The Doomben Cup meeting will be held at Doomben this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Good 4 on Thursday and with light showers forecast for Brisbane leading up to the weekend, Doomben could border on Good/Soft condition on raceday.
Isaurian looks to have conditions to suit in the Chief De Beers Handicap (Brisbane Race 6, 1110m). The Godolphin-owned stallion has trialled nicely on 23rd April (900m) and again on 6th May (1050m) in preparation for his return to racing. Isaurian has a perfect fresh record winning all his three 1st up starts. And the 4YO has won twice with a placing from 4 attempts at the trip. Nicely drawn in barrier 4, James McDonald will settle mid-field and Isaurian will over-power this field in the straight.
Chapter And Verse is looking to make it two wins from two starts this campaign in the BRC Sprint (Brisbane Race 7, 1350m). The 4YO won the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS Handicap at the Gold Coast in January before his spell. This gelding won brilliantly 1st up in a Class Six Plate (1200m) at Eagle Farm two weeks ago. Stepping up to 1350m 2nd up is a perfect progression aiming towards a Stradbroke Handicap start. Chapter And Verse has never missed a place over Saturday’s distance with a win and 4 placings from 5 starts at the trip. And he has only be allotted with 54kg. Regular jockey Mark Du Plessis is keen to stick with the 4YO for the winter carnival. Drawing gate 2 will allow Du Plessis to settle in a nice spot mid-field. With a cushy run in transit, Chapter And Verse will power home strongly.
Horses who used the Hollindale Stakes as a lead-up race are usually the ones to look out for in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (Brisbane Race 8, 2000m). And this year’s Hollindale winner Life Less Ordinary is certainly the horse they have to beat on Saturday. The Waller-trained gelding ran a good 8th at big odds when 1st up in the Doncaster Handicap. The 7YO then won the Hollindale Stakes last start on a very Heavy track. Life Less Ordinary can handle any track conditions, has a good record over 2000m and he is proven at WFA racing. From barrier 10 (starts in barrier 8 with emergencies out), Jason Collett is likely to settle mid-field and bide his time. Life Less Ordinary will be given his chance to run out a strong 2000m.
By Owens Wong, Editor
