The weights for the 2014 Stradbroke Handicap were released by Racing Queensland this morning; with Doomben 10,000 winner Spirit Of Boom set to carry the top weight of 58 kilograms.
Spirit Of Boom is set to carry the top weight of 58 kilograms in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 7. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Buffering was officially allocated the top weight of 59 kilograms for the Stradbroke Handicap, but trainer Robert Heathcote revealed yesterday that the son of Mossman will not take his place in the field because he did not think that the popular sprinter was capable of winning the race with the top weight after he was beaten by both Spirit Of Boom and Temple Of Boom in the Doomben 10,000 on Saturday – meaning that the weights of all runners in the field will be raised by half a kilogram.
Spirit Of Boom has finished fourth in the past two editions of the Stradbroke Handicap, carrying 54 kilograms, but will have to carry four kilograms more weight in this year’s edition of the race.
Rebel Dane is currently on the second line of 2014 Stradbroke Handicap betting markets and is set to carry 56 kilograms in the Group 1 event at Eagle Farm on June 7.
The son of California Dane recorded his only win at Group 1 level under handicap conditions and over 1400 metres in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and will be suited by Eagle Farm track after working home strongly in the Doomben 10,000.
There are a number of Group 1 winner still in contention for the 2014 Stradbroke Handicap and the majority have been allocated 55.5 kilograms by Racing Queensland Handicappers.
Famous Seamus, Red Tracer, Temple Of Boom and Tiger Tees will all carry 55.5 kilograms if they run in the feature race of the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival, while The Goodwood winner Smokin’ Joe (55kg), consistent mare Platelet (53.5kg) and Driefontein (53.5kg) will all carry slightly less than their Group 1 winning rivals.
Srikandi is the new favourite in 2014 Stradbroke Handicap betting markets following her strong win in the Group 3 Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on May 24, but will not be allocated a weight until the connections pay the late entry fee of $23,100, but is expected to be allocated 50.5 kilograms.
Jockey Glen Boss must decide whether he wishes to ride Srikandi or Rebel Dane in the Stradbroke Handicap; with Chad Schofield set to pick up the ride on Srikandi if Boss elects to stick with Rebel Dane.
Other key 2014 Stradbroke Handicap weights include classy mare Catkins (53.5kg), Darley sprinter Knoydart (53kg), Lionel Cohen-trained Aeronautical (52.5kg), talented gelding Hucklebuck (50.5kg) and Gerald Ryan-trained Dothraki (50.5kg).
