There is more than just a Group 3 win and a share of $150,000 in prizemoney up for grabs in the BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Missy Longstocking is one of the top local hopes in the BJ McLachlan Stakes on Saturday. Photo by: Daniel Costello.
Thirteen horses will line up in the two-year-old feature which serves for many as a final chance to impress ahead of next month’s $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
While many have already earned their spot in the lucrative juvenile event, others are still scrambling to collect enough prizemoney to get to the start line.
One galloper who has already proven his credentials is Toowoomba colt Sir Luminar who shot into Magic Millions contention with an outstanding debut win at Eagle Farm on December 15.
The Michael Nolan-trained youngster is a $3.20 favourite to string back-to-back wins together after leading from start to finish to defeat Sir Moments and odds-on favourite Londehero in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1000m).
But the big son of Choisir faces a tougher task this weekend, with southern fillies Sweet Idea and I’m Too Sexy among the top challengers.
I’m Too Sexy will be having her first start in Queensland after a dominant three-length win in the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic at Ballarat last month but has already spent considerable time acclimatising to the warmer weather, having won a trial at the Gold Coast on December 18.
Gai Waterhouse-trained filly Sweet Idea will be out to return to the winner’s stall after her debut win in the TAB Sprint at Randwick in October was followed by a close runner-up finish in the Lidoran Group Plate at Rosehill in early November.
The daughter of Snitzel is one of two Waterhouse-trained runners in the field with Northern Glory facing a steep rise in class after winning by 3 1/2 lengths on debut at Kembla Grange two weeks ago.
Apart from Sir Luminar, the best of the local hopes appears to be Missy Longstocking who is chasing a fourth consecutive win.
The Liam Birchley-trained filly remains unbeaten after six and seven-length wins in the first two starts of her career were backed up with a one-length victory in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1000m) at Eagle Farm on December 15.
