Stradbroke Handicap 2016: Music Magnate rewriting Straddie rule book as he chases rare double

MUSIC Magnate and Azkadellia look well set up to fire at Eagle Farm, given they have not been crucified by the handicapper in the Stradbroke, writes Nathan Exelby.

Kerrin McEvoy after taking out the Doomben 10,000 on Music Magnate. Picture: AAP

COULD this year’s Stradbroke be a flashback to 1992, where Rough Habit and Barossa Boy ran the quinella, in reverse order, in both races? Or 2002 when Show A Heart and Falvelon did the same thing?

Music Magnate and Azkadellia look well set up to fire at Eagle Farm, given they have not been crucified by the handicapper in the Stradbroke.

The tempo of the 10,000 made it a serious test of sprinting stamina and surely a good pointer to the Stradbroke.

Most 10,000 winners are either fully exposed to the handicapper or unsuited by 1400m on a bigger track. That’s why we haven’t had a horse do the double since 1988.

Music Magnate seemingly doesn’t fall into either of those categories.

Most 10,000 winners are either fully exposed to the handicapper or unsuited by 1400m on a bigger track. That’s why we haven’t had a horse do the double since 1988.

He’s been to 1400m twice for wins at Randwick and Rosehill and he drops to 55.5kg.

He is also relatively fresh, having only raced three times this campaign.

Previously a graveyard for mares, the Stradbroke has been kind to the fairer sex in recent years, with Mid Summer Music (53.5kg) and Srikandi (53kg) winning.

It’s fair to say Azkadellia’s record is clearly superior to those two going into the race this year and she’s a proven better horse when there’s give in the ground, a near certainty on the new Eagle Farm.

And what of Ghisoni?

Weights and times suggest she will be hard to beat.

But clearly the Godolphin camp believe Ghisoni will be a better horse in six to 12 months’ time and fear mixing it with more seasoned types in a race where there’s generally no place to hide may hinder her long-term future.

Going the distance: Kerrin McEvoy on Music Magnate after winning the Doomben 10,000. Picture: AAP

By association, they fear exposing the shortcomings that come from inexperience, which was evident when she went under in the Coolmore Classic.

The Stradbroke is generally a target race.

So often we see horses on the brink of a start scrape into the field, but then not fire.

Lumosty was the latest example last year.

If the trainer has been consistent in his hesitance on a start in that race, perhaps punters need to take heed.

The good thing is that we will get to see her again in Queensland whichever way they decide to go.

Music Magnate (blue and yellow) wins during of The Championships at Royal Randwick. Picture: Jenny Evans

Originally published as Stradbroke Handicap 2016: Music Magnate rewriting Straddie rule book as he chases rare double