Sir Moments could target Stradbroke Handicap 2016

Steve O’Dea is keeping options open for Sir Moments, with the Stradbroke Handicap still a possible winter target.

O’Dea first had the Doomben Cup as the race he wanted to win during the Queensland carnival.

But the trainer is reconsidering his plans.

Sir Moments, a Doomben winner coming from last over 1350m two weeks ago, is topweight for the Listed Tails Quality (1600m) at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

He won the race last year when it was run at Doomben and then finished second in the Hollindale Cup before injury ended his winter.

One thing playing on O’Dea’s mind is Sir Moments’ record at Eagle Farm which will be re-opened in time for the Stradbroke meeting on June 11.

Sir Moments has had five starts at Eagle Farm for three wins, a second and an unplaced effort in the Group One JJ Atkins.

The gelding’s best win was in the 2014 Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm when he came with a withering burst to score in the last stride.

O’Dea said he was happy Sir Moments would get back to a spacious track on Saturday.

A combination of the Eagle Farm closure, injury and illness has meant Sir Moments has not raced on a big track since being caught deep and running unplaced in the 2014 Villiers Stakes at Randwick.

“I have always felt the big tracks like Eagle Farm are his go,” O’Dea said.

“He has never raced at Caloundra which is also a big track but it should suit him very nicely.

“He will be able to race a bit closer and then wind up in the straight.”

Meanwhile, O’Dea’s smart filly Candika is on course for the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes on May 28 and the JJ Atkins on June 11.

Candika, who was third in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, finished fourth in a jump-out on Tuesday and will return to racing at Doomben on Saturday week.

 

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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