Advertisement

Rocker's twice beaten, once shy

Trainer Simon Miller dodged a third clash with star filly Srikandi when he didn't pay up for Platinum Rocker in yesterday's first acceptances for Saturday week's Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).

Platinum Rocker will run in the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) against her own sex on Stradbroke day before heading to the Group 1 Tattersall's Tiara (1400m) on June 21.

Srikandi beat Platinum Rocker (third) in the Silk Stocking and again in last Saturday's Glenlogan Park Stakes.

Former leading jockey Alan Russell will give the mare a searching gallop at Eagle Farm today.

"She had a good blow after last Saturday and she will derive a lot from that run," Miller said.

"She has tightened up a couple of notches and will have a good hit-out in the morning."

Srikandi is ensured of a Stradbroke start and 30 horses are in contention following yesterday's acceptances.

Brisbane Race Club officials confirmed Srikandi would make the field for the feature after her connections paid a $46,000 late- entry fee to run.

When first acceptances were taken, Srikandi was allocated 50.5kg, although the filly's weight will be raised to 51kg because topweight Buffering did not accept.

However, for the purposes of the ballot, Srikandi is rated a "plus 0.5kg horse" under Racing Queensland rules, which means she has been lifted into 12th place on the order of entry.

"All that means Srikandi is definitely in the field," BRC racing manager Bart Sinclair said.

Anthony Freedman's smart galloper Reparations, who has 52kg, is also likely to gain a start.

with Australian Associated Press