QTC Cup Field: Munce to test Belltone for Stradbroke Handicap 2014

Chris Munce will test one of his favourite horses, Belltone, as a Stradbroke Handicap mount at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Munce, who has not ridden Belltone since they combined to win the BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben 12 months ago, will be back aboard for the Group Two QTC Cup (1200m).

He has had a long association with the horse and his trainer Kelso Wood for whom he won the 2012 Group One TJ Smith Stakes on Sizzling.

Belltone - Stradbroke Handicap 2014
Belltone – Stradbroke Handicap 2014

Munce has ridden Belltone 13 times for six wins and two seconds.

Along the way they have combined to win the 2013 BRC Sprint, 2012 Eye Liner Stakes and 2012 Glasshouse Mountains Sprint.

Belltone was having his first start since November when an eye-catching fourth on a wet track in the Gold Coast’s Prime Minister’s Cup behind Dances of Stars on May 4.

The gelding drops from 59kg to 57.5kg in the QTC Cup and to 53kg in the Stradbroke on June 7.

“Kelso has been good to me and so has Belltone,” Munce said.

“He isn’t getting any younger but his last run was a good one and he is second-up on Saturday which is when he usually fires.

“Provided he goes OK, and he does have a wide alley on Saturday, I will probably ride him in the Stradbroke.”

Wood also has three-year-old Into The Red entered for the Stradbroke and he is currently 22nd in the order of entry.

New Zealand trainer Tony Pike is resigned to the fact his impressive galloper Sacred Star will have to win the QTC Cup to make the Stradbroke field.

Sacred Star, who has 52kg in the Stradbroke, is currently 28th in the order of entry for Brisbane’s premier race.

A brilliant trial win at Doomben earlier this month has resulted in Sacred Star being well backed at big odds to win the Stradbroke.

Tim Bell takes over on Sacred Star from injured kiwi jockey Leith Innes.

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