Day four of the Queensland Racing carnival is set to enthral as defending champ Zaaki looks primed to rule again in Saturday’s Doomben Cup.
After a dazzling display in last year’s edition of the Doomben Cup (2000m) – when scoring by a staggering seven lengths, Annabel Neasham’s superstar gelding Zaaki appears to be set for another bold showing as he lines up a firm favourite for the $1 million feature.
In what looks a mighty difficult task, nominated horses who will be hoping to turn the tables on the three-time Group 1 winner are Polly Grey, Kukeracha and Huetor, all finishing behind the seven-year-old last start in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m).
As for the three-year-old fillies in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m), the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained Dynasties is expected to attract plenty of market support after knocking off Queensland Oaks favourite Gypsy Goddess in the Gold Coast Bracelet at her previous outing.
Hoping to emulate her stablemate’s (Only Words) previous success in the race is the Chris Waller-trained Smirk. Following a similar path to last year’s winner, Smirk will be looking to flip the result on the early favourite after finishing third in the Bracelet.
Other intriguing nominations and currently sharing the second line of betting is last start Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Glint Of Hope and runner-up Barb Raider.
In what looks to be an ultra-competitive contest is the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m).
Victorian mudlark Buffalo River currently sits narrowly atop in early betting, ahead of the inaugural The Archer victor Emerald Kingdom and fellow last star winner Soxagon.
Leading the charge for the Sydneysiders looking to launch an ambush on the north is Waller pairing Blondeau and Oscar Zulu.
The remaining black-type races on Doomben’s exciting nine-race card include the Group 3 Pam O’neill Stakes (1600m), the Listed Chief De Beers (1100m), and the two-year-old fillies Listed Bill Carter Stakes (1200m).
Currently rated a Heavy 10 and with showers forecast for Brisbane throughout the week, it is unlikely the Doomben surface will experience any significant upgrades before the weekend.
The rail position sits true the course entire.