Eleven Eleven has had a near-perfect build-up to the $1.5 million Stradbroke Handicap and Greg Hickman admits that is his number one concern.
The horse’s campaign has gone so smoothly, the Warwick Farm trainer is almost waiting for something to go wrong.
“It is a little bit worrying, but everything is going to plan,” Hickman said.
“The barrier has gone to plan, his work has gone to plan.
“His work has been right on the money. I wouldn’t change anything at this stage.”
An eye-catching third to Stradbroke rival Apache Chase in the Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m), Eleven Eleven has continued to thrive in Queensland where he has posted some of his biggest wins in the 2020 Magic Millions Guineas and the 2021-22 Magic Millions Cups, all over the 1400m Stradbroke journey.
To top it off, Eleven Eleven has barrier five while several of the other fancied runners have drawn double-figure alleys and in a race top-heavy with speed, the backmarker should get a tempo to suit.
If the five-year-old can finish in the top four, he will push his prizemoney over $3 million.
If he can win, he will deliver Hickman a fourth major after the 2002 Flight Stakes with Royal Purler, the 2011 Vinery Stud Stakes with Mirjulisa Lass and 2019 All Aged Stakes with Pierata.
For a boutique stable, that would be some achievement.
“We have been doing it for a little while and we’re only a small stable,” Hickman said.
“If he could win, this would be number four and I’d be pretty proud of it to be honest.”
Chasing his first win in Brisbane’s most prestigious race, Hugh Bowman maintains his association with Eleven Eleven, who has been backed into $5 equal favouritism with Ayrton.
