8/6/19 Eagle Farm tips and best bets: Stradbroke Handicap
Kiwi's Triple Treat
AAP| Distance | 1400m |
| Grade | Group 1 |
| Track Rating | Good 4 |
| Prizemoney | $1,500,000 |
| Class | Handicap |
| 2018 winner | Santa Ana Lane |
The Stradbroke Handicap is the feature Group One of the Brisbane Winter Carnival, with runners competing for $1.5million in prizemoney over 1400m.
Kiwi raider, The Bostonian, is aiming for a historic Group One treble, after proving too strong in key lead-up races the Doomben 10,000 and the Kingsford Smith Cup.
Eagle Farm Track Traits
The Eagle Farm track is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail out 2m the entire circuit.
With 1-5mm of rain predicted to fall on Saturday, there is a chance of a minor track downgrade.
Jumping from the back straight, runners have 350m to find a position before they are met with a long sweeping bend that leads to the home straight.
Runners drawn in inside barriers will hold a slight advantage over this distance.
Racing Market Movers
Race favourite The Bostonian has been on the drift, out to $4.80 from $4.50 openers.
There have been a few horses specked at odds, most notably Godolphin pair Viridine ($20 into $16) and Trekking ($6.00 into $5.50).
Key Runners
#1 The Bostonian $4.50 > $4.80
Is aiming for three Group One wins on-the-trot, but now gives away weight to his nearest rivals.
It's fair to say that if he was trained by Chris Waller, he'd be much shorter in the market.
On current form he is the best horse in the race and given how strong he was through the line in the Kingsford Smith Cup last start, only bad luck stops him here.
He's well over the odds at the $4.80! Yes! Yes! Yes!
#2 Home Of The Brave $14.00
A classy gelding who is well in at the weights.
His first-up run on April 20 was fair and he comes here fresh off the back of a soft trial at Deagon.
The wide draw in barrier 22 is a huge concern, but you'd expect his class to carry him a long way.
Include in all exotics.
#3 Despatch $15.00
Is aiming for five consecutive wins and has drawn perfectly in barrier one to sit on-pace and run out a strong 1400m.
His win in the Group One Goodwood over 1200m was solid, but he's never run beyond that distance and against quality gallopers, he looks vulnerable.
Avoid!
#4 Widgee Turf $15.00
Will have no issue running out a strong 1400m, however he jumps from barrier 16 which should see him sit wide near last.
This will see him give better-fancied runners a big start.
He'll need a break neck speed up front to be a shot of fighting out the finish. Unlikely.
#5 Trekking $6.00 > $5.50
Had the gun run in the Kingsford Smith, but couldn't bridge the gap to The Bostonian and was passed by Princess Posh late.
Has drawn more awkward this time around and is a query stepping up to the 1400m. No thanks!
#8 Spright $11.00
A talented sprinter who broke through for her first Group One in the Robert Sangster at Morphettville.
Her racing pattern suggests she'll be flying at them late.
Given she has placed only once at five starts over 1400m however, it's difficult to have her in the mix. Pass!
#11 Viridine $20.00 > $16.00
Was plain last start, but does drop 5kg and can improve.
Pretty in Pink proved far too good at their last meeting however, and there is nothing to suggest that he can turn the tables here. Next!
#13 Tyzone $9.50
This is a huge step up in grade but his racing style and record over the 1400m suggests he can be thereabouts.
From barrier 12, he'll need a good ride from Tommy Berry and if he can absorb pressure mid-field he'll run top 5.
He looks a touch under the odds at $9.50 and that's enough to see him slip out of the top-four selections.
#15 Princess Posh $26.00
Ran within 0.75 lengths of The Bostonian last start, drops 5kg for this run and meets him 3kg better off at the weights.
She's drawn far better this time around in barrier three and has a brilliant record over the 1400m (16:5-2-4).
She handles all going, so she won't be affected if the rain does come.
Beat home Trekking last start and meets him at the same weight, yet Trekking is $6 and she is $26.
She looks well over the odds and must be included in Quaddies.
#18 Pretty In Pink $14.00
Was quite impressive in the Group Two Moreton Cup, defeating the classy Viridine with ease.
She carries the feather weight of 49kg and from the perfect draw in barrier two, will sit just off a strong speed and be ready to pounce.
The $14 represents value and it wouldn't at all shock to see her fighting out the finish.
Best Racing Tips
1st The Bostonian
2nd Princess Posh
3rd Pretty In Pink
4th Home Of The Brave
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