The leading Stradbroke contenders line up here for another Group 1 hit out prior to the big one. The Doomben 10,000 form from two weeks back features heavily, with all three place-getters lining up again here.
Suspect the market may have overreacted slightly with English, who appeared to get plenty of favours close to speed last start when winning, and feel it may be a disadvantage drawing in gate 1 for this.
Race Track Traits
Doomben is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 4.5m the entire course and light showers expected on race day.
The circuit at Doomben is tight and more often than not, most will default to on-speed holding the advantage as it is simply too hard to make up ground when coming wide. A close watch is always advised, whereby late in the day it may be an advantage to steer 3 to 4 horses off the rail.
Market Movers
English has firmed slighlty into $5 from $5.50 openers. There have been no other significant moves of note in early betting, with most leading hopes appearing steady in the market.
Key Runners
#1 Impending $4.50
Came with a barnstorming run to grab second in the Doomben 10,000 last start when he got back in a race where there looked to be some favours close to speed.
Love his profile here third-up and have to take note of the great form this prep. The slight concern is gate 9 where it is likely they will be forced to go well back. If there is a genuine tempo, he will be very hard to beat and rushed off to stud.
#2 Le Romain $3.20
No doubt he should have won the G1 Doomben 10,000 last start when he sat wide the trip and was still right there at the finish.
Jumps from gate 5 here and clearly has the tactical speed to be close again if they choose. Suspect the instructions will be to travel close or on speed where if he gets the soft trip, should peel and run away with it. Leading hope.
#3 Care To Think $8
Mathew Dunn has maintained a huge opinion of this gelding all the way through, seen in his willingness to take on stakes grade in Sydney two back.
Last start was only plain here in the Doomben 10,000, and the speed map looks very ugly for him on Saturday. Suspect J Mac will need one to get his eye back in at Group 1 level. No.
#9 English $5.50 > $5
Was ultra impressive last start in winning the Doomben 10,000 where she had close to speed favours throughout the trip. Jumping from gate 1 this week, she may well find the leader's back again here.
There is a significant risk that she finds herself three back the rail, where she will need plenty of luck to extricate. Leaders may get it too cheap, which works against her. Risk.
#11 Champagne Cuddles $5
It appears the stable are looking to get plenty out of this 3yo filly after leading everyone to believe they were going to the Fred Best Classic. Suspect the money is on and she does look good enough to pull it off.
Brained them last start in the Gold Coast Guineas, and although this is a massive step up in grade from an awkward ally, betting suggests she is right up to it. Top hope.
Of The Others….
Lucky Hussler loves a trip north and certainly has the quality to be competitive in this.
Comes straight into the race fresh which could be lethal against a few of these who have been up a while. Worth an each way bet if he gets out to huge odds.
May 24, 2018 12:34 PM
Steve Hart
Race Track Traits
Market Movers
Key Runners
Selections
