Port Lockroy desperate for change of barrier fortunes in Rough Habit Plate

Annabel Neasham has been in form on the track in Queensland, but her stayer Port Lockroy has been struck down by horrible barriers this campaign as they aim up at the Queensland Derby next month.

Annabel Neasham is looking to continue her run of big races in Queensland. Picture: Richard Dobson

Annabel Neasham’s Queensland Derby contender Port Lockroy can put his staying credentials on the line on Saturday — but there is one condition.

He needs a barrier.

The colt has been struck down by barriers 10, 15 and 16 this preparation in what has made for a frustrating campaign.

As the third favourite ($11) for the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) on June 1, the stable are looking to get things back on track in Saturday’s Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben.

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“His runs have all been good, he just can’t draw a gate at all,” Brisbane-based assistant trainer Todd Pollard said.

“Even in his last start he jumps, if he had a good barrier he settles in the first four, instead he is back to last with them all.”

With Adam Hyeronimus riding Port Lockroy for all three starts this campaign, he will again be in the saddle on Saturday as he looks for a change of luck.

Port Lockroy secures a dominant win under@Reganbayliss for the @ANeashamRacing yard!@gobloodstockauspic.twitter.com/8jbPlarvsv

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 18, 2023

“Hippo is going to stick with him, he will be as frustrated as anyone with these barriers,” Pollard said.

“We are of the opinion it was a total forgive run, he is a nice athletic horse.

“The Derby trip might be a bit of question mark being by Better Than Ready, but 2000m on Saturday should be fine.”

Following Numerian’s win in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, the Neasham stable could have a strong presence at Doomben.

Talented two-year-old Bosustow is nominated to make the trip north to Brisbane for the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic in what shapes as the biggest shaper to the Group 1 JJ Atkins market so far.

The stable have also nominated the trio of Spirit Ridge, King Frankel and Regal Lion for the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) as they look to continue their strong form over a staying trip.

Originally published as Port Lockroy desperate for change of barrier fortunes in Rough Habit Plate