The abandonment of last weekend’s Doomben program means that we will now be treated to three Group 1 features in Brisbane on Saturday, including the rescheduled Doomben Cup.
A new barrier draw has taken place and the Doomben Cup will now be contested over the 2100m course at Eagle Farm, but the same field has accepted, including Zaaki.
Kingsford-Smith Cup – Winner
No. 13 Paulele
I am a big fan of Paulele, he is unlucky not to have already recorded a win at the highest level, and I think that the Kingsford-Smith Cup is the perfect target for him.
The Dawn Approach colt recorded some bullish wins during his spring preparation last year, and raced well during an autumn prep that was highlighted by his third placing in the TJ Smith Stakes.
His return from a freshen-up at Doomben a fortnight ago was excellent, and he will only improve for that effort.
Kingsford-Smith Cup – 2nd
No. 4 Eleven Eleven
Queensland specialist Eleven Eleven is another whom I rate as a key winning chance in the Kingsford-Smith Cup.
The Fastnet Rock gelding has recorded an incredible three wins at the Magic Millions, having been awarded the 3YO Guineas before claiming consecutive Magic Millions Cups the last two years.
He was pretty luckless, but absolutely flew home in the Ortensia Stakes first-up at Scone a fortnight ago, and he too will take plenty of improvement into this race.
Kingsford-Smith Cup – 3rd
No. 5 Apache Chase
In my opinion, Apache Chase looks to be the most likely Kingsford-Smith Cup winner of the local contingent engaged.
The Better Than Ready gelding has been a strong and consistent performer for the Desleigh Forster stable since debuting, recording eight wins and a further five placings from twenty-one career starts.
I thought that his resuming effort for second, beaten a head in The Archer at Rockhampton was excellent, and he’s yet another who will only improve second-up.
Kingsford-Smith Cup – 4th
No. 16 Brooklyn Hustle
She has proven to be a bit of an enigma throughout her career, but Brooklyn Hustle did record her best win to date here at Eagle Farm, and the booking of Jamie Kah adds further confidence.
The Starspangledbanner mare stamped herself as one to watch during her two-year-old prep, and she has picked off some nice races along the way, including the Group 2 Dane Ripper here last year.
She was last seen finishing a credible sixth in the Group 1 Robert Sangster in Adelaide, and the 1300m should prove ideal for her.
Kingsford-Smith Cup Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #13 Paulele
- 2 Units E/W #4 Eleven Eleven
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections zbove