Fourteen fillies and mares have been confirmed in the final field for Saturday’s 2016 Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1350m) at Ipswich Racecourse; highlighted by the inclusion of some of the Brisbane Winter Carnival’s most exciting prospects.

Echo Gal has been confirmed in the 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic field. Photo: Steve Hart

Waterhouse herself is offered a great chance of success in her namesake event this year, after confirming classy mare Echo Gal in the 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic field.

Posting four wins and a further five minors through twenty-two career starts so far, Echo Gal trialled well in the lead-up to her competitive return this time, but clearly required a run when tenth in the Group 1 BTC Cup (1200m) first-up on May 14^th.

Running a handy sixth in the Group 2 QTC Cup (1300m) last weekend, the Stratum mare has been drawn in the ideal barrier 4 in the Gai Waterhouse Classic and has been confirmed to be partnered by Tegan Harrison.

Darren Weir has confirmed Scarlet Billows in the 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic field, but the mare is sure to require luck in transit after being charged with carrying a race-high 59kgs from the wide and reasonably awkward barrier 12.

Winner of the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) most notably in spring, Scarlet Billows returned to racing this year for fifth in the Family Bakery Sprint (1100m) before placing seventh in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m).

Returning to winning form in the Vobis Gold Distaff (1400m) on April 16^th, the daughter of Street Boss was unable to make anything of an impact in either in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) and Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) most recent, but will relish a return to fillies and mares’ company this weekend.

Blueberry Hill has been unable to make much of an impact through her 2016 Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign so far, but is arguably offered her best chance of atonement in the Gai Waterhouse Classic.

A standout during the 2015 edition of the Brisbane winter, Blueberry Hill won the Group 2 Champagne Classic (1200m) and finished second in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1350m) before placing sixth in the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m).

Returning this time for sixth in the Adrenalinethoroughbreds Handicap (1050m), the Myboycharlie filly has since finished off the pace in three black type races.

Trainer Liam Birchley will launch a two-pronged attack on the race after also confirming Elusive Catch in the 2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic field.

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2016 Gai Waterhouse Classic Final Field and Barrier Draw