Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
The Quarterback
Image: Bruno Cannatelli
The Quarterback returns on Saturday in the G2 Gilgai Stakes

Robbie Griffiths is unsure exactly what to expect from last year’s Newmarket Handicap winner The Quarterback when he begins his spring preparation in the same Flemington sprint he won a year ago.

The Quarterback resumes in Saturday’s Group Two Gilgai Stakes (1200m) for his first start since an autumn campaign which Griffiths described as “a complete write-off”.

And while Griffiths says The Quarterback’s training has been of a high standard, he says the gelding’s trials on unsuitable ground has him guessing as to how well the sprinter is going, and how fit he is.

The trainer said The Quarterback went well when held together to finish fourth in a Cranbourne trial on heavy going last month but said when he tried to give him a more serious test in a private jump-out, the seven-year-old didn’t want to stretch out because of the rain-affected ground.

“I’m going in a little bit unknown as to how he’s actually going,” Griffiths said.

Griffiths said The Quarterback was more forward last year after three trials while he wasl also giving away race fitness to several rivals on Saturday.

“In saying all of that, I’m still very happy with him,” Griffiths said.

“I think if he can run a pleasing race we’re on target for the Manikato Stakes and the Darley Classic.

“It would be nice to try to win first-up like we did last year but I don’t believe I’ve got him as forward in condition just due to the winter tracks I’ve been trialling him on.”

The Quarterback’s forgettable autumn campaign when he was scratched after playing up in the barriers before the Group One Lightning Stakes.

Griffiths said track bias was then against The Quarterback when 10th in his Newmarket Handicap defence before he pulled up lame in his right hind leg after finishing last in the William Reid Stakes.

“It was a complete write-off so he went back to the paddock to start again. And here we are,” he said.

“If he runs a positive race we’re back in the game for the preparation and that’s all we want to see.”

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au