Jason Taylor has been booked to ride Sincero in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday, increasing the likelihood that the three year old will start in the $1 million race.

Trainer Stephen Farley said earlier in the week he may target the Queensland Guineas, however Taylor is confident the promising three year old will get a start in the Stradbroke.

“After speaking to Stephen, I’ve got my fingers crossed he is favouring the Stradbroke,” said Taylor.

Sincero is listed to carry 49.5kg in the Stradbroke, however weights will be raised 1kg at final acceptances, meaning Taylor will ride at 50.5kg.

It had been reported that Farley had decided to add blinkers to Sincero’s race gear, but Taylor said no final decision had been made regarding blinkers.

“Stephen will be experimenting with blinkers when I ride Sincero in a gallop at Deagon on Wednesday. But I think putting them on is great move. They’ll help him focus.” Taylor said.

Sincero was favourite for the Stradbroke Handicap heading into the last Saturday’s QTC Cup, however after finishing a 4 ½ lengths eleventh to Varenna Miss, his quote for the Stradbroke blew from $5.00 to $9.50. Although Taylor believes it would be silly to write off gelding in the Stradbroke.

“I rode in that race (QTC Cup) and I can understand what happened to the horse. Being a three year old he probably got a bit lost with some of the buffeting that happened. We can’t be too critical. It’s obvious he’s got the score on the board and you’ve got to forgive these horses one run like that.

“Actually the experience has probably done him the world of good.” Taylor said.

Although Sincero drew the inside gate in the QTC cup and never found clear running in the home straight, Taylor believes the horse would be benefited by a similar draw in the Stradbroke.

“The Stradbroke is such a high pressure race. It would be nice to draw an inside barrier.

“I’ve watched most of his races and from what I’ve seen it will suit Sincero’s style of racing if he can roll into it from the half mile.” Taylor said.

Glen Boss was originally set to ride Sincero in the Stradbroke, but the multiple Group One winner decided to stick with his original plans and race in Singapore at the weekend, paving the way for Taylor to be booked on the three year old.

Taylor has also been confirmed as the rider for Ladys Angel in the Stradbroke, although she currently sits 25th in the order of entry, meaning Taylor could have a choice to make once final acceptances are known, or he won’t have a ride at all.

Doomben 10,000 winner Beaded remains a solid favourite for the Stradbroke at $5.00, while Black Piranha, Love Conquers All and Woorim are on the second line of betting. Sincero is currently rated a $9.50 chance, while Lady’s Angel is currently quoted at $35.00