The Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) barrier draw on Tuesday has sent ripples through the betting market ahead of the $3 million race. The betting sites favourite Antino has been affected more than almost any other horse.
Antino, who was placed in the 21 barrier, was a clear favourite along with Mick Price and Michael Kent’s Amenable. Since the draw, Antino, Amenable, and other favourites have slipped down on the Stradbroke Handicap odds list.
On Monday, just one day before the barrier draw, there were two clear Stradbroke Handicap favourites; Antino and Amenable.
While Antino has just two Group 1 starts to his name, Eagle Farm Racecourse is his home track. Many expected this local tie to give him the edge over the competition.
Prior to the barrier draw Antino was listed at $5.5 odds to win. Since the draw, his odds have slipped down to $8.
Amenable, likewise, started at $6. After being placed in the 16 slot, the gelding’s odds to win have tumbled down to $10.
Antino’s trainer Tony Gallan is not worried by his horse’s barrier placement.
“I didn't come here worrying too much about the gates, the stats say you can win from anywhere,” he said.
“The key has been keeping him fresh for the 1400m. I'm not worried about where he is drawn, he likes to get out and chase, he likes a bit of room and he will get plenty of that out there.”
The biggest winner of Antino’s bad barrier draw was James Cummings’ Vilana. The five-year-old gelding is now the clear Stradbroke Handicap favourite with $5 odds to win.
Antino ($8), Amenable ($10), and Bella Nipotina ($11) are next on the odds list. Magic Time ($11) is also around the favourites after being drawn into a favourable barrier 9 slot.
Freedom Rally, currently in the first emergency spot, could be a big winner of the barrier draw should he be allowed to race at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The Tony Gallan-trained gelding was drawn into the barrier 5 position.
Despite the unfavourable draw, many punters are still confident about Antino ($8) and Amenable’s ($10) chances on Saturday.
Of the non-favourites, Bella Nipotina ($11) and Benedetta ($11) seem most likely to cause an upset.
Bella Nipotina recently pulled off a stunning comeback victory at the Doomben 10,000. Benedetta, meanwhile, impressed at The Goodwood (1200m) in May.
If you’re looking for a huge Stradbroke Handicap outsider, Annabel Neasham’s Mighty Ulysses could be worth taking a punt on. The world class trainer has talked up his chances in the week leading up to the big $3 million race on Saturday.
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