The Inflictor gave notice that he is very much on track for a run in the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap when he scored an impressive victory in a Benchmark 85 Handicap at Doomben.
The four-year-old son of 2016 Stradbroke winner Under The Louvre had already secured his place in the Stradbroke courtesy of his win in The Gateway back in December. This latest triumph continues the momentum he’s built since returning to the track on April 26 after a three-month spell.
The Inflictor’s form since resuming has been ideally timed for a Stradbroke build-up: a runner-up finish first-up over 1000m, followed by a third placing in the Listed ATC Trophy over 1200m, and then Saturday’s strong win over 1350m — all logical steps towards the 1400m of Queensland’s biggest sprint.
“Everything has just fallen into place,” said trainer Craig Cousins.
“The first-up run … I tossed up between racing in midweek or Eagle Farm on the Saturday. The rail was out ten metres at the midweek, so I decided to go to Eagle Farm, and then the run at the Gold Coast was on that (very heavy) track … but he did well.
“In this win he was pressured all the way up the straight, but he just kept kicking on. Nash (Rawiller) suited him in those circumstances because he is an aggressive rider.”
There will be a change of jockey for the Stradbroke, with Cousins confirming that Cejay Graham will take the reins. Graham rode The Inflictor in his all-important Gateway victory and has partnered him in four of his five starts since, with the exception being Saturday’s win under Rawiller.
“I’m really excited. He’ll be a live chance in the Stradbroke,” offered Cousins.
It’s been a classic underdog story. When The Inflictor won The Gateway, Cousins had only two horses in work — yet still managed to outshine big-name stables with much larger operations and budgets.
The challenge naturally grows bigger in the Stradbroke, where elite stables dominate, but Cousins has shown that tenacity and careful planning can go a long way.
The Inflictor has now won six of his 22 starts, with an additional ten minor placings and over $499,100 in prize money. He has proven effective up to 1400m on both good and soft tracks, with four of his six victories decided by less than half-a-length — a testament to his fighting qualities.
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