3 minute read

In a normal year it would be a massive day at Eagle Farm but even with the issues of our time, we still have a top Stradbroke as the feature this week.

Let's take a swing at the two Group 1s. The Stradbroke looks a great race to play in.

No doubt the 3yo Dawn Passage is hard to beat but he's yet to meet horses of tough G1 material, Trekking has a hefty weight and one which is historically a concern and Victorem has to run a strong 1400m.

With all that in mind happy to have a go at a few at good double figured odds here and the first one is Tyzone who was second in the race last year.

His runs have been concealed a bit through this lead up but now he's into the handicap with ½kg less than last year.

You can see him sitting around midfield as he was last year and as a reference, Trekking, who beat him home in 2019, goes up 4kg.

Another horse who has had a campaign ready to peak on this day is Vega One.

He was exempt from ballot some seven months back after the Gateway win so Tony Gollan could aim a program to be ready on Saturday.

Screaming out for the 1400m now, he has a fantastic record over this journey and given he's been hard in the betting in the lead up races, that suggests he's well placed now when many have forgotten him.

Don't forget to throw in Kementari and Niccanova as well into your multiples.

Earlier in the JJ Atkins, we see Queensland producing seemingly their best crop of juveniles since 2010 when the likes of Buffering, Spirit Of Boom and Military Rose were together.

And there is no doubt that Rothfire has to have a massive chance if he gets a good cart over from the wide draw in the big field.

But one filly trained from a Sydney base will give it an almighty shake and that is Macroura.

She is unbeaten over shorter trips and that could cause red flags however it must be noted she is out of a Zabeel mare and the fact she showed she could settle back and sprint late indicates the 1400m can be done.

Her Rosehill win was excellent and she just lands a lovely gate to be just behind the speed which has to come in the big field.

With many of the other chances drawn out and needing luck or having riders needing to be mindful of their run, Andrew Mallyon can do little early and produce her late.

She's a great beat around the $6.50 mark.

BRISBANE BEST

STRADBROKE PLAYS: Race 8 #6 Tyzone @ $14.00 & #8 Vega One @ $15.00

JJ ATKINS PLAY: Race 7 #14 Macroura @ $6.50