Isaurian, Badajoz head strong Doomben challenge

The consistency of Isaurian and the experience of stable companion Badajoz give Godolphin a strong hand in the Listed Falvelon Quality at Doomben on Saturday, 29 December.

Isaurian has rarely been out of the money in his nine-start career and appears well-suited here against a field that includes horses who have been regular contenders in better races.

“He showed his best form last start when he won very nicely at Rosehill,” said trainer James Cummings.

“That was about six weeks ago and he’s had a barrier trial since to keep him up to the mark.”

Badajoz comes to the race with less impressive form, but with proven ability, a winning record in Queensland and has shown a glimpse of his best last time out when a close second in Listed company behind Invincible Star at Rosehill.

“He’s a capable horse at his best and isn’t out of place in this race,” his trainer said.

The pair is joined at Doomben by the fillies Jorda, Demerara and Manicure who run in the Listed Nudgee Stakes.

All three have form that recommends them with Demerara possibly having the strongest claim thanks to her last-start victory over a field of similar strength at Rosehill when resuming.

“She’s trialled comfortably since that win and, she’s taken some improvement from it and she looks well placed,” Cummings said.

The Stakes-race runners are joined on the Doomben card by Tally who runs in the Magic Millions Shoot Out and Flow and Marsupial who are acceptors in The Buffering Handicap.