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| Staff Writer |
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Brisbane's premier sprint contest takes centre stage on Saturday as a stellar field of speedsters line up for the US$1.5 million Gr.1 Doomben 10,000, a race that has increasingly become a key qualifier for slots in October's The Everest.
Schwarz will be hoping to join an elite group of sprinters by completing the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes-Doomben 10,000 double when he lines up in Saturday's feature at Doomben Racecourse.
The John O'Shea and Tom Charlton-trained entire is seeking to follow the winning path established by recent Doomben 10,000 victors Bella Nipotina (2024) and Giga Kick (2023).
However, Schwarz faces a significant historical challenge having been allocated barrier 11 for Saturday's 1200m contest. Statistical analysis reveals that no horse has won the Doomben 10,000 from a double-digit stall since Mr Innocent scored from gate 12 in a field of 15 back in 2000, when the race was run over 1350m.
Since 2017, the Doomben 10,000 has been contested over 1200m, but the dominance of low draws has persisted throughout this period. The widest gate to have supplied a winner in recent years is barrier eight, meaning the vast majority of winners have started from barrier seven or lower – a concerning statistic for several of this year's leading contenders. Sunshine In Paris must overcome gate 14, Mazu 13, Schwarz 11 and Overpass 10 following the scratching of Estriella (barrier five).
O'Shea remains optimistic despite the awkward draw, saying, "The barrier is okay and it's better than one. Drawing inside doesn't suit his racing pattern and his work has been fantastic. The form out of the William Reid has been exceptional so he's a chance of winning another Group One."
The US$1.25 million yearling purchase secured his maiden Group One success in the William Reid at Moonee Valley in March and connections are hoping that formline stands up in what will be his final racecourse appearance before retiring to stud.
"Saturday's race is very interesting," O'Shea said. "He's got very good form and his performance in the William Reid stands him in good stead for any Group One race in Australia at the moment.
"We're happy with his draw and there's genuine tempo out wide from Overpass and a few others so they won't be loafing. It'll be up to Craig Williams to get him out and across to get a spot so he'll have every opportunity."
Williams will be shooting for his third consecutive Doomben 10,000 victory following wins on Giga Kick in 2023 and last year on Bella Nipotina.
O'Shea knows what it takes to win this prestigious contest having claimed the prize with Sea Siren in 2012 when it was run over 1350m.
"I was probably more confident going into that race with Sea Siren as she was a progressive filly and at the time Buffering hadn't won a Group One," he said. "He (Buffering) was a knockabout Queensland sprinter at the time but he went on to be a champion and won seven Group One races."
The statistical evidence overwhelmingly favours those drawn in single-digit barriers, with the vast majority of recent winners coming from the inside half of the field.
The two shortest-priced horses drawn the inside half of the field this year are Benedetta, who comes into barrier seven, and Jedibeel, who has gate three.
Jedibeel ran on strongly when finishing second in the Victory Stakes last time out and won at Randwick four starts back. The Brad Widdup-trained runner gets the services of Tyler Schiller in the saddle.
Hidden Wealth, representing local trainer Tony Gollan, has been handed a favourable draw in stall two, from where he is expected to either lead or race prominently. The Gollan stable also sends out Zarastro from barrier seven.
Sunshine In Paris, trained by Annabel & Rob Archibald, must overcome the widest draw of all having been allocated gate 14. However, the mare boasts solid recent form having finished third in the All Aged Stakes on soft ground last time out. She'll be partnered by the in-form James McDonald. The 4YO mare has been a revelation since joining the Archibald stable, having previously captured the Group One Surround Stakes as well as placing in several major sprint contests. Her stunning turn of foot could be a significant asset if she can secure clear running in the latter stages. Victory on Saturday would almost certainly cement her credentials as a leading contender for a slot in The Everest later this year.
The Archibalds also saddle Libertad (barrier 12) and Lady Laguna (16), giving them a strong hand in the contest.
Other notable contenders include the Bjorn Baker-trained pair Overpass (barrier 10) and Belclare (6), while Desert Lightning (stall 4) represents the P & K Moody & Coleman stable.
Mazu, trained by Joseph Pride, seeks a second Doomben 10,000 success having triumphed in 2022. He'll need to overcome barrier 13 under Rachel King.
Local hero Rothfire, trained by Robert Heathcote, has been handed the extreme outside gate in 15, with Tim Clark booked to ride.
Golden Mile, representing James Cummings, has drawn the potentially advantageous inside barrier under Ryan Maloney.
The field is completed by Veight (barrier 9) for the T & C McEvoy team and Payline (17) from the Chris & Corey Munce yard.
Saturday's contest promises to be a fascinating renewal of this historic sprint, with the last two winners Bella Nipotina (2024) and Giga Kick (2023) setting a high standard for this year's contenders to match as they vie not only for Group One glory but potentially for slots in The Everest later in the year.
Meanwhile, Racing NSW is currently inviting expressions of interest for a vacant slot in the 2025 Everest, previously held by The Star since the race's inception in 2017. Valued at a minimum of US$700,000 per year with a three-year commitment required, interested parties have until May 30 to submit their proposals. To date, only two slots have been filled for this year's edition, with Briasa secured by slot-holders Max Whitby, Neil Werrett and Col Madden, while Private Harry will race in the slot of part-owners Yulong.