Gr 1 – Stradbroke Hcp

Was the best run in the Gr 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup last over 1300m. It was on a soft track, settled 14th early, then weaved between runners for a red-light flashing 3rd. Is now 3rd up here. Timing of her prep has been superb. Weight scale here is the only real concern. Big show.

Sat 3-wide yet stormed home at $61 to claim the big lead-up race the Gr 1 Doomben 10,000 over 1200m before being sent out at $13 in the Gr 1 K-Smith Cup. He hit the line hard for 7th. But… he damn near should have won the race. Was held up at a vital stage in straight. Six years ago he won a Gr 1 here over 1400m in a very fast time and has, over the years, been placed twice in this race. Lots of people will overlook him for this – not me. He has a huge chance.

Another old-timer racing brilliantly still. And, is also peaking for this. was a close-up 6th to Headley Grange in the Gr 1 K-Smith Cup last start when 2nd up. has twice placed in this race, latest was last year in very fast time. Drawn perfectly. Rates highly.

Has been working toward this grand final and did run a cracking race on speed all the way in the Gr 1 K-Smith Cup when beaten half a length into 4th spot. Shame about the draw here. If he slots in, say midfield, and gets cover, he is a major player.

Is suited this trip and may cause a boilover. Did swamp them late in the 1200m Gr 1 Goodwood to win, then beaten less than 2 lengths in the Gr 1 K-Smith Cup. Drawn well, is super fit now and weighted well enough.

Trapped wide last start and faded late when near last in the Gr 1 K-Smith Cup, beaten 7 lengths. This is no easier and again has drawn off the track.

Strong type, who charged late to claim the Gr 1 K-Smith Cup and is firing on all 4 cylinders right now. Drawn well and will sit about 5th, smoking his pipe waiting to strike. Trip is ideal and he is in well enough at the weights. Big danger.

Bad draw has hindered his hopes. Led and fought on gamely for 5th to Headley Grange last start. Is fitter now and being on speed is a great advantage. Draw means he may be wide though all the way. Take on trust.

Hard to see him winning. Loves this track and did run record time recently to win the $1million race at Rocky but didn’t give a yelp last start in the K-Smith Cup. Badly drawn.

Oddly enough, is better off here than when thrashed last start behind Headley Grange. Drawn better this time, suited by the weights and can finish hard. Place.

Is up in class here a bit but loves this trip and will not know himself with this light weight. Could well be the surprise packet here. Third up makes him a threat.

Is a specialist at this journey and being 3rd up he might be ready to go bang at huge odds. Won a Gr 2 last campaign in Melbourne over 1400m. Beaten 4 lengths last start behind Headley Grange but should run better here. Place.

Started $151 last start and settled last of the 16 for most of the trip in the Gr 1 K-Smith cup last start. Did make good ground between horses late and was beaten only 2.6 lengths. Meets a few of these upwards of 6.5kg better at the weights. Longer straight suits too and at massive odds he may run a big race.

Finished hard from well back to claim the Victory Stakes here on a heavy track over 1200m and beaten 2.5 lengths last start in the K-Smith Cup. This is not easier.

What a good, reliable mare this is. Sat midfield before charging late to win 1350m Gr 3 BRC Sprint last run. This is harder but will be thereabouts.

Finished hard to win easier race over 1200m at $15 2 starts back then backed it up with a really game run for 2nd to Rothfire in the Gr 1 10,000. Drawn to receive a cozy run, is very fit and loves this track. Has claims.

Consistent and reliable but up in grade here. Has won this track and trip in much easier race. Close up 4th last start to Abounding and just may struggle late. Loves it wet though.

Won here this trip in a 3YO Gr 3 last start but while that was impressive, that formline isn’t going to cut it here.

May not get a run but if he does he rates highly. Is very honest, and looks nicely in at the weights. Can storm home.

Loves this track and especially when the sting is out of the ground. was beaten nearly 4 lengths in this race last year. Never won beyond 1110m.

Probably doesn’t gain a start which may suit connections as he looks hard to beat in a lessor race on the card. Can run on and sneaky place show at the weights.

Gets back in his races, goes to sleep then awakens with a bang in the straight. Up a bit in grade here but is in sparkling form. Rough place show if he gains a start.

Probably doesn’t gain a run but is an exciting sprinter on the way up. Will be on speed through and with this weight may take catching.