Stradbroke Hcp 2017 race preview

08 June 2017 13:57 PM

Doomben hosts the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday. Run over 1350m the race features a string of quality gallopers including the G1 Kingsford-Smith winner Clearly Innocent.

Runners start at the beginning of the back straight giving them 430m to run before entering the first turn. That's usually a fair distance for outside runners to find a desirable position in the running, but in a 16 horse field with a bit of speed in the inside alleys, its going to be that bit harder to get over.

The track was rated a Good 4 on Thursday evening and it is expected to stay dry throughout the weekend.

Betting marketMarket Movers

Not a lot of early betting activity in this race. A trickle of money for Burning Front coming in from $16 to $15 and Mackintosh has seen a few early bets bringing his price in a point to $7.

 

Horse Racing AnalysisKey Runners

#1 Clearly Innocent - odds fluctuations 6pm 8/6 - 4.8, 5 Stradbroke betting odds

Is improving with each run this campaign. Looked a class above in his last two outings and should appreciate the extra ground here. Have to consider the wide barrier here. Expecting Bowman to settle backward in the field. Looks like there's pace in the race so he should get a decent cart into the home straight. Look for him to be charging home again.

 

#8 Mackintosh odds fluctuations 6pm 8/5 - 7.5, 7

Resumes with a 2/2 fresh record. Proven his ability at this level winning the G2 Theo Marks and then third in the Epsom last Spring. Looked to have plenty in the tank at his recent trial. Contender.

 

#4 Counterattack odds fluctuations 6pm 8/5 - 7.5, 8

Was good in the Doomben 10,000 and then probably had excuses with the heavy Eagle Farm track in the Kingsford-Smith. Inside barrier is not ideal with moderate early speed but has a quality hoop in Bosom to find the splits in the home straight. Chance.

 

#10 Ulmann odds fluctuations 6pm 8/5 - 8.5 unchanged

Put in a good second-up performance here at his recent outing, closing sharply to finish third 2.4 lengths behind Jungle Edge. Fitter and drier ground here are a plus. Top chance.

 

#2 Jungle Edge odds fluctuations 6pm 8/5 - 9.5, 10

Backs-up after two strong performances over the Winter Carnival, both on heavy tracks. Has only managed a second and two thirds for ten runs on dry.

 

#18 Bonny O'reilly odds fluctuations 6pm 8/5 - 13, 14

Unbeaten now in her past five starts, showing geuine improvement with each run. Made the most of a nice rails run last start wining the listed Coughlan by 1.3 lengths. Meets a tougher lot here but worthy of consideration.

 

#3 Burning Front odds fluctuations 6pm 8/5 - 15 unchanged

Has run very consistently this preparation stringing together 7 wins since late last Spring. Was gallant when holding out Hooked in the G3 Lee last start. Worth consideration at odds.

 

#13 Egyptian Symbol odds fluctuations 6pm 8/5 - 13, 14, 15

Finished a close fifth in the G1 Sangster two starts back then was strong closing well to finish half-a-length second on heavy going. Weight off and dry ground brings her into contention.

 

Of the others.....

Gold Symphony finished 2.5 lengths behind Clearly innocent in the Luskinstar carrying 59kg. Meets him 5kg better here. Chance.



betting tickSelections

1st Ulmann - form measures up and gets favourable conditions. Looks a good bet over $7.

2nd Mackintosh

3rd Clearly Innocent

 

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Mike Steward