Trainer Jason McLachlan is confident Phelan Ready is ready to break his drought in the Group 1 $1m AAMI Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm tomorrow.

Phelan Ready has been out of the winner’s circle since winning the 2009 Group 1 $3.5m Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill but McLachlan says the five year old is the best he has been for a long time.

Phelan Ready

Phelan Ready has not won since 2009 - photo © Steve Hart

“I’m quietly confident,” McLachlan said.

“It was a super run in the 10,000 and he drops 5.5kg and he is a horse that races really well when he gets the weight advantage.”

Phelan Ready made up ground from midfield when fifth to Sea Siren in the Group 1 $650,000 Carlton Mid Doomben 10,000 (1350m) at Doomben on May 26 pointing to a bold showing tomorrow.

McLachlan gave Phelan Ready two runs in the Autumn and was more than happy with his fourth to Hay List in the Group 1 $1m Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 10.

“He’s ready and I’m happy that I have him where I want him,” McLachlan said.

Phelan Ready will get an advantage if the forecast showers arrive, but he will need some held after drawing one from the extreme outside, giving jockey Glyn Shcofield plenty of work to do.

The Doomben 10,000 winner Sea Siren still heads the betting at $4.20 ahead of Tiger Tees at $7.50 with Buffering and Wealth Princess sharing $8 with Phelan Ready way down the order at $26.

Jim Cassidy believes Sea Siren can still win even if she has many obstacles to overcome including a weight carrying record.

“She’s got a fair bit against her but I’m a believer that records can be broken,” Cassidy said.

“There are a few minuses but she ticks all the boxes.”

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.