In-form gelding Chapter and Verse takes a vital step towards the Group One Stradbroke Handicap when he tackles the Group Three BRC Sprint at Doomben.
Chapter and Verse made a brilliant return to racing when he easily won a Class Six Plate at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.
It was his first start since winning the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS Handicap at the Gold Coast in January.
Trainer Desleigh Forster is convinced the gelding is up to Group One class and believes a win in Saturday’s BRC Sprint would confirm her opinion.
The BRC Sprint has rarely been a good guide to the Stradbroke with River Lad in 2014 the only horse to complete the double.
But Forster believes the race is perfectly placed as a lead-up to the Stradbroke Handicap on June 8.
“It has been our plan all along to run in the BRC Sprint to frank his form. If he can win the BRC Sprint he should go on the Stradbroke,” Forster said.
“But if he doesn’t all isn’t lost. I have said all along there is no rush to get him to Group One. If he makes it he makes it but otherwise there is always next year.”
Forster said a win in the BRC Sprint would also have the benefit of lifting Chapter and Verse’s handicap rating.
“It should ensure he will be a chance to beat the ballot and get into the field,” she said.
The gelding is one of 18 entries taken on Monday for the race headed by I’m A Rippa who is entered to back up from his unplaced run in Saturday’s Doomben 10,000.
While Chapter and Verse has won $787,000 prize money much of it is from his restricted Magic Millions win and does not count towards a Stradbroke start.
Multiple Group One-winning jockey Mark Du Plessis is keen to stick with Chapter and Verse for the winter.
“Mark is really impressed with him and is looking at riding him in the Stradbroke even if he gets a light weight,” Forster said.
