The Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) has attracted a strong field including interstate and international raiders, however local hope Flamboyer has continued to firm in betting markets to win the Listed race on the Sunshine Coast this weekend.
Flamboyer is the clear Glasshouse Handicap market mover. Photo: Daniel Costello
Flamboyer has been the stable star for Gold Coast trainer Kelly Doughty his entire racing career so far; delivering seven wins and a further twelve minors through a total of thirty-five competitive starts.
Trialling well in the lead-up to his return this year, the Clang gelding ran third in the Women’s Cancer Foundation Plate (1200m) first-up on February 20th before a luckless run for twelfth in the Carbine Club Gold Coast Stakes (1200m).
Failing to fire in a Doomben minor over 1200m on March 19th and subsequently returned to the paddock for a freshen-up, Flamboyer resumed for third in the Led Super Screens BM85 (1350m) before taking out the Carlton Draught Plate (1400m) by three lengths last weekend.
Flamboyer has been charged with carrying only 54.5kgs, will leave from the ideal barrier 6 and currently occupies the fifth line of Glasshouse Handicap betting at $7.50 odds.
Group 1 winner Stratum Star remains sole occupant of the top line of 2016 Glasshouse Handicap betting, despite drifting to a quote of $3.90 for success.
Stamping himself as a colt to follow through a standout 2015 Autumn Carnival preparation, highlighted by a close third in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and second in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m), Stratum Star clearly required a run when seventh in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) upon resuming in spring.
Progressing to third in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), the Stratum entire charged home to post a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) before again placing third in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
Winning the Group 3 David Jones Cup (2000m) before a lacklustre run in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m), Stratum Star returned in autumn this year for a number of typically smart results, highlighted by a close second in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
Having run third in the Group 2 QTC Cup (1200m) last time out on June 11th, the four-year-old should be well suited to the conditions of the Glasshouse Handicap, regardless of a race-high weight of 61kgs.
Veteran local Steel Zip is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from his first-up run for third in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) a fortnight ago, and will enjoy a step up to 1400m for the Glasshouse Handicap.
In what will be his 72nd career start, the Canadian Silver gelding is a proven performer at the track, is drawn ideally in barrier 7 and represents terrific value at $16 Glasshouse Handicap odds with Ladbrokes Australia.
