It’s Stradbroke Handicap day at Doomben this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Soft 7 on Thursday and with light showers forecast for Brisbane leading up to the weekend, Doomben will remain in the Soft condition on raceday.
Veteran galloper Ecuador has been racing consistently and he will no doubt be competitive in the Radiotab the Wayne Wilson (Brisbane Race 2, 1600m). The 8YO started off this campaign with 3 successive 2nd placings before his last start 6th in the McKell Cup over one and a half mile. Dropping back in distance on Saturday actually suits him better and Ecuador is a horse who can handle any track conditions. From barrier 9, Tim Clark is likely to sit just behind likely leaders Dreams Aplenty and Sheiswhatsheis. Ecuador is very fit and he is definitely a winning chance in an open race.
Godolphin-owned 4YO Impending can win back-to-back Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday (Brisbane Race 5, 1350m). The Lonhro stallion is going to the breeding barn after the Winter Carnival and another Stradbroke victory will certainly enhanced his stud value. After finishing 3rd to the best sprinter in Australia, Redzel, in the Darley Classic last November, Impending went for a spell and came back with a bang. Winning the Victory Stakes 1st up on 28th April, the 4YO followed that up with a close 2nd to English in the Doomben 10,000, coming from a long way back to be beaten only by short half head. He made amend last start by taking out the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Stakes over Saturday’s track & trip. Given his record in Group 1 races, Impending hasn’t been harshly treated with 57.5kg. Form jockey Damian Browne will once again be aboard and with reasonable pace in the Stradbroke, Impending will be given his chance to fly down the middle of the track and overpower this field.
Unbeaten colt The Autumn Sun can continue his winning streak by taking out the J.J. Atkins Plate (Brisbane Race 6, 1600m). After creating a big impression when successful on debut on 25th April over 1200m at Randwick, the Waller-trained 2YO has been set for the Group 1 J.J. Atkins over the mile. The Autumn Sun kept his reputation intact by winning his second race start when stepping up to 1400m a fortnight ago. The stable has reported that the colt has settled in Queensland really well. Nicely drawn in barrier 6 on Saturday and stepping up to 1600m will suit him even better. Hard to beat.
By Owens Wong, Editor
