The Stradbroke Handicap meeting will be held at Doomben this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Good 4 on Thursday and with some showers forecast for Brisbane on Saturday, Doomben could border on Good/Slow condition on raceday.
In the opening event at Doomben, Sydney visitor Tactical Advantage is the class horse in the field and at set weight with penalties, he undoubtedly has an advantage on this field (Brisbane Race 1, 1200m). The gelding won well last start over this track & trip on a Heavy 9 track three weeks ago. Back to a Good track certainly wouldn’t diminish his chances as Tactical Advantage can handle any track conditions. In a race with reasonable pace, barrier 13 may not be such a disadvantage as the 3YO can slot in mid-field one off the fence. Tactical Advantage will get plenty of cover in transit and he will be hard to hold out at the finish.
The very much in-form filly Melody Belle has won her last 3 in a row and she can continue her winning way in the J.J. Atkins Stakes (Brisbane Race 6, 1600m). This kiwi filly started off her winning streak in the Karaka Millions (1200m), followed by victory in the NZ Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) before annihilating the field in the QTC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) last start winning by 4.8 lengths. The Commands filly can handle any track conditions and has a terrific turn-of-foot, and the 1600m on Saturday will suit her even better. Opie Bosson will once again be aboard and Melody Belle is primed to make it 4 wins on the trot.
Chris Waller-trained Mackintosh is resuming on Saturday but he does have an unblemished record when 1st up wining 2 from 2, and he can keep his unbeaten 1st up record going in the Stradbroke Handicap (Brisbane Race 8, 1350m). Last preparation, the 4YO gelding won the Theo Marks Stakes over this distance before a closed up 3rd in the Epsom Handicap. After failing in the Kingston Town Stakes in January, Mackintosh went for a spell. Mackintosh is unbeaten at Doomben winning both his starts at the track and the anticipated Good condition will suit him well. He is down in the weight with only 53.5kg on his back and the in-form Kerrin McEvoy will be aboard. From the inside gate (1), McEvoy will park the gelding along the fence behind the leaders and Mackintosh looks set to give McEvoy another Group 1 win on top of his Melbourne Cup victory this season.
By Owens Wong, Editor
