Stradbroke Handicap 2016: Godolphin no certainty to push on with Ghisoni

EVEN with Ghisoni now a near certainty to make the final field for the Stradbroke, Godolphin has indicated it’s more likely she will bypass the $1.5 million race.

NATHAN EXELBY

2 min read

May 29, 2016 - 5:00PM

No guarantee: Ghisoni races away for a clear win in the Glenlogan Park Stakes at Doomben. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

EVEN with Ghisoni now a near certainty to make the final field for the Stradbroke, Godolphin has indicated it’s more likely she will bypass the $1.5 million race.

Handicapper Nathan Bourke will announce on Monday a 1.5kg ballot allowance for Ghisoni, which parachutes her in at number 25 in the Stradbroke order of entry.

With at least seven runners above her already ruled out, it seems certain a start is there for the taking, but Godolphin won’t be pressured into a start.

Godolphin’s Australian manager Henry Plumptre said a decision will be made by Tuesday morning on whether Ghisoni runs in the Stradbroke or takes the Group 2 Dane Ripper option instead.

“John (O’Shea) is flying up there (Monday) and will have a good look at her. We will talk to (Global racing manager) John Ferguson and he will talk to Sheikh Mohammed on whether to run or not.

“I think it will be more likely she will run in the Dane Ripper and then go to the Tatts Tiara.

“There’s no such thing as an easy Stradbroke. People like to tell you it’s a weak year, but when you get in, it’s a bloody hard race to win.

“The focus for her is ensuring she has a long term career.”

Plumptre said the Dane Ripper option means James McDonald would take the ride, but with him being overseas a fortnight later, Damian Browne is the front runner to pick up the coveted ride in the Tiara.

Music Magnate takes out the Doomben 10,000 on Saturday. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

Trainer Bjorn Baker is very comfortable with the 55.5kg Doomben 10,000 winner Music Magnate is expected to receive on Monday.

“I think he still gets in really well. I’m happy with that,” he said. “He’s been set for this carnival and he’s always a better horse third and fourth up. I’m confident he can hold his form going to Eagle Farm and he’s a definite chance.”

In other Stradbroke news, Fell Swoop and Dothraki have both been spelled after their Doomben 10,000 runs.

Others already ruled out of the Stradbroke include Japonisme, Le Romain, Griante, Rangipo and Generalife.

Black Heart Bart will be given the 58kg topweight when Stradbroke weights are released on Monday morning.

BTC Cup winner Malaguerra has 56kg, while Counterattack, the other exempt race winner, will be on 52-52.5kg.

The QTC Cup represents the last chance for those outside the 18 horse cut-off to make the Stradbroke field, with powerful Scone winner Kaepernick expected to run. He is 42nd in the order of entry and a $19 Stradbroke chance.

A decision on a Stradbroke start for Sacred Star will be made after he runs in Saturday’s QTC Cup. BTC Cup flop Stratum Star will also run in the race.