Fears that Brisbane’s winter carnival would struggle to attract visitors have proved unfounded with officials battling to find enough stables.
There had been concerns Sydney’s stellar autumn carnival would curtail the number of visiting horses for Brisbane.
However, Brisbane Race Club racing manager Bart Sinclair said most of the big southern and New Zealand stables had indicated they would be coming.
“Darley are obviously keen to get off to a flying start and have indicated they could have as many as 15 horses,” Sinclair said.
“Peter Snowden (the soon-to-be former Darley trainer) is also keen to bring plenty of horses for the first time in his own right. I expect to hear from Gai Waterhouse’s stable this week.”
Premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller is again expected to have a strong team in Brisbane.
Sinclair said there were some stables left for visitors in Brisbane but none at Deagon.
“There are plenty on the Gold Coast and some in Caloundra,” he said.
One of the drawcards being set for Brisbane is Rebel Dane who will come via the $2.5 million T J Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 20 before heading to the BTC CUp and Doomben 10,000.
The BRC is also hoping the John Bary-trained Miss Selby, favourite for Saturday’s Group One New Zealand Oaks, will be a winter visitor.
