Track: Good 4 Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 18 runners plus 5 emergencies for the 2024 The Star Stradbroke Handicap, with 15 geldings, one colt, 5 mares and 2 fiilies. There are four 3YOs, nine 4YO, four 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs and one 8YO. Five runners had their last start in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup over 1300m at Eagle Farm on 1st June (won by I Wish I Win), four in the Group 3 BRC Sprint over 1350m at Doomben on 25th May (won by Here To Shock) and four in the Group 3 Fred Best Classic over 1400m at Eagle Farm on 1st June (won by Roll On High), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Hellbent. Ciaron Maher has 3 runners and Tony Gollan has 2.

Most of the favoured runners have drawn wide barriers and the early betting is very open with every runner more than $5. The early favourite is Vilana who won the Group 2 Moreton Cup over 1200m at Eagle Farm on 8th June. Second favourite is Antino who was 6th in the Kingsford Smith Cup after a brilliant first-up win. Third favourite is Bella Nipotina who was 2nd in the Kingsford Smith following a close win in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 over 1200m on 18th May. Magic Time was 8th in the Kingsford Smith. Benedetta comes off a Group 1 win in The Goodwood over 1200m at Morphettville on 11th May, while Steparty was 3.5 lengths 8th in the Fred Best last start. All other runners are currently over $12.

1. Bella Nipotina (21)

Talented mare who was 2nd in the Kingsford Smith following a close win in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 over 1200m on 18th May. Horror draw but still one of the main chances.

2. Magic Time (9)

She was 8th in the Kingsford Smith after beginning awkwardly and being galloped on. Forgive her that run as she’s won 6 of her 12 starts and should run well.

3. Antino (20)

Was 6th in the Kingsford Smith Cup after a brilliant first-up win. Has a terrible draw but is too good to dismiss.

4. Benedetta (6)

Comes off a Group 1 win in The Goodwood over 1200m at Morphettville on 11th May. Place chance.

5. Cepheus (15)

Resumes here. Looks tested.

6. Vilana (14)

Won the Group 2 Moreton Cup over 1200m at Eagle Farm by 3.8 lengths on 8th June. One of the main chances.

7. Here To Shock (1)

Winner of the Group 3 BRC Sprint over 1350m at Doomben on 25th May. Capable of being in the finish.

8. Nugget (10)

One of 3 runners for Ciaron Maher. Could surprise.

9. The Inevitable (8)

Good Tasmanian galloper who looks outclassed here.

10. Amenable (16)

Has placed in 3 of his last 4 runs in black-type races. Not the worst.

11. Prince Of Boom (7)

Finished 3rd in the BRC Sprint last outing. Prefer others.

12. Osipenko (11)

Not keen.

13. Mighty Ulysses (18)

Looking to others.

14. Semana (22)

Back from a let-up after consecutive Group 1 placings. Would have been a real contender if she’d got a good draw.

15. Dream Hour (3)

Has ability but this looks too hard.

16. Steparty (4)

Was 3.5 lengths 8th in the Fred Best last start getting too far back from a wide gate. Place chance.

17. Stefi Magnetica (19)

Rough place chance.

18. Roll On High (13)

Won the Group 3 Fred Best Classic over 1400m at Eagle Farm on 1st June. Could have peaked at the right time.

19. Freedom Rally (5)

Honest gelding who always runs well. Can place.

20. Yellow Brick (23)

Last-start winner who has the visitors draw. Chance if he gets a run.

21. Strait Acer (17)

Prefer others.

22. Aureus Angel (2)

Looks tested.

23. Cifrado (12)

Looks safely held.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Bella Nipotina
6 Vilana
7 Here To Shock
4 Benedetta

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	17 Stefi Magnetica
2nd	1 Bella Nipotina	0.25 lengths
3rd	6 Vilana	2.35 lengths
4th	9 The Inevitable	3.53 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings: 19e. Freedom Rally, 20e. Yellow Brick, 21e. Strait Acer, 22e. Aureus Angel, 23e. Cifrado.