Bowman to ride Malaguerra in Stradbroke
Hugh Bowman will ride leading Stradbroke Handicap contender Malaguerra in Brisbane’s premier race with the BTC Cup winner to carry 56kg.
Bowman returns to Australia this week after a stint in Japan and will re-acquaint himself with Sydney racing at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The Lee and Anthony Freedman-trained Malaguerra is at $9 for the Stradbroke (1400m) on June 11 with Azkadellia the ruling $4.60 favourite.
Trainer Ciaron Maher has yet to confirm a rider for Azkadellia but Damien Oliver, who rode her to her Group One win in the Queen of the Turf Stakes, is the front-runner.
Azkadellia will carry 54.5kg in the Stradbroke with Black Heart Bart the 58kg topweight.
Racing Queensland chief handicapper Nathan Bourke said Black Heart Bart had been weighted in line with his strong recent form at Group One level.
“His win in the Goodwood was excellent and his form before the Goodwood was excellent with a second in the Newmarket Handicap and also the All Aged Stakes,” Bourke said.
Trainer Chris Waller will have at least two runners – Delectation (57kg) and three-year-old Counterattack (52.5kg) – and will confirm riders later this week.
“Counterattack has been allotted 52.5kg,” Bourke said.
“His three-year-old form includes a Group One placing in the Coolmore down the straight behind Japonisme and we know that form stacks up well given his performances at Group One weight-for-age level.”
Counterattack, who won the Fred Best Classic at Doomben on May 21, is the TAB’s $6 second favourite alongside three-year-old filly Ghisoni with Black Heart Bart at $7.
Saturday’s Doomben 10,000 winner Music Magnate has 55.5kg and is at $9 to become the first horse since Campaign King in 1988 to complete the double.