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Stradbroke Handicap 2016 race preview
10 June 2016 10:41 AM
Eagle Farm has made one of the best recoveries in the history of Australian thoroughbred racing. The track was under so much water last Saturday, they were paddling canoes in nearby streets, and yet six days later the track is rated a Good 4. The Brisbane Racing Club has merged last Saturday's Queensland Oaks program with the Stradbrokes Handicap card scheduled for tomorrow giving punters ten races with no less than four Group 1 contests. The feature amongst them is the $1.5 million Stradbroke Handicap.
Azkadellia was given a wrap by trainer Ciaron Maher this week, when he rated her as more brilliant than Srikandi, her stable-mate who won this race last year. She is a model of consistency, well drawn, top jockey. Hard to beat.
Black Heart Bart was excellent in the Goodwood after saving ground on the turn. Three runs before have all been top notch against highly graded horses. Top contender.
Counterattack comes into this with top credentials. Narrowly beaten by Japonisme in the G2 Arrowfield and his easy win in the G3 Fred Best was extra good considering he was wide with no cover in the running. Can upset.
Music Magnate could argue he got favours with the racing pattern in the Doomben 10,000 but regardless still showed a lot of character. Has been very consistent this preparation making solid improvement each run. Can't dismiss.
Malaguerra fought well to win the G1 BTC Cup over 1200m. Had an impressive trial win at the Gold Coast since and has performed over 1400m. In this.
Kaepernick looks a capable type with consistent performance in easier grades. Steps up here but a strong performance would not surprise.
Under The Louvre was good in the Goodwood finishing strongly late over 1200m to just miss. Extra ground a plus and tempo should be true at least which will suit.
Delectation was a little bit under whelming in the Doomben 10,000. Not beyond him but needs to lift here.
Of the others Takedown presents as a good value chance. Was good behind Counterattack last start from a wide barrier and can improve on that run here.
1st Azkadellia. Very hard to go past her consistency and performance. Speed maps look great here. She's on top.
2nd Malaguerra
3rd Under the Louvre
Mike Steward