Breeding & Racing Magazine

Stradbroke Favourites Drift after Draw

Wide barrier draws have seen both Dawn Passage and Trekking (last year’s winner) slide in markets for Saturday’s Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm. The pair, who will come in after emergencies and scratchings drew 23 and 22, respectively, which will certainly add to the challenge each faces, particularly defending champion Trekking who is carrying an extra four kilograms versus 2019. The latter’s Godolphin stablemate, Exhilarates, has closed from $13 to $9 after drawing close to the fence. Victorem, who comprehensively won the Gr2 Victory Stakes (1200m) at the track (see below) has drawn in the first half of the field and gets in beautifully at the weights. He remains an $8 chance and looks a strong eachway prospect at that price.