Stradbroke Handicap 2016: Damien Oliver buoyant about prospects of second Straddie with Azkadellia

POLL: DAMIEN Oliver arrived early in Brisbane for reconnaissance of the new Eagle Farm track as he plots to win his second Stradbroke in three years.

DAMIEN Oliver arrived early in Brisbane to look over the new Eagle Farm track as he plots to win his second Stradbroke in three years.

The champion jockey, just returned from a month’s suspension after failing a trackside breath test at the Warrnambool carnival, is leaving no stone unturned in his Stradbroke mission on Azkadellia.

ANALYSIS: STRADDIE IN FULL DETAIL

Oliver flew into Brisbane on Friday for an early walk of the new Eagle Farm track and is confident it will perfectly suit the Stradbroke favourite, with whom he has a special affinity.

Oliver has had three rides on Azkadellia for two wins, including the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf, and finds himself in a vastly different situation to when he won the 2014 Stradbroke.

That year, he admitted he did not have much of a clue about River Lad before he piloted the $31 roughie to an unlikely win. It created a fairytale story, with Queenslander Natalie McCall becoming the first female trainer to win the Stradbroke.

Oliver flew under the radar with River Lad but on Saturday the eyes of a nation will be on him as Azkadellia carries the weight of punters’ money.

“I really do think the nature of the new Eagle Farm track will suit her,’’ Oliver said. “She can run that sort of really patient race that suits her perfectly.

“I’ve only had a few rides on Azkadellia but I think I do have a good understanding of her.

“I am far more familiar with her than I was with River Lad when I won the Straddie on him. I’d never even seen him before and knew next to nothing about him.’’

Damien Oliver and Azkadellia combine to win the Mannerism Stakes. Picture: Getty Images

It was music to Oliver’s ears that track managers gave Eagle Farm a douse of water on Thursday, which should suit Azkadellia.

“It’s good they are keeping plenty of water in the track, so they should,” Oliver said.

Trainer Ciaron Maher always planned to have Azkadellia peaking for a Stradbroke in which Oliver believes there are several dangers to the mare.

Betting markets have Black Heart Bart, Malaguerra and Counterattack as the primary threats to Azkadellia and Oliver agrees they are the ones to beat.

When pressed, the three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey nominated Goodwood Handicap winner Black Heart Bart as the main danger.

“Black Heart Bart is in superb form and Darren Weir’s horses are going really well,” Oliver said.

Originally published as Stradbroke Handicap 2016: Damien Oliver buoyant about prospects of second Straddie with Azkadellia