Gold Coast Stakes eyes Sydney import Sibaaq at generous odds
Those tuned into “SF” – shorthand for Sydney form – may have him on the radar, but Sibaaq lurking at double-figure quotes could dodge the spotlight.
Drifting in the wagering to $11 come Friday, Declan Maher the trainer suspects his comparatively fresh setup near the Gold Coast course – despite the shared surname with elite handler Ciaron Maher – leads to his team being undervalued against veteran Brisbane yards.
Having run fifth in the Group 3 Parramatta Cup (1900m) at Rosehill February 21, Sibaaq now tackles the Gold Coast Stakes (1800m) on Saturday back on home turf.
"I think that is a general thing with a few of my runners these days as they usually get a bit of extra odds, but we are building the stable and fresh trainers to Queensland.
"In a lot of his starts I think he has blown out in the market," Maher said.
"He was out to $27 when he just missed out (on winning) by a stride in the Mayor's Vase."
The eight-year-old notched a 108 Racing and Sports rating at Sydney, succeeding a 113 when just beaten in the Gold Coast Mayor's Vase (2050m) January 23.
Victoria Road, a $23 shot with 61kg topweight, has posted like figures this prep.
Additionally, Maher emphasises Sydney form lines, noting Parramatta Cup winner Piggyback's fourth in last Saturday's Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m), plus Travolta's third in Sunday's Listed Canberra Cup (2000m) after placing there too.
"He went to my brother Ciaron's farm in Bong Bong for a week after the Sydney run and his last six weeks have been relatively quiet for him," Maher added.
"He has only needed a couple of bits of work back home and he likes to get down to the beach at The Spit which is more to keep a smile on his face.
"Hopefully tomorrow he can do the rest."
In addition to the Gold Coast Stakes, Queensland's owners bonus races feature with $500,000 QTIS 2YO Jewel and $500,000 QTIS 3YO Jewel both at 1200 metres.
Check online bookmakers for the best betting markets for the Gold Coast Stakes.
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