The Stradbroke Handicap is the jewel in the crown of the Brisbane Winter Carnival, and we’re set for another open edition of the Group 1 sprint at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

A very exciting crop of three-year-olds will step out alongside some of the best open sprinters currently in work, and as is typically the case in Brisbane, an excellent betting race has materialised. 

Stradbroke Handicap – Winner

No. 14 Outback Barbie – Bet Now: $26.00

Outback Barbie absolutely savaged the line to just miss a place in the Victory Stakes a couple of weeks ago and I think she’s going to win the Stradbroke Handicap.

The Spirit Of Boom mare has been a strong and consistent performer in high quality races throughout her career, and capped her last preparation with an impressive win at the Magic Millions.

She flew home to finish third in the BRC Sprint in what was her only other start prior to the Victory Stakes this time in, and getting out to the 1400m on the big Eagle Farm track is going to suit her down to the ground.

She’s weighted ideally, drawn well in barrier 8 and I just think that there looks to be a lot in her favour.

Stradbroke Handicap – 2nd

No. 1 Trekking – Bet Now: $7.00

It’s pretty hard to go back-to-back in a race like the Stradbroke but if there’s a horse that can do it, it’s probably Trekking.

This gelding is as tough as they come, and he’s amidst a truly impressive twelve months that began with his autumn and winter preparation last year, culminating in his first Group 1 win in this race.

He was typically excellent in the spring, winning the Schillaci and running third in The Everest most notably and once again, he’s been excellent this time in.

His second Group 1 victory in The Goodwood might not have been ideal for my bet on Gytrash, but it was certainly enough to suggest that he’ll be in the finish of the Stradbroke Handicap.

Stradbroke Handicap – 3rd

No. 4 Ranier – Bet Now: $16.00

James Cummings has really made the Brisbane Winter Carnival his own since taking the reins at Godolphin and Ranier is yet another leading chance he has in the 2020 Stradbroke Handicap.

The four-year-old son of Lonhro has been an above-average athlete throughout his career, but it appears as though he has returned to the track in career-best form this time and has recorded impressive wins in a BM100 race at Randwick, and the Listed Luskin Stakes last time out.

That race has proven to be an excellent form indicator in recent years and with even luck from out wide, Ranier is certainly up to the quality of something like this.

Stradbroke Handicap – 4th

No. 16 Dawn Passage – Bet Now: $4.60

Dawn Passage has gone to another level this preparation and he’s sure to return another bold effort with only 50kgs in tow, but he’s drawn the carpark and will need everything to go his way.

The three-year-old son of Dawn Approach took a couple of tune up upon resuming this time, but broke back into the winner’s stall with a dominant performance in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas, proving that was no fluke with another easy win in the Inglis Guineas.

He arrived in Brisbane last weekend and put some quality three-year-olds to the sword again in the Fred Best Classic and while this is a decent step up in class, he has certainly earned a crack.

Stradbroke Handicap Suggested Bets