A number of these higher quality runners coming out of the Stradbroke will certainly appreciate dropping back to mares and fillies only grade, for the final Group 1 race of the season.
Suspect those that fit this profile will be the ones to follow and early betting suggests they are the leading hopes.
The slight concern that always exists with this race is that some horses will be arriving here as an afterthought, chasing elusive Group 1 glory after missing out in their initial target races.
Race Track Traits
Doomben is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 3.5m the entire circuit and fine weather predicted in the lead up to, and on Saturday.
The track has been heavily criticised throughout the Queensland winter carnival with leading jockeys and trainers expressing concern surrounding what is best described as a shifting surface with plenty of fill in patches.
This leads some to believe a number of upset results during the carnival have resulted from the inconsistent surface.
A close watch is advised from race one and throughout the day, to determine any preferred lanes.
Market Movers
Early betting markets have been quiet ahead of this final Group 1 of the season aside from longer priced moves for both French Emotion backed from $51 into $34 and Volpe Veloce $61 into $31.
Key Runners
#1 Invincibella $16
Was a huge run last start when she came from a near impossible position well back to win the Dane Ripper here at Group 2 level. She drew wide that day and got well back.
Suspect she will follow a similar pattern here after drawing in gate 15, that is ok considering she is a genuine run on type.
Loves this distance (10:4-3-2) and has to be a strong chance with Kerrin McEvoy booked, provided there is speed in the race.
#2 Miss Wilson $16
Interesting NZ runner who arrives first-up for this following a last start win in the Group 1 Breeders Stakes at Te Aroha.
Has trialed impressively at Eagle Farm in the lead-up to Saturday, however she has plenty of weight for a mare (57kg) and has drawn awkwardly in 10.
Would need a strong push in betting late to entertain, otherwise no.
#3 Daysee Doom $13
Loves to lead and was effective winning at Group 1 level last prep in the Coolmore Classic.
Has an impressive first-up record, however doubt she can overcome the wide gate (20) here with plenty who will want the front drawn inside.
Would need some key breaks in running and happy to risk.
#4 Prompt Response $6
Will lead and be in this for a long way. Last start, could have made a case she should have won after being trapped wide before only just missing when running second to Invincibella in the Group 2 Dane Ripper.
From the better draw here in gate 3, she gets the chance to atone by racing to her best pattern of on-speed domination. Leading chance.
#5 Super Cash $9
Went very close when running second in the Stradbroke last start, which is hot form for this given she is back to mares/fillies only grade.
However, can’t help but think the indifferent Doomben track threw up some bizarre results that day which worked in her favour and is another that will need the breaks to come after jumping from a wide gate. No
#6 Shillelagh $13
The dynamic Waller/Walker combination is present here and the latter does have the ability to lift horses over the line, that have gone quiet in recent times.
The Stradbroke sixth was ok considering she was crowded and had excuses in the run. Will be getting back, however she has drawn out in a position where she should be able to find the back of one in a moving line at the right moment.
The stable have a good opinion and she could surprise a few here.
#10 Savanna Amour $9.50
Was brilliant winning the Listed Hinkler Hcp here last start where she ducked and weaved before exploding away in the run to the line.
She was heavily supported in early betting that day which indicates she is going very well.
They have the option to ride closer here from the good draw in gate 1 and whilst she won’t lead, they could opt to be two or three pairs back.
This will be an excellent striking position and she looks the one to beat. Goes on top.
#15 Champagne Cuddles $15
Is absolutely flying and has been desperately unlucky in her past two, both at Group 1 level against the older hoses following the Gold Coast Guineas victory.
Maps beautifully from gate 4 where Corey can choose to be anywhere he likes. Slight knock that this race is most likely an afterthought for her, however certainly believe she is a definite exception and can overcome this rule. Top hope.
Of The Others
There was a huge coat tuggers spruik around for Invincible Gem in the Stradbroke last start where she ran well. Back to mares/fillies grade here will help and if there is strong interest in betting late, she is worth an each way ticket.
Race Track Traits 
Market Movers
Key Runners
Tips
