Kaepernick still in contention for Stradbroke Handicap

A decision on whether smart sprint Kaepernick takes his place in the Group 1 $1.5m AAMI Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday will be made in the next twenty-four hours.

Kaepernick, above, is still in contenton to run in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Kaepernick, above, is still in contenton to run in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes was on hand at the Sunshine Coast to witness Kaepernick scoring an easy two and a quarter lengths win in an 850m barrier trial this morning.

Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, will monitor how the four year old pulls up before making a decision if her runs in the Stradbroke Handicap or in the Group 2 $175,000 MIRVAC QTC Cup (1300m).

“We want to see how Kaepernick comes up after the trial,” Hawkes told AAP.

“We also have to speak with the owners again. A decision isn’t likely until Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.”

Kaepernick was set to go around in the QTC Cup at last Saturday’s Queensland Oaks meeting at Eagle Farm but the Hawkes team scratched him when the track became rain affected before the meeting was eventually cancelled due to the continuing heavy rain.

When the reopening of the newly reconstructed Eagle Farm track was rescheduled for next Saturday, the QTC Cup along with the Group 1 $500,000 Treasury Casino & Hotel Queensland Oaks (2400m) were added to the Stradbroke Handicap Race Day program.

Hawkes said that the Fastnet Rock four year old will definitely go around at Eagle Farm this weekend as long as the weather stays clear.

“This horse has had a lot of bad luck in his career but he is right now,” Hawkes said.

“The only reason be won’t race in either the Stradbroke or QTC cup on Saturday is on the unlikely chance the weather turns wet again.”

Kaepernick has had only one run back from a spell for a two and a quarter lengths win in the Listed $140,000 Arrowfield Ortensia Stakes (1100m) at Scone on May 14 and is number sixteen in the order of entry for the Stradbroke Handicap, guaranteeing him a spot in the final field of eighteen.

Kaepernick is currently marked at $13 for the Stradbroke Handicap at Ladbrokes.com.au with the Ciaron Maher trained Azkadellia at the top of the market order at $4.

Early market order for the Stradbroke Handicap at Ladbrokes.com.au: $4 Azkadellia, $5 Black Heart Bart, $7 Counterattack, Malaguerra, $9 Under The Louvre, $10 Music Magnate, $13 Kaepernick, Delectation, $17 Takedown, $21 Artlee, Hooked, $26 Charlie Boy, $34 Precious Gem, $41 Sacred Star, Charmed Harmony, $51 Big Money, Too Good To Refuse, $67 Trubia, Two Blue, $101 Traveston Girl,  Echo Gal, The Virginian.

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.