THERE are three Group 1’s at Doomben this Saturday, capping off a successful Brisbane Winter Carnival which has seen Group 1 races go to Porchinet, Hot Snitzel, Boban and Winx in the Queensland Oaks.
This week we get a trifecta of Group 1’s with the $2 million Stradbroke Handicap, highlighting a wonderful card of races that also includes the Queensland Derby and The TJ Smith over 1600 metres.
We have all the latest news, odds and updated markets for all three Group 1 races to end the main part of the Winter Carnival.
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Controversy surrounds 2015 Stradbroke barrier draw
The Robert Smerdon-trained Lumosty has been denied a guaranteed spot by handicappers for the 2015 $2 million Stradbroke Handicap this Saturday, sending punters into turmoil.
There has been plenty of futures money spent on the three-year-old which has won its last two races in Melbourne impressively.
Despite not making the initial field of 16 runners (Lumosty sits 17th in the running order) bookmakers still have the filly as the $5.50 favourite – projecting that there will be scratching before Saturday.
Punters will now get their money refunded if the daughter of Fastnet Rock doesn’t start, therefore the $5.50 on offer looks like good value. That price will likely drop to around $4.50-$5 if it makes the final 16.
Support has come for the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Charlie Boy, which flashed home for second in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000.
The four-year-old drops to 54kg with Craig Williams in the saddle and has attracted plenty of money at $6 with Sportsbet.com.au.
Other supported runners include New Zealand’s Sacred Star, Generalife and Knoydart at $9 which will be one of James McDonald’s last rides before heading to Europe.
2015 Stradbroke Handicap barrier draw and market
*Odds available at CrownBet.com.au – subject to change.
1. Boban (8) – $13 (out from $11)
2. Hot Snitzel (16) – $18 (out from $17)
3. Sacred Star (5) – $10 (steady)
4. Smokin’ Joey (10) – $41 (steady)
5. Generalife (21) – $9 (steady)
6. Temple Of Boom (14) – $17 (out from $15)
7. Lord Of The Sky (3) – $17 at CrownBet.com.au
8. Charlie Boy (7) – $6 (steady)
9. Knoydart (4) – $9 (steady)
10. Big Money (9) – $21 (in from $26)
11. Black Heart Bart (17) – $8 (steady)
12. Fontelina (19) – $101 (out from $81)
13. El Roca (2) – $34 (steady)
14. Srikandi (1) – $11 (steady)
15. Fast ‘n’ Rocking (6) – $34 (steady)
16. Delectation (11) – $9 (in from $11)
17. Lumosty (13) – $5.50 (steady)
18. Rock Sturdy (12) – $34
19. Flamingo Star (20) – $41
20. Riva De Lago (15) – $101
21. Tried And Tired (18) – $126
Waller looking for redemption in Group 1 JJ Atkins
Trainer Chris Waller was unable to win the Group 1 JJ Atkins with champions Brazen Beau and Zoustar, but hopes current favourite Press Statement can turn the tide.
The 1600-metre event is the last Group 1 for two-year-old’s this season and Waller is looking to go one better after both runners finished runner-up.
Waller currently has three runners entered and jockey Tye Angland believes current $4.60 favourite Press Statement is the best of Waller’s chances.
“I’m quite confident,” Angland said. “He’s done everything you look for in a two-year-old moving forward to the grand final.”
Angland didn’t ride the son of Hincinbrook last time out at Rosehill, but was pleased by its effort two back at Canterbury.
“He surprised me by what he did first-up, how well he put himself into the race,” he said.
“Before the race I would have said he will be doing his best when he gets to a mile and I still believe that.”
That will please Waller as both Brazen Beau and Zoustar were not able to see out the 1600-metre distance. Since, Brazen Beau has been kept to 1200 metres and Zoustar never won past 1200 metres.
The barrier draw of 10 is cause for concern for Angland.
“Unfortunately we haven’t drawn the best and it’s his first time at a mile so it’s going to be a big ask, but looking at him I think he’s well above average,” he said.
2015 JJ Atkins market and odds
1. Counterattack – $6.50
2. Press Statement – $4.60
3. Bassett – $7
4. Cylinder Beach – $17
5. Feast For Eyes – $13 at Sportsbet.com.au
6. Agree To – $101
7. Pepperano – $21
8. Blueberry Hill – $4.80
9. Look To The Stars – $7
10. Typing – $21
11. Sagaronne – $13
12. Ashlee Marie – $21
Werther looking for Group 1 Derby success
New Zealand-trained Werther won the Eagle Farm Cup last start and is looking for Group 1 success in the Channel 7 Queensland Derby.
The Andrew Campbell-trained gelding opened at $3.30 in the betting, but after receiving the inside draw its price has dropped down to $2.80 with Sportsbet.com.au.
Master Of Arts has attracted attention after a luckless display in the Grand Prix. Jockey Glen Boss takes over the riding duties and it currently sits at $6, but its price did drop to $5 earlier in the week.
Other strong market chances include last start Grand Prix winner Upham ($8), Sadler’s Lake ($11) and Spur On Gold which opened at $21 and has dropped to $17.
Updated Queensland Derby market:
Werther – $2.80
Upham – $8
Sadler’s Lake – $11
Jumbo Prince – $21
Magicool – $21
Worthy Cause – $21
High Midnight – $19
Quick Strike – $21
Redoutable Heart – $17
Master Of Arts – $6
Chillin With Dylan – $41
Thermogenic – $21
Rising Luck – $101
Spur On Gold – $17
Grappa Brandy – $67
Allzin – $126
Harry – $34
Lucoblu – $126