside run rounding the turn and finishing too well for Into The Red, winning by a length. He draw well again in last week’s QLD Guineas by failed to stick on this time, weakening in the straight to run fifteenth (5.5 lengths) behind Sir Moments. Has plenty to turn around in the space of a week.
22. BELLE DE COUR – (7) 52.5kgs
Made up a lot of ground from back in the field, on a course where that’s not all that easy to do, when fifth (2.3 lengths) behind Aerobatics in the G3 Darley Crown at Hawkesbury two starts back. The Show A Heart mare than did well chasing the promising Srikandi home in the G3 Glenlogan Park Stakes, finishing second (1.3 lengths). Lightly raced mare in solid form who with a light weight and good gate, would run a bold race but unfortunately, unlikely to get a start being fourth emergency.
23. SCREAM MACHINE – (23) 52.5kgs
Finished nicely first up off a four month spell when third to Tromso (since won again) before contesting the G1 WFA Doomben 10,000 a fortnight ago and running a tremendous sixth (1.9 lengths) behind Spirit Of Boom. Closed well last start and the 1400m and bigger Eagle Farm track would play into his hands, as would the drop from 59kgs to 52.5kgs! Unlikely to get a start but worth an each way ticket if he finds his one into the field and should be followed moving forward.
Stradbroke Handicap 2014 odds
RACE OVERVIEW
Srikandi pushes forward and fellow 3yo Hucklebuck will hold his position on the fence. Both smart horses capable of offering plenty of cheek with their light weights. Only good horses – champion horses win this race with a big weight, but just can’t ignore the form of Spirit Of Boom for this and the $8 is a good eachway prince for a horse that’s won two G1’s from his past four starts. Famous Seamus might be the forgotten horse. He was luckless last start and his win in the BTC Cup showed how good he can be. He should secure a lovely run from 10 and get his chance in the straight. If Knoydart puts his mind on the job (note any gear changes) he could be finishing home all over the top of them. Doesn’t need to find much to be right in the finish here. Outside of the top selections, Sacred Star (poor draw a worry) and Reparations, the next best.
- SRIKANDI
- FAMOUS SEAMUS
- SPIRIT OF BOOM
- KNOYDART
News:
A horse not originally in Stradbroke Handicap nominations will line up as one of the favourites in the Group One race in Brisbane for trainer Ciaron Maher.
Meanwhile in Melbourne, a horse Maher had earmarked for Queensland’s signature race will be out to extend his unbeaten run to five in a benchmark event at Moonee Valley.
Brilliant filly Srikandi was not among first entries for Saturday’s Stradbroke at Eagle Farm but five wins on the trot including the Glenlogan Park Stakes convinced connections to pay a late fee to put her in.
Stablemate Akavoroun has won his four starts in lesser company and was among initial nominations for the Doomben 10,000 and Stradbroke, but an interstate trip has not eventuated.
“He was in a lot of races and we thought if he progressed through quickly, Queensland might have been an option for him,” Maher said.
“Whether it was at 1400 metres or not, we were probably being a bit ambitious there. But he’s definitely always shown good ability and he’s progressing through his grades nicely.”
Four-year-old Akavoroun resumed from a long break to win a restricted race first-up at Warrnambool with 60kg before scoring again at Bendigo over 1400m last month.
Akavoroun, who runs in the Sportingbet Hcp (1500m) is the shortest-priced favourite on the Moonee Valley card.
“He raced a bit fresh at Bendigo because he had missed a bit of work and it had been a little while between runs, but his ability got him over the line,” Maher said.
“This is just the next progression for him on Saturday. He ran in a (benchmark) 78 last start and now he’s in an 84. The distance should be OK and he’s drawn a nice gate. So he’s got a lot in his favour.”
It looms as a potentially big day in the career of Maher with Srikandi a chance to become the trainer’s second Group One winner, while stablemate Mr O’Ceirin is on the third line of betting for the Brisbane Cup (2400m).
Maher has always known Srikandi has plenty of ability and the filly has gone to another level in Queensland.
“We thought we would get her up there and hopefully get a black type race or two, but she just thrived and grew another leg up there,” he said.
“We asked the question of her last start. She had a bit against her with weight and a wide gate and we thought if she could win that with a bit of authority that would be the deciding factor to have a crack at the Stradbroke.”