The Bostonian set to become first Kiwi since Rough Habit to win Stradbroke.

By Glenn Davis

A perfect barrier has boosted the hopes of The Bostonian becoming the first Kiwi since the mighty Rough Habit to win the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The John Wheeler-trained Rough Habit famously won three Doomben Cups in a row between 1991 and 1993 while also claiming two successive Stradbroke Handicaps in 1991 and 1992.

The Bostonian drew barrier 10 for the $1.5 million Stradbroke Handicap but will come into gate six if the emergencies don’t obtain starts.

The four-year-old is also shooting to become the first horse to win Brisbane’s Group 1 treble, the Doomben 10,000, Kingsford Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap.

The Bostonian is unbeaten in five starts in Queensland, winning three times last winter before returning this year to win the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup at Doomben last month.

“He (The Bostonian) just loves the Queensland environment and his work has been as good as before he won the 10,000 and Kingsford-Smith,” said trainer Tony Pike.

“He’s the ultimate professional and a seasoned traveller who can handle all conditions.

“It’s going to be a big effort to win all three (Group 1’s), but he’s flying at the moment.

“He’ll be in it for a long way and Michael Cahill will have some options from that gate.”

A win will also see The Bostonian equal Campaign King (1988) as the only horses to win the Doomben 10,000-Stradbroke double.

He also is attempting to become only the third horse to carry 57kgs or more to victory since the race turned metric in 1972.

The Bostonian is topweight with 57 kilograms and will join Campaign King (1988) and Rough Habit (1992) who both carried 58.5kgs in the respective Stradbroke wins.

Queensland great Show A Heart was the last horse to come near the record mark when he lumped 56 kilos to win the 2002 Stradbroke.

The Bostonian showed his toughness by winning three races in 20 days during last year’s Brisbane winter carnival.

“He had a bit of a hiccup when he was here last year and had three runs in 20 days so he’s proven he can hold his form,” Pike said.

Pike also will saddle up Endless Drama, who drew barrier eight.

The seven-year-old was beaten less than two lengths when seventh to The Bostonian in the Kingsford-Smith Cup.

“I’m rapt in the old bloke,” Pike said.

“He had to go back from a bad alley last run and he should land midfield. It won’t surprise if he goes close.”

Racing Queensland webnews    June 5