Stradbroke Rematch For Generalife & Knoydart

Time/Date - 15.37hrs local time/Saturday, June 6, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Doomben/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/6f 156y

Generalife and Knoydart reoppose in the Group One AAMI Stradbroke Handicap over just short of seven furlongs at Doomben, Australia, on Saturday, June 6.

The John O'Shea-trained pair met over the same course and distance on May 23 in the Group One James Boag's Doomben 10,000, with Generalife going down by a short-neck and a nose in third and Knoydart a further two and three quarter lengths back in fourth from a poor draw.

Generalife (8st 8lb,Hugh Bowman) quickened strongly to finish a close fifth, beaten just over a length, in the Group One Schweppes All Aged Stakes over seven furlongs at Royal Randwick on April 18.

He won by a nose in the Group Three Irresistible Star Kingdom Stakes over six furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on March 28 and was placed in a trio of Group Three races at around seven furlongs in October and November.

Knoydart (8st 7lb, James McDonald), who came home 12th on the 2014 renewal of the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap, was second in the Group One Ubet BTC Cup over six furlongs at Doomben on May 9.

The sprinter finished fourth in two Group Two contests this season and went down by three lengths when sixth in the Group One Canadian Club Galaxy over an extended five furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on March 21.

John O'Shea said: "Unfortunately, Generalife he has drawn a frightful gate in 21. His preparation has been excellent and he drops down to 8st 8lb, so if Hugh Bowman can get him any luck in running, I still think he will fight out the finish.

"Knoydart is right at the peak of his powers, has a beautiful blood profile, a good barrier draw in four and a nice weight. He is coming out of the right form race and, so long as he jumps with them and utilises his gate, there is no doubt he will be in the finish."

Generalife and Knoydart tackle 14 rivals including Boban and Charlie Boy, who were first and second in the James Boag's Doomben 10,000, plus Group Two Drummond Golf Fillies Classic winner Lumosty and Group One Darley Goodwood fourth Black Heart Bart.