Writing the next Chapter
IN-FORM gelding Chapter and Verse takes a vital step towards the Group One Stradbroke Handicap when he tackles the Group Three BRC Sprint at Doomben.
Chapter and Verse made a brilliant return to racing when he easily won a Class Six Plate at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.
It was his first start since winning the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS Handicap at the Gold Coast in January.
Trainer Desleigh Forster is convinced the gelding is up to Group One class and believes a win in Saturday’s BRC Sprint would confirm her opinion. The BRC Sprint has rarely been a good guide to the Stradbroke with River Lad in 2014 the only horse to complete the double.
But Forster believes the race is perfectly placed as a lead-up to the Stradbroke on June 8.
“It has been our plan all along to run in the BRC Sprint to frank his form. If he can win the BRC Sprint he should go on to the Stradbroke,” Forster said.
“But if he doesn’t all isn’t lost. I have said all along there is no rush to get him to Group One. If he makes it he makes it but otherwise there is always next year.”
Forster said a win in the BRC Sprint would also have the benefit of lifting Chapter and Verse’s handicap rating. The gelding is one of 18 entries taken yesterday for the race headed by I’m A Rippa. FRIDAY: 16-PAGE GUIDE SATURDAY: 12-PAGE GUIDE