A look at the Stradbroke Handicap
HISTORY
* First run in 1890 when won by Pyrrhus, the Stradbroke is now Brisbane’s flagship race
SOME BIG NAMES TO WIN IT
* Wiggle (1958), Winfreux (1965), Cabochon (1968), Divide And Rule (1970), Daybreak Lover (1984, 1986), Campaign King (1988), Rough Habit (1991-92), Dane Ripper (1997), Private Steer (2003), Thorn Park (2004), Black Piranha (2009-10)
TALKING POINTS
* 1980 winner Ducatoon was later stripped of the title after returning a positive swab
* Rough Habit won his second Stradbroke in 1992 – not only carrying top weight but coming from barrier 18
* The most successful Stradbroke trainer is the late Bart Cummings who won the race four times with Campaign King (1988), Robian Steel (1989), Never Undercharge (1993) and Dane Ripper (1997)
* Usually run over 1400m at neighbouring Eagle Farm, but with that track recovering after being resurfaced the Group One handicap will again be run over 1350m at Doomben.
* Doomben held the Stradbroke last year with Impending winning carrying 52.5kg. He is topweight this year with 57.5kg
WHAT THE MAIN PLAYERS ARE SAYING
* “Impending is in perfect condition. He’s really gained confidence from two wins in three starts this campaign and he was a little unlucky not to have won another Group One” – trainer James Cummings.
* “You look at it and compare it to the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes in the spring and it’s probably a similar field. With a bit of luck in running he’s going to certainly be a chance and hopefully he can become a three-time Group One winner this season” – trainer Anthony Freedman’s racing manager, Brad Taylor.
* “There is no denying he has been unlucky in other Group Ones. I don’t think anyone would begrudge him his Group One win” – Aquis Farm’s deputy chief executive Shane McGrath on Spieth.