After a few terrific weeks on the track, we’re out to continue the successful streak at Eagle Farm this weekend.
Alongside plenty of runners across the globe, many of our highlights come in Queensland with Cepheus in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, Hezashocka in the Group 2 Q22, as well as Amade and Selino in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup.
Kicking off the day with our first stakes test are Selino and Amade in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup. Selino is seeking back-to-back wins, whilst Amade has flown up from Melbourne following his Listed Sandown Cup victory two weeks ago.
Amade wins the Listed Sandown Cup.
Well-known as a horse with many tricks, Amade only missed the start by a few lengths but showed his true staying talent. After pulling up perfectly from the run, trainer Phillip Stokes saw no reason not to have a crack at the Group 2 Brisbane Cup. The horse flew up on Tuesday and has arrived in terrific order.
After a preparatory run in the 2400m Group 3 Premier’s Cup last start, which was too short for Selino’s liking, the gelding steps back out to his preferred distance over two miles on Saturday. He will also appreciate getting back on firmer footing.
“He had a gallop this morning at the Gold Coast over 1400m and breezed up strongly over the last 400m, he was strong through the line and his recovery was really good, indicating that he is a very fit horse.” commented trainer Chris Waller.
See the field and all race details for the Group 2 Brisbane Cup here.
Later in the day we will see Cepheus return to the races. The gelding had a short, interrupted autumn preparation and has faced similar challenges this time in, with wet tracks preventing an earlier planned return outing. He will take his place in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m with Tommy Berry booked to ride. It will be a challenge first up, but an encouraging trial last week has us hopeful he can be competitive.
See the field and all race details here.
Rounding off our Group runners for Saturday is talented gelding Hezashocka, who is in career best form. After winning the Group 3 Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm last start over 2400m, he will come back in distance to 2200m, which shouldn’t pose a concern. Although he’d like softer footing, his 3rd at Group 1 level on a Good 3 gives us some confidence he can still be effective.
Hezashocka wins Group 3 Premier’s Cup
“He is bouncing out of his skin at the moment. We’re very happy with the horse and think he can be competitive again in the $1.2m Q22 on Saturday.” said trainer Mick Price to connections.
Hezashocka has drawn barrier 1 in a field of 18 with Chad Schofield booked to ride. See all race details and the full field here.
We wish all connections involved in our stakes runners the best of luck for the weekend. Our full weekend preview video will be out later this week!