Azkadellia draws barrier 5 for Stradbroke
Stradbroke Handicap favourite Azkadellia has drawn barrier five in Brisbane’s signature race at Eagle Farm.
The mare will be out to give Melbourne trainer Ciaron Maher back-to-back wins in the $1.5 million race on Saturday following Srikandi’s victory last year.
Second favourite Black Heart Bart will jump from gate 10 in the field of 18 with Precious Gem to start from the outside barrier.
Azkadellia firmed in betting from $4.20 to $4 with UBET shortly after Wednesday’s draw.
“She has drawn barrier five but really we know where she is going to be with her racing pattern to get back and work into her race,” Maher said.
Last Saturday’s Oaks meeting was washed out when 123mm of rain lashed the course in 24 hours.
However, course manager Warren Williams said the surface was drying out so well it might be necessary to irrigate it before Saturday.
It wasn’t great news for Maher who believes Azkadellia is one of the best wet track horses in Australia.
“She has worked and trialled there a couple of times and she does like the track, but she likes to get her toe into the track and I hope they keep up the water on it,” Maher said.
The trainer added that Azkadellia had continued to thrive since her second in the Doomben 10,000 two weeks ago.
“She is a mare who gets better as she gets into her campaign,” Maher said.