Local trainer Alan Bailey looks set to start Suzy Grey in
tomorrow's Group One $1 million Stradbroke Handicap despite the chances of the Eagle Farm
being significantly rain affected.
Bailey, who will also run Libidinious and Make Mine Magic in
the rich event, said this morning that Suzy Grey "would probably" go around
tomorrow despite forecasts of more rain on race day tomorrow.
The mare will be sent to the paddock after tomorrow's race
and set for the feature events over the spring carnival and Bailey said after being forced
to scratch from other feature events in recent times he would most likely run her in the
Stradbroke.
 Suzy Grey, already a Group Two winner of the Swettenham Stud Stakes in
Adelaide, ran a slashing fourth in the G2 QTC Cup last weekend after producing a powerful
finish.
"Her effort was really good last Saturday," Bailey
said. "Her run just seemed to end at about the 75 metre mark though."
Leading Queensland jockey Jason Taylor will retain the ride
on the daughter of County and the pair will jump from barrier ten.
Bailey is also confident the speedy performer Libidinious
would be confident in the big race. The trainer predicted that the 1400 metres at Eagle
Farm, a big and spacious track, should suit the mare.
"There was a notable lack of pace in the Doomben 10,000
and Falvelon and co were able just to bowl along in front and set the race up from
there," he said. "If the same thing happens tomorrow she should be able to give
a pretty big sight."
Make Mine Magic has drawn perfectly in barrier two but is
likely to be up against it this year. The grey gelding ran a big race in last year's
Stradbroke.
"We had a pretty ordinary draw last year and if he had
or had this year's draw twelve months ago he probably would have won," Bailey said.
"So this good draw might just be twelve months too late."
Racing pic by Jenny Barnes.
Bailey pic by Quentin Lang. |
