Two of the world’s best jockeys, James McDonald and Zac Purton, are in danger of their booked rides not getting a run in Saturday’s Doomben 10,000 after a strong set of nominations for the Group 1.
There were 38 entries on Monday and three-year-olds Napoleonic and Grafterburners, who are second and third in betting behind Jimmysstar for the Doomben 10,000, sit outside the field of 16 as it stands, should every horse accept.
The Doomben 10,000 is a World Pool race and Racing Queensland and Brisbane Racing Club have made a significant investment to bring Purton, who is committed to Grafterburners, from Hong Kong for the meeting.
McDonald will on Napoleonic should he get into the field and is popular with punters worldwide.
The ballot condition strictly follows benchmark ratings, with 21 horses rated at 106 or better, but three-year-olds can be given a rating boost at the discretion of the Racing Queensland handicapper.
Grafterburners sits on a 105 rating and would need a two-point boost to get to 107, which, given the second ballot condition of average prizemoney since the start of the 2023 season, should see him in the Group 1.
He blew from $6 to $8 with bookmakers in all-in betting on Monday but Napoleonic remains at $4.50, even though his rating is only 103.
Napoleonic would struggle under the average prizemoney clause and could need to lift five points if all entries accept for the first Group 1 of the Queensland carnival.
Gold Coast Guineas winner Beadman would sit above Napoleonic on the ballot with both rated 103 on average prizemoney. Peter Snowden is considering backing up Beadman after his win on the weekend.
