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Sears and Eureka to continue luck with Basara

12 February 2019

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By Glenn Davis

Toowoomba trainer Tony Sears is hoping to continue his luck with one of Queensland’s biggest breeders, Eureka Stud, when consistent mare Basara lines up at Doomben on Wednesday.

Basara is also among the entries for the Open Handicap (1050m) at Doomben on Saturday which features strong nominations including Spurcraft, Mr Marbellouz and Tumbler.

However, Sears favours running Basara in the Class Five Handicap (1050m) at Doomben despite her big weight of 60.5kgs.

“Until I talk with Basara’s owner, I’d say she’ll be running at Doomben tomorrow,” Sears said.

“She’s well placed in this race despite her big weight and she’s back in grade to a Class Five.”

Basara is owned by Eureka Stud, whose principal Scott McAlpine, is shaping up for a big Magic Millions March sale at the Gold Coast with boom sire, Spirit Of Boom.

“I’ve had a lot of luck with Scott and Eureka Stud over the years and hopefully it will continue tomorrow,” Sears said.

”I’ve also had a lot of luck with her rider, Clayton Gallagher.

“I rate Clayton as one of the strongest apprentices in Brisbane and he’s won on this mare.”

Basara narrowly beat speed machine Spurcraft two starts back at Ipswich on January 5 but the Clifton flyer got his revenge over 1000 metres at the Sunshine Coast on January 26.

“Basara kicked out in the enclosure and then missed the start badly at the Sunshine Coast,” Sears said.

“She was a long last at one stage but it was a good effort to get so close in the end.”

Basara finished fifth but was beaten less than two lengths.

Sears’ major concern with Basara is a tricky barrier with the false rail out eight metres.

“I think she’ll run very well again. It’s just the sticky barrier,” he said.

Sears won the Listed Weetwood Handicap with Choice Bro in 2016 but he doubts whether Basara will head that way.

“She had a breathing problem as a young horse and she’s still got it to a degree,” he said.

“That’s why she can’t get much past 1100 metres.

“But you never know. She’s matured a lot since then then and she might stretch out to 1200 metres later on.”

Racing Queensland webnews   February 12