Stradbroke Handicap

See the 2023 Stradbroke Handicap Preview and results.

See the 2022 Stradbroke Handicap Preview and results.

See the 2021 Stradbroke Handicap Preview and results.

See the 2020 Stradbroke Handicap Preview and results.

The Stradbroke Handicap was first held as a principal race over 6 furlongs (about 1200 metres) in 1890 and was won by Pyrrhus. The race was not held in the war years of 1942 to 1945, and in 1953 the distance was increased to 7 furlongs. It became a Group 1 race in 1980 and was known as the QTC Elders Handicap for most of the 1980’s. In 2017 and 2018 it was switched to 1350m at Doomben because of issues with the track surface at Eagle Farm.

In 1993 the prizemoney for the Stradbroke Handicap was set at one million dollars and it is the richest race of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival. Prizemoney is now $1.5 million. The Group 1 Doomben 10,000 over 1350 metres is the major lead-up race, and fillies and mares who run well in the Stradbroke will go on to contest the Winter Stakes two weeks later on the last day of the Brisbane Carnival.

The Stradbroke Handicap generally attracts capacity fields and requires horses with speed and stamina. It is a middle distance race that is well suited to milers. Horses that perform well in the race will generally follow-up by racing in high status races in the Sydney or Melbourne Spring Racing Carnivals.

Last mare to win: Srikandi (2015)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Impending (2017); Filly – La Montagna (2006)

Multiple winners: Black Piranha (2009 & 2010); Rough Habit (1991 & 1992); Daybreak Lover (1984 & 1986); Lucky Ring (1949 & 1950); Petrol Lager (1934 & 1935); Highland (1925 & 1926); Gold Tie (1918 & 1919); Babel (1895 & 1896).

Fastest time (1400m): Tyzone (2020) 1:20:43

Interesting trivia: In 1980 Ducatoon was first past the post but later disqualified due to a positive swab and Bemboka Yacht was declared the winner.

Eight horses have managed to win the Stradbroke on two occasions during its long history. They are Black Piranha (2009 and 2010), Rough Habit (1991 and 1992), Daybreak Lover (1984 and 1986), Lucky Ring (1949 and 1950), Petrol Lager (1934 and 1935), Highland (1925 and 1926), Gold Tie (1918 and 1919) and Babel (1895 and 1896).

Fillies and mares have a poor record in the race, and although a few fillies have won in recent years, when Mid Summer Music won in 2012 she was the first mare since Capri in 1936.

From the archives:

Stradbroke Handicap Preview & Tips 2018

Track: Soft   Weather: Showers

There is a full field of 16 plus 5 emergencies for the $1,500,000 2018 Ubet Stradbroke Handicap. The early favourite is Gold Coast Guineas winner Champagne Cuddles who was 3^rd in the BTC Cup last start. Second favouritism is shared between BTC Cup winner Impending who won this race last year, and Perast who has won his last 2 starts at this track and distance.

Danon Liberty is a Japanese horse having his first run here who won a Werribee trial on 28 May. Osborne Bulls won the Luskin Star Stakes at Scone last outing, while Care To Think is a specialist at this distance. Santa Ana Lane stormed home to win the Goodwood at long odds last outing and could go well again. Invincible Gem was 3^rd in the Luskin Star Stakes. All other runners are currently 16 to 1 or longer.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.