Counterattack firms in Doomben 10,000 betting

The Chris Waller trained Counterattack has been well supported in the betting for the Group 1 $700,000 James Boag’s Premium Doomben 10000 (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Counterattack, above, has been well supported in the betting for the Doomben 10,000 at Doomben. Photo by Steve Hart.

Counterattack, above, has been well supported in the betting for the Doomben 10,000 at Doomben. Photo by Steve Hart.

Counterattack has been listed as the Market Mover for the Doomben 10,000 at Ladbrokes.com.au and has firmed in from $15 to $12 on Friday morning.

The Redoute’s Choice four year old ran his best race this preparation with a last start second to Doomben 10,000 rival Redzel in the Group 3 $150,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 15.

Waller has been happy with the progress of Counterattack since his latest outing and expects him to get a good run from barrier two in the fifteen horse field.

“A good draw is going to give him a lovely soft run, not do any work. He is fresh, his work has been as good as we have seen,” Waller said.

“He is going well.”

Waller has a high opinion of Counterattack and expects him to claim a Group 1 trophy and he will be get his chance during the Brisbane Winter Carnival and as well as running in the Doomben 10,000, will line up in the Group 1 $700,000 Darley Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) on May 27 and in the Group 1 $1.5m Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm two weeks later.

“He will go the 1300m race in two weeks and then into the Stradbroke after that,” Waller said.

“Surely he has to win a Group 1 this horse.”

Top New Zealand jockey Opie Bosson takes the ride on Counterattack replacing Hugh Bowman who is riding at the second day of the two day Scone Cup Carnival on Saturday.

Waller will also saddle up Japonisme who rated an $18 chance for the Doomben 10,000.

Brisbane jockey Larry Cassidy will renew his association with the Ingham family when he rides Japonisme who will jump from the inside barrier.

“Good draw. Larry Cassidy needs no introduction to the Ingham family,” Waller said.

Waller would like Cassidy to settle Japonisme just off the pace in fifth or sixth spot to give him every opportunity to find the line hard.

“Barrier one is a big plus. I would love to ride him just a touch quieter, maybe fifth or sixth instead of right up on the pace and then give him a chance to finish off,” Waller said.

“That way I think you will see him improve.”

Japonisme hasn’t been in the winner’s circle since taking out the Group 2 $500,000 Arrowfield 3yo Sprint (1200m) at Randwick during the 2016 Sydney Autumn Carnival and is coming off a last start ninth to Tivaci in the Group 1 $600,000 Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 15.

The Peter and Paul Snowden trained three year old Russian Revolution sits at the top of the Doomben 10,000 market order at $3.20 with Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of stablemate Redzel and last year’s winner Music Magnate at $7.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.