Stradbroke Handicap: Expert preview, best bets and roughie

Queensland’s richest race outside of the Magic Millions series, the Stradbroke Handicap is run over 1,400 metres at Eagle Farm Racecourse during Brisbane’s Winter Carnival. Total prizemoney for the Stradbroke Handicap is $1.5 million.

Stradbroke Handicap: Alfie’s preview

Speed Definitely fast, this will be a high pressure 1400m. Apache Chase, Emerald Kingdom and Buffalo River will lead, and Rothfire will need to try and cross. Soxagon, Ayrton and Alligator Blood will sit mid-field off the hot speed.

Runner-by-runner

Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.

4 Eleven Eleven [$5.50] is third-up and building with each run. Can handle the 1400m. He may need a clear run up the fence late.

11 Ayrton [$8] is a special horse, but too short for mine at these odds. Can certainly win.

5 Alligator Blood [$11] was back with a vengeance last start. Can he back it up? A big chance off last start, but the draw is a horror.

Alligator Blood. 🐊🩸🆎 Down at the beach this morning. Looking exceptionally Regal! Ready to win the Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday 11 June 2022. The barrier is no barrier when you are simply tenacious, resilient and never give up. AB’s hunger to win is back. #alligatorblood pic.twitter.com/haWHNbebyM

— Allan Endresz (@EndreszAllan) June 8, 2022

3 Apache Chase [$11] takes any luck out of the equation by racing forward. One of the main chances, but can he handle the pressure of a strong 1400m?

15 Isotope [$12] has so much potential but is yet to show it. She can win, but that would be taking on faith that Gollan can get her ready.

6 Soxagon [$13] hasn’t handled the pressure of a Group 1 before, but rated well last start. He’ll sit off the speed. A good chance.

9 Rothfire [$15] put up a nice figure last start. He’s not without a chance, but has a tough draw and may get stuck wide.

1 Private Eye [$15] won the Epsom last year over 1600m, so will handle the fast-paced 1400m. But I’m not sure he’s up to the top chances here.

17 Vilana [$17] needs to take a step up to Group 1 level. He’s about the right price for mine.

2 Laws Of Indices [$17] is better on wet ground in my opinion. A win would surprise. But it’s JMac and Neasham, so you can’t completely rule him out.

18 Startantes [$21] is finding it tough to run down the higher class horses, I think. If she gets clear at the right time and the pace is really hot, she could crack the top 3.

16 Brooklyn Hustle [$31] will be flying home at some stage, as usual.

10 I Am Superman [$31] is on a dry track now, but first-up in a 1400m Group 1 will be very tough.

“He’s trained on well, he’s a really happy horse and has bounced through that last run. I can’t have him any better so he’ll have no excuses.”

Desleigh Forster on Apache Chase’s Stradbroke chances this weekend #RacingPulse pic.twitter.com/WVXiSdfN40

— RSN927am (@RSN927) June 8, 2022

14 Buffalo River [34] hasn’t performed at Group 1 level.

7 Emerald Kingdom [$34] is the statesman of the race. He gets a nice run but his best is behind him at this level. He will tough it out.

19 Scallopini [$41] is a roughie with a chance for a place. He gets a good run behind the speed.

13 Niccanova [$67] probably doesn’t measure up at the Group 1 level.

12 Bandersnatch [$81] is not up to winning this.

8 Wild Planet [$101] can’t win this on current form.

I can’t see the rest of the emergencies being any chance: 20 Ranch Hand [$71], 21 Flying Crazy [$61], 22 Tycoonist [$81], 23 Frankie Pinot [$31].

Betting strategy

Best Bets Isotope, Soxagon

Roughie Scallopini

Wow, what a race! I can’t wait to watch it. There’s a lot of chances here and I don’t think I would want to be taking single figures for a win on anyone. I’ll be splitting my stake into two small plays and backing both Isotope and Soxagon.

If Scallopini gets in to the field then it’s definitely worth a small each-way play for mine, I could see it running into the places.