Magic Millions two year old Classic placegetter Candika has finally drawn a good barrier which will enhanced her chances in the Group 2 $250,000 Mitavite BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Candika finally drew a good barrier in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Doomben. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Candika will be having her third run back from a spell and trainer Steven O’Dea can see her running an improved race from barrier four in the field that has been reduced to thirteen runners following the scratching of the Gai Waterhouse trained Sylpheed.
“From the good barrier we should be able to ride her a bit closer and give her a chance in the straight,” O’Dea told AAP.
“She got run off her feet last start in the Champagne Classic and got too far back.”
Candika drew barrier eleven at her first run back from a spell when she made up ground from the back when third behind tearaway leader Tiyatrolani and Real Classic in a 1110m two year old Plate at Doomben on April 30.
Then at her next start the Sebring filly was out of luck again at the barrier draw, coming up with gate eight in the ten horse field of the Group 2 $175,000 Moet & Chandon Champagne Classic (1200m) at Doomben a fortnight ago when sixth to Winning Rupert.
Once again Chandika made up ground from the back for Paul Hammersley who will be in the saddle again this week.
Hammersley was also on board when Candika ran third to the Peter and Paul Snowden trained Capitalist in the $2m Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 9.
“Her form is around good horses such as the Golden Slipper winner Capitalist so she just needs the race to be run her way,” O’Dea said.
A good performance from Candika in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes will give O’Dea confidence in stepping her up to 1600m at the bigger track at Eagle Farm in the Group 1 $600,000 BMW J.J. Atkins in two weeks time.
“Candika has never been on a big track but the way she races indicates she is going to be well suited in the JJ Atkins there,” O’Dea said.
Candika is marked at $14 for the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes in Ladbrokes.com.au market order that has the John O’Shea trained Souchez as the $2.50 favourite.
Champagne Classic runner up Attention is on the second line of betting at $5.50 ahead of Bjorn Baker’s Cadogan at $6.50 and Kiwi youngster Sacred Elixir at $9.
BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.45 Souchez, $5.50 Attention, $6.50 Cadogan, $9 Sacred Elixir, $14 Candika, $15 Nikitas, Royal Tithe, $20 Dreams Aplenty, $21 Oink, $31 Crack Me Up, Earth, $51 Zendaye, $91 Meet And Greet.
