3 minute read
Rescheduled races from last week’s abandoned Doomben Cup card ensure Queensland Derby Day at Eagle Farm will be one to remember as it plays host to 10 black-type features on Saturday.
In a day that includes three Group 1s, two Group 2s, four Group 3s and a Listed contest, Saturday's Queensland Derby Day at Eagle Farm is sure to be a thrilling spectacle with each of the respective races on the 10-race card carrying black-type recognition.
With three of last weekend's major races being rescheduled to this Saturday, nominations for Saturday's namesake race the Group 1 Queensland Derby spearhead the fifth day of the carnival.
Having taken out the Group 3 Rough Habit a fortnight ago, Kiwi gelding Dark Destroyer sits narrowly atop in early markets for the 2400m feature, ahead of fellow trans-Tasman Pinarello and Godolphin runner Alegron.
Also holding spots in early markets in single figures are the Chris Waller-trained pairing Caboche and Paternal, the latter finishing a fast closing second behind the early favourite in his last outing.
Other nominated runners who will be hoping to turn the tables from the same race include Menazzi, Sothern Stock, Impel Gazelle and Tutukaka.
Having been claimed by some of Australia's racing legends, including Black Caviar, Doomben 10 000 runners up Paulele and New Zealander Entriviere hold a stranglehold over the market to take out the Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m).
Other intriguing nominations for the race include All Aged Stakes placegetter Ellsberg, who returns off a quick freshen-up, and September Run, who flashed home for third in the Sangster earlier this month.
As for the remaining Group 1 on Saturday and one of the three rescheduled races, the Doomben Cup (2100m), superstar gelding Zaaki still sits clear top pick in the betting, with Polly Grey a clear second elect, from Huetor and Kukeracha sharing similar quotes.
The remaining black-type races on Eagle Farm's exciting 10-race card includes two Group 2 contests in the BRC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) and The Roses (2100m), four Group 3 features in the Fred Best Classic (1400m), Premier's Cup (2400m), Lord Mayor's Cup (1800m), and the BRC Sprint (1300m), as well as the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m).
With there currently being no official track rating, considering the amount of rainfall this month and the forecast downpour for the remainder of the week, it is hard to imagine Saturday's Eagle Farm surface will rate any better than the Heavy 8 conditions it raced on a fortnight ago.
The rail currently sits in the true position the course entire.
