Conditions To Suit Usmanov at Eagle Farm

Noted short course specialist Usmanov (Choisir-Mining Tycoon, by Redoute's Choice) will have conditions to suit on Saturday when he contests the Listed Lightning Handicap over 1000m at Eagle Farm. With seven of his eight wins recorded at 1000m or less, the Toby and Trent Edmonds-trained 5YO was an impressive last winner over 900m at the Gold Coast, but his record at Eagle Farm where he has two wins and second from five attempts at the track/distance includes victory in the Listed Bribie Handicap over 1000m in December, his most recent start over the track/distance. His cause will be aided by the scratching of his major foe in Godolphin's last start Listed winner Varda (Lonhro-Wild Queen, by Loup Sauvage), who will race in the Gr2 Moreton Cup (1200m) instead. Another who is currently well in the market is the Chris Anderson-trained Boomtown Lass (Spirit of Boom-Boomalicious, by Red Dazzler), who will be racing first up since finishing a narrow third in the $1m Magic Millions QTIS Open Handicap in January, having finished second two starts prior to that behind Usmanov at Eagle Farm, which aligns to the form of the race favourite.