Supporters of “SF” or Sydney form might already be clued in, though Sibaaq at lengthy odds could fly under most radars.
Out to $11 in betting by Friday’s close, trainer Declan Maher reckons his emerging stable adjacent to the Gold Coast track – surname link to Ciaron Maher notwithstanding – results in his horses being disregarded versus entrenched Brisbane establishments.
Sibaaq was fifth across the line in Rosehill’s Group 3 Parramatta Cup (1900m) on February 21, returning now for the local Gold Coast Stakes (1800m) this Saturday.
“I think that is a general thing with a few of my runners these days as they usually get a bit of extra odds, but we are building the stable and fresh trainers to Queensland.
“In a lot of his starts I think he has blown out in the market,” Maher said.
“He was out to $27 when he just missed out (on winning) by a stride in the Mayor’s Vase.”
An eight-year-old with a 108 Racing and Sports figure from Sydney, after 113 when edged out in the Gold Coast Mayor’s Vase (2050m) on January 23.
Matching that, $23 hope Victoria Road with 61kg has equivalent ratings this time in.
Maher draws attention to robust Sydney form, exemplified by Parramatta Cup champ Piggyback fourth last Saturday in Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m), while fellow placer Travolta grabbed third in Sunday’s Listed Canberra Cup (2000m).
“He went to my brother Ciaron’s farm in Bong Bong for a week after the Sydney run and his last six weeks have been relatively quiet for him,” Maher added.
“He has only needed a couple of bits of work back home and he likes to get down to the beach at The Spit which is more to keep a smile on his face.
“Hopefully tomorrow he can do the rest.”
The program beyond the Gold Coast Stakes offers Queensland incentive contests including $500,000 QTIS 2YO Jewel and $500,000 QTIS 3YO Jewel, each at 1200m.
Visit betting sites to find racing betting markets for the Gold Coast Stakes.