Stradbroke Handicap: Kaepernick, Artlee in mix for Group 1 feature

STRADBROKE smokies Kaepernick and Artlee could gain starts in Queensland’s premier race on Saturday week even if they don’t win the QTC Cup at Eagle Farm this Saturday.

Artlee has a hitout with trainer Todd Willan in the saddle. Picture: Liam Kidston

STRADBROKE smokies Kaepernick and Artlee could gain starts in Queensland’s premier race on Saturday week even if they don’t win the Group 2 QTC Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday.

It was thought both Kaepernick and Artlee would need to win the QTC Cup this Saturday to gain entry into the Stradbroke. But that might not be the case as the Stradbroke field started to fall away on Tuesday.

Below is a possible order of entry (not official) for the $1.5 million race as it stands right now.

At this stage, Kaepernick is holding the final position in the field but the winner of the QTC Cup this Saturday is exempt from the Stradbroke ballot and will therefore leapfrog Kaepernick if it is below that horse in the order of entry.

Artlee is currently second emergency for the Stradbroke but five runners in the current field are either doubtful or not confirmed starters at this stage. It is unclear if the Stradbroke is still the goal for Artlee and the horse’s trainer Todd Willan was unavailable on Tuesday.

Sacred Star and River Lad are very unlikely to run in the Stradbroke and have therefore been taken out of the list below. Precious Gem is due to be sold at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale this week and has been left in the field at this stage.

There is no confirmation on the Chris Waller-trained duo Amicus and Amovatio at this stage, while Kristen Buchanan has indicated Two Blue is likely to run in the Dane Ripper Stakes instead of the Stradbroke on June 11. Ghisoni was on Tuesday ruled out of the Stradbroke and will also run in the Dane Ripper.

Hi World is a doubtful Stradbroke starter unless he performs exceptionally well in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap (1500m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday. Stratum Star will also only run in the Stradbroke if he runs well in the QTC Cup.

â–  Champion jockey Damien Oliver has been booked to ride favourite Azkadellia in the Stradbroke Handicap.

â–  Fellow Stradbroke chance Malaguerra led and won his 1000m open barrier trial by 2¼ lengths at the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

â–  First acceptances for the Stradbroke are due at 9am Wednesday.

STRADBROKE HCP

* Likely field

1 BLACK HEART BART Darren Weir 58kg

1 MALAGUERRA Lee & Anthony Freedman 56kg

1 MUSIC MAGNATE Bjorn Baker 55.5kg

1 COUNTERATTACK Chris Waller 52.5kg

5 DELECTATION Chris Waller 57kg

6 AZKADELLIA Ciaron Maher 54.5kg

7 STRATUM STAR Darren Weir 56.5kg

8 PRECIOUS GEM Henry Dwyer 52.5kg (yet to be confirmed)

9 CHARLIE BOY Peter & Paul Snowden 54.5kg

10 AMICUS Chris Waller 52.5kg (yet to be confirmed)

11 UNDER THE LOUVRE Robert Smerdon 54.5kg

12 BIG MONEY Rodney Northam 54kg

13 HOOKED John P Thompson 54kg

14 AMOVATIO Chris Waller 53.5kg (yet to be confirmed)

15 TWO BLUE Kristen Buchanan 52kg (doubtful)

16 CHARMED HARMONY John Sadler 53kg

17 HI WORLD Lee & Anthony Freedman 52kg (doubtful)

18 KAEPERNICK Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes 52kg

Emergencies

19 TAKEDOWN Gary Moore 50.5kg

20 ARTLEE Todd Willan 52kg

* This order is not official and has been formulated through information from stables and media.

Originally published as Stradbroke Handicap: Kaepernick, Artlee in mix for Group 1 feature