King Of Roseau is set to compete in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 13, hoping to bounce back from a difficult run in the Kingsford Smith Cup on May 30 [1] [2]. The Stradbroke Handicap is a 1,400-metre race with a full field of 18 horses and a purse of A$3 million [1] [2]. King Of Roseau will start from barrier seven and be ridden by regular jockey Tom Sherry [1] [2].
Trainer Peter Snowden described King Of Roseau's performance in the Kingsford Smith Cup as "a total train wreck the whole race. You have to see it to believe it, that you could have so much bad luck in a Group 1 race" [1]. During that May 30 race, King Of Roseau faced multiple incidents that hindered his performance, compounded by a moderate tempo which limited his ability to move forward [1] [2].
Snowden expects better conditions in the Stradbroke Handicap, citing a faster pace and larger field. "There was a lot of carnage all through the race last start, because there was a lack of speed. I can’t see that being an issue this week. It’s a big field, a handicap. There will be a lot more speed in the race and it’s a big race, so they won’t muck about," he said [2].
Before the Kingsford Smith Cup, King Of Roseau secured a victory in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1,200m) at Gosford on May 9, marking a strong first-up run [1] [2].
The favorite for the Stradbroke Handicap is Chris Waller-trained mare Fangirl, who drew barrier 11 and carries a record-equalling 56.5kg for a mare [1] [2].
King Of Roseau and the rest of the robust field will compete under handicap conditions at Eagle Farm on June 13, with ambitions to claim the prestigious A$3 million prize [1] [2].