Stradbroke Season gets underway at Eagle Farm this Saturday, with Queensland Guineas Day marking the official opening of Brisbane’s winter carnival. The meeting always sets the early tone, and this year’s edition looks particularly strong with three black-type races headlining.
The Group 2 Queensland Guineas takes centre stage, supported by the Group 2 Victory Stakes for the sprinters and the Listed Dalrello Stakes for the juveniles, giving an early read on key carnival contenders across the board.
Weather is expected to play its part, with showers forecast during the week and the track currently rated a Soft 7. That should produce testing conditions on race day, placing a premium on wet-track ability and race fitness.
With that in mind, we’ve assessed the form to help you find a few winners.
MERCURIAL LADY (3) was a little unlucky not to score last start over 1200m at Doomben.
The Desleigh Forster-trained gelding had a soft run but was held up along the fence and only got clear late, finishing strongly into third, beaten under half a length.
He’ll be fitter third-up and the addition of blinkers for the first time looks a positive.
From barrier 2, Vlad Duric should land in a perfect stalking position off what looks a genuine tempo.
Selections: 3-4-8-11
| 3. Mercurial Lady (2) J: Vlad Duric 60kg 17×33T: Desleigh Forster |
AUTUMN WINTER (2) is an import in great form and chasing a hat-trick of wins.
The Matthew Smith-trained gelding stepped up in trip at Wyong two runs back and overcame issues to win narrowly, before backing it up with a strong 2.2 length victory over 2400m at Warwick Farm.
Sydney form typically measures up well in races like this, and Ryan Maloney should secure a soft run from the low draw.
Selections: 2-5-9-4
| 2. Autumn Winter (2) J: Ryan Maloney 59kg x4611T: Matthew Smith |
ALL ADORE (9) made a big impression at this track and trip last start.
The Nick Olive-trained filly settled just off the speed before producing a sharp sprint to win by 1.95 lengths.
Her previous run at the Sapphire Coast was even more dominant, winning by over four lengths.
She continues to improve and will carry just 51.5kg after the claim.
Selections: 9-5-3-2
| 9. All Adore (7) J: Coriah Keatings 54.5kg 15311T: Nick Olive |
JENNI MOREESE (8) is flying, aiming for a fifth consecutive victory.
The Corey & Kylie Geran-trained mare kicked things off with a win at the Sunshine Coast before reeling off three straight wins over this course and distance.
Each time she has swept around the field and finished strongly.
Corey Sutherland stays aboard, and with his claim she drops to 54kg.
Selections: 8-13-1-10
| 8. Jenni Moreese (5) J: Corey Sutherland 56kg 21111T: Corey & Kylie Geran |
ICARIAN DREAM (2) is very well weighted at 54kg and brings a clear class edge.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly had excuses two runs back at Warwick Farm when caught wide, yet still stuck on well.
She followed that with a solid second at Doomben, working home nicely behind Smexy.
The bigger Eagle Farm track suits, having won the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes here as a juvenile.
Barrier is tricky, but she’ll likely settle back regardless.
Selections: 2-3-7-8
| 2. Icarian Dream (11) J: Tahlia Fenlon 54kg 33762T: Ciaron Maher |
THE NEXT EPISODE (3) has returned in strong order this preparation.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was lame on debut before a spell, but resumed with an impressive win at Warwick Farm despite being held up.
He was unlucky last start in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes, missing the start before charging home for a narrow second.
A recent Doomben trial win suggests he’s ready to peak.
A strong tempo should suit given his racing pattern.
Selections: 3-7-1-4
| 3. The Next Episode (10) J: Jason Collett 57kg 0x12T: Ciaron Maher |
BRAVE MONARCH (2) was outstanding winning the Listed Daybreak Lover last start.
The Chris & Corey Munce-trained gelding covered ground throughout yet still produced the best closing splits to score by 2.24 lengths.
The rise to a mile suits and he has a strong third-up record.
From barrier 3, Martin Harley should give him every chance.
Selections: 2-3-4-1
| 2. Brave Monarch (3) J: Martin Harley 57kg 11×41T: Chris & Corey Munce |
LADY OF CAMELOT (10) resumes after over a year off but looks ready to run well.
The Waterhouse & Bott-trained mare was consistent last campaign, placing in Group 1 races including behind Lady Shenandoah on multiple occasions.
Her recent trials have been encouraging, including a sharp win from on-speed.
Tim Clark can position just behind the pace from the good draw.
Selections: 10-4-8-3
| 10. Lady Of Camelot (4) J: Tim Clark 56.5kg 2223xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
GRAMMAR LAD (19) is in terrific form and chasing three straight wins.
The Kelly Schweida-trained gelding powered home last start to defeat subsequent winner Savagery Vibe at Doomben.
His prior win followed a similar pattern after encountering traffic.
He rises in grade again but continues to handle each step up.
Selections: 19-14-5-15
| 19. Grammar Lad (6) J: Michael Rodd 55.5kg x4311T: Kelly Schweida |