JOCKEYS IN SPLIT DECISION
TWO champion Queensland jockeys who have enjoyed success on this day in the past are at odds over who they would prefer to ride in this afternoon’s Doomben 10,000.
Jim Byrne, who won the race two years ago on Redzel, is in the corner of ruling favourite Nature Strip.
Damian Browne, who was second in the race last year on Impending and won the BTC Cup on Albert The Fat in 2010 when it was run in this slot, believes Osborne Bulls can stalk and get past him.
“I think there will be enough pressure for a horse that will be stalking,” the recently retired Browne said.
“If Nature Strip gets there soft, he may be able to relax, but I can’t see them letting James (McDonald) cross them easily, especially Brad (Stewart on I’m A Rippa).
“They have let their intentions be known and might make the favourite work. You will know down the back straight your fate with Nature Strip.
“If Osborne Bulls is giving him six lengths start into the straight it will be too much, but if he’s three to four lengths off him, I think he beats him.
“With those blinkers on you just hope he can race a couple of lengths closer, and if that’s the case he will be too strong over the last 40-50m.”
Byrne said Doomben set up perfectly for a horse like Nature Strip, even though there was that little niggle about him at a strong 1200m.
“If you’re going to get six furlongs it’s going to be around Doomben,” he said. “If you can control the tempo into that first turn and get across them reasonably well, it’s going to be hard to catch him. The leaders can nick away on you at Doomben and be pretty hard to catch.
“With Redzel I jumped out and was able to dictate the tempo. You only need to get a soft couple of sectionals, and they are too hard to catch.”
Dual Doomben Cupwinning jockey Shane Scriven is in Browne’s corner, believing the high pressure will play into the hands of Osborne Bulls.