Stradbroke Handicap favourite Headley Grange has received a significant boost ahead of Saturday’s $3 million Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, drawing barrier eight at Tuesday’s official barrier draw.
The Joe Pride-trained gelding heads betting for Queensland’s premier handicap following his victory in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup and appears well placed to continue his winning run from a favourable draw.
Headley Grange remains at the head of the market in a capacity field of 18 runners plus five emergencies.
Pride also holds a strong hand with veteran Group 1 winner Private Eye, who secured barrier four.
Ciaron Maher-trained Warnie drew the inside barrier, while stablemate Another Wil faces a much tougher task after coming up with gate 17.
King Of Roseau, who was unsuited when settling back and wide in the Kingsford Smith Cup, has drawn barrier seven and is expected to receive a more favourable run in transit.
Fellow Group 1 winners Fangirl and Rothfire drew barriers 11 and 13 respectively, placing them in the middle section of the field.
The Cliff Brown-trained pair Sepals and Von Hauke were less fortunate, drawing barriers 21 and 19 respectively.
Chris Waller’s talented three-year-old Sixties remains the first emergency for the race but has drawn ideally in barrier three should he gain a start.
Champion jockey Jamie Kah has been booked to ride Sixties if a vacancy becomes available before race day.
The barrier draw has added another layer of intrigue to what shapes as one of the strongest editions of the Stradbroke Handicap in recent years.
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