The Stradbroke Handicap is the richest and most prestigious race of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival. The 2024 “Stradbroke” will be run over 1400m at Eagle Farm Racecourse on Saturday 10th June.
With $3,000,000 in prize money on offer the race attracts a field of the best middle-distance gallopers in Australasia and the handicap conditions of the race ensure a close finish and good odds are on offer for all runners.
Below are 6 tips to help you find the “Straddie” winner:
1. Do Your Research
Every horse race brings different variables into play and the Stradbroke Handicap is no different. However, one thing remains the same about betting on horse racing, DO YOUR RESEARCH!
TREKKING is the only favourite to have won the race Only one favourite has won the race in the last 12 years and that was TREKKING in 2019 at a juicy $7 quote. Male horses have dominated with only two mares winning the race since 2012 and no horse has carried more than 55.5kgs to victory this millennium.
Finding the winner of the race can be difficult with runners coming from varied lead-up races. Seven of the last 30 Stradbroke Handicap winners were last start winners with a further 11 finishing in the top 4 at their previous start. These are factors to consider when doing the form.
2. Track Conditions
The subtropical climate in Brisbane can lead to varied track conditions on Stradbroke Handicap Day. Warm weather in the lead-up to the race can lead to a firm surface that suits certain horses while a stormy deluge in the days prior can cause a heavy track that favours “swimmers”.
When doing the form, it is prudent to keep the conditions in mind before making a selection. In fact, some rain on race day can lead to a dramatic change in the course conditions within hours. A canny punter can take advantage of sudden changes in weather and conditions.
3. Check the Odds
One thing is certain, the winner of the Stradbroke Handicap will be at good odds. When TREKKING was saluted as a favourite in 2019, he was a juicy $7 quote. Since then, ALLIGATOR BLOOD ($11), TOFANE ($12) and TYZONE ($14) have won at double-figure odds.
It is even possible to back more than one horse in the race and still returns a handsome profit. The possibilities are endless!
4. Past Performance
The Handicap conditions of the race make it difficult for one particular horse to run well consistently in the Stradbroke. Only two horses, BLACK PIRANHA and ROUGH HABIT have gone back-to-back in the race since it was elevated to Group 1 status. 2022 winner ALLIGATOR BLOOD was a Group 1 winner in Melbourne during the Autumn and will not be contesting this year’s race.
5. Trainers and Stables
No stable or jockey has dominated the race in recent years, further illustrating the competitive nature of the race. No trainer or jockey has recorded multiple wins in the last 13 editions of the Stradbroke.
6. Gut Instincts
While the analysis of form and statistics is the most common way for bettors to make their Stradbroke Handicap selections, there is still room for some “gut instincts”. Are runners from a certain stable running well? Is a jockey in great form and riding a lot more winners than normal? These are all aspects that need to be considered when assessing the race and can lead to a good-priced winner.
Conclusion
Finding the winner of the Stradbroke Handicap won’t be easy but it will be profitable! The capacity field and race conditions lead to an exciting race with a number of winning chances. The Palmerbet Blog is a great source for free Stradbroke Handicap betting tips, previews and up-to-date betting odds
It is important to bet with a trusted and licensed bookmaker. The Palmer family have been operating in Australia for three generations and is licenced by the NSW government. Palmerbet offers a variety of markets on the Stradbroke Handicap betting odds including exotics and you can bet either pre-post or on the day.