The Doomben 10,000 meeting will be held at Doomben this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Good 4 on Thursday and with fine weather in Brisbane leading up to the weekend, Doomben will be racing on a Good track on raceday.
Godolphin-owned Multaja looks to be the horse to beat in the Queensland Day Stakes (Brisbane Race 4, 1350m). The 3YO filly has been in top form this preparation winning 1st up over 1100m on a Heavy track before taking out the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m) when 2nd up. Last start, she just failed to run down Irithea in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m). Stepping up to 1350m 4th up looks perfect. Kerrin McEvoy is likely to settle just behind mid-field on the fence. With reasonable pace in the race, it would allow Multaja to utilize her good turn of foot to run over the top of this field.
Breeders Plate winner Dubious will be resuming in the Champagne Classic on Saturday (Brisbane Race 6, 1200m). The Not A Single Doubt colt is having his 1st run since finishing down the track in the Golden Slipper on 23rd March. Dubious has been competitive against the top 2YO this season and he is the highest rated horse in the race, so the set weight condition will really benefit the colt. The dry track will also suit him well. With a good pace in the race, James McDonald can slot in behind the leading bunch one off the fence. Dubious will be too strong for these lot at the finish.
Osborne Bulls is ready to break through for his first win this preparation by taking out the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (Brisbane Race 8, 1200m). The 5YO gelding has finished 2nd in all his four Group 1 starts this campaign. Osborne Bulls is rock hard fit and he has never missed a place over 1200m with 6 wins and 4 placings from 10 attempts. Interestingly Osborne Bulls will wear blinkers for the first time on Saturday and together with a good gate (4), Kerrin McEvoy could well settle the gelding closer to the lead than he usually does. There will be plenty of speed in the race especially with Nature Strip drawing wide and that will give Osborne Bulls his chance to fly home.
By Owens Wong, Editor
