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| Sumita Pawar |
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The Stradbroke Handicap presents itself as a grand stage for horses to showcase their talents and earn a coveted spot in The Everest. Although Think About It has already secured a spot in The Everest field with Newgate as the slot-holder, a slew of other contenders in the Group One feature have the potential to earn a coveted spot in The Everest, including the awe-inspiring trio of Opal Ridge, Hawaii Five Oh, and Ruthless Dame, as well as the impressive Royal Merchant and Aft Cabin.
Opal Ridge finds herself as the second emergency for the Stradbroke and has boldly been entered in the highly competitive Gr.2 Dane Ripper Stakes by Trainer Luke Pepper.
Pepper expressed that Opal Ridge is yet to establish herself at the highest level, therefore they will focus on her upcoming two runs without getting too ahead of themselves.
Possible Everest Contenders: A Fierce Battle Ahead
“Two months ago everyone said Hawaii Five Oh should be gelded but all he needed was dry tracks and now he’s being spoken about for The Everest,’’ part-owner John Singleton said.
“I know Gerry (Harvey, part-owner) wants to go for The Everest. He already got all the statistics and sectional times so he’s making a convincing argument.
“But we have to get through the Stradbroke first, we will know more about the colt after Saturday.’’
Godolphin's Everest slot is up for grabs, and Aft Cabin and Vilana could secure their seats at the table if they triumph in the Stradbroke.
Meanwhile, Ruthless Dame and Royal Merchant, trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, respectively, have already proven their mettle with Group one victories at 1200m and are firmly in the running for The Everest.
Begg's Determination To Claim Stradbroke
With a blend of sunshine, a fortuitous starting position, and a robust equine athlete, Grahame Begg is confident that he can finally secure a triumph in the Stradbroke Handicap. Despite having placed second twice and third once in the 1400m handicap Group 1 race, the trainer from Cranbourne is optimistic that Cardinal Gem will be the one to end his drought at Eagle Farm this Saturday.
Cardinal Gem is ready to shine on the anticipated good-rated surface for the rest of the week. Although the gelding has yet to claim victory on firmer ground in eight attempts, with only two placings, trainer Begg remains unfazed and confident in his horse's abilities on a good track.
Hayes Brothers Rev Up Roy's Race
Despite the unusual missed start in the Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup, JD Hayes and the Lindsay Park team remain optimistic that Gentleman Roy will redeem himself in the upcoming Stradbroke Handicap, as they were taken aback by his unexpected blunder. To aid his focus at the start, they decided make a slight gear change that he had success with in the past.