Punters set to pop the Champagne

Image: Darren Winningham

Champagne Cuddles has been the best backed in early Stradbroke betting

Punters are showing their hand early in the biggest race on the Queensland racing calendar this Saturday at Doomben, the Stradbroke Handicap (1350m).

Three year old filly Champagne Cuddles is looking to continue the trend of younger horses performing well in this race. Her run in the Kingsford Smith was a beauty, she gets the inside gate and tumbles in weight. Plenty to like and punters agree, backing her into $4.20 from $4.60.

Impending has been $5-$5.50 on a couple of occasions. The reigning Stradbroke winner and last start KIngsford Smith winner has to break numerous records in order to win. There has been good support for another three year, Perast ($8.50-$7). He looks to get favours on the speed map, is hard fit and in form.

The boom horse is Danon Liberty, who is $9 and solid. He’s first emergency but if he gets a run, expect that price to tighten in.