With three Group 1 races on the Stradbroke Handicap program, the Group 2 2013 Brisbane Cup (2400m) has received little hype in the build-up to the biggest day of Queensland’s winter racing carnival.

But the staying test always presents a reasonable field of gallopers and this year’s edition is shaping up as an open affair.

Sharing the top line of betting at $6 are Quintessential and Moriarty while $9.50 chance Precedence is the only other runner under double figures.

Other key chances according to the market include in-form import Less Is More ($10) and veteran gelding Fimucino ($13).

The Winner

#4 Quintessential $6

John Sargent has targeted Quintessential at this race and the only thing better than her form is her trainer’s moustache. Coming off back-to-back wins at Eagle Farm including last weekend’s Group 2 Eagle Farm Cup. Last year’s winner Lights Of Heaven also arrived on the back of an Eagle Farm Cup win so it’s a proven formline. The 2012 Queensland Oaks winner loves Brisbane and the 2400m at Eagle Farm seems just about perfect. A bit of rain will help to knock a few of her rivals out although she is proven in all conditions.

Second

#1 Voila Ici $10

Seemed to be back in form with an Eagle Farm Cup third and can improve again here. Will likely tow the others into the straight and it’s just a matter of whether he can hang on. Was a Group 1 winner in Italy and ran second to Ocean Park in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes last year. Peter Moody always has his runners firing for Queensland’s biggest day of racing.

Third

#17 Less Is More $10

Gets in on the minimum with 53kg and in terrific form. Has form around Sydney Cup winner Mourayan from the autumn and has a win and second from two starts in Brisbane this campaign. Handles all conditions.

It doesn’t matter whether you agree with these selections or not, ensure you are getting great odds on Saturday’s big day of racing action by betting at bookmaker.com.au!

To celebrate the exciting Stradbroke Handicap, the fully Australian-owned bookie are refunding your bets up to $100 if your horse runs second or third behind a Queensland-trained horse in the day’s major race!