Stradbroke triple threat
Dancer to make it a trio for Waterhouse, Bott
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are set for a three-pronged attack in next weeks Stradbroke Handicap as they look to go back-to-back in Queensland’s best race.
Connections of BRC Sprint winner Surf Dancer are weighing up whether to pay the $18,000 late nomination fee after gaining ballot-free entry into the Stradbroke following their surprise win this month.
Despite never considering the Stradbroke, Bott said they were keen now to run in the race and join stablemates Converge and Hawaii Five Oh after Surf Dancer showed steep improvement following his last placing in The Archer at Rockhampton.
First acceptances and late nominations are due by Wednesday, with final acceptances next Tuesday.
Bott confirmed on Tuesday the stable’s plans for a threepronged attack in the race they won last year with Alligator Blood.
“We should strongly consider the race, he (Surf Dancer) worked well this morning and he looked nice and sharp,” he said. “He wasn’t originally nominated for the race, we felt it might be a bit sharp for him at the trip, but he has improved nicely and I don’t think there was any sort of fluke about (the BRC Sprint win).
“Traditionally it has been a very strong lead up for the Stradbroke – horses that have won it or run well in it have gone on to perform well.
“The addition of making it $3m this year and winning the lead-up race, it is something that needs to be considered.
“We’d hate to deny him that opportunity so we will speak to the owners about paying up the late entry fee, I don’t think it’s the silliest idea in the world.”
After winning the Fred Best Classic on the weekend, threeyear-old Hawaii Five Oh rocketed into Stradbroke contention, where he will carry just 49.5kg with Rachel King on board.
The blue blood colt is a $5 second favourite behind Kingsford Smith Cup winner Think About It.
Converge is on the third line of betting at $8, giving the Waterhouse-Bott stable a strong presence in the race.
“We are happy with the team after Saturday. Hawaii Five Oh gets in on the minimum sort of weight and Converge is a very seasoned horse dropping back from weight-for-age to handicap conditions where he is well weighted,” Bott said.
“We are happy with the chances going towards it, it is a high-pressure race and we were fortunate enough to win it last year.”
Surf Dancer is an $18 chance with TAB.