Queensland father–daughter duo Tony and Maddysen Sears are hoping to light up a massive weekend for the Sunshine State, sending Yellow Brick into the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday—just a day before the Brisbane Broncos meet Melbourne in the NRL grand final.
The sole Queensland-trained runner in the feature mile, Yellow Brick shapes as a genuine contender if he can recapture his strong Stradbroke Handicap finish, with co-trainer Maddy Sears convinced the gelding is humming along.
He was forced to adopt handier tactics carrying 59.5kg in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) last time and, while midfield on paper, he stuck to the task to finish within three lengths.
“He raced way too close in his last start,” Maddy Sears said.
“We weren’t disappointed. It was probably the best he’s ever finished being up on speed.
“He can’t finish off like that, especially with that weight.
“We’re hoping he gets the same run he did in the Stradbroke. He was very good in the Stradbroke so hopefully that happens again on Saturday.”
Dropping to 55.5kg for the Epsom Handicap (1600m), Yellow Brick is drawn 11 and is expected to be ridden colder to unleash his trademark late burst. Based in Sydney since his last outing, he has pleased the camp.
“He is ready to go. He had a really good hitout (on Tuesday) morning in company. I’m really happy with him and he has come through the run really well,” she said.
Queensland winter form is well represented: New Zealand visitor Pier, winner of The Wayne Wilson (1600m) in June, joins Queensland Guineas victor Depth Of Character and Verona Rose, who finished midfield in the Queensland Oaks (2200m).
History smiles on Guineas graduates—Kolding (2020) and Private Eye (2022) both completed the Queensland Guineas–Epsom double—and co-trainer Annabel Archibald says Depth Of Character has been set for this.
“He is building nicely and we’ve set him for this race. It’s not an afterthought,” Archibald said.
“I think he’s a great chance. We’ve all got to beat the favourite (Autumn Glow) but she’s got a hurdle to overcome with the draw, although she is certainly the benchmark.
“But it’s an Epsom, it’s a handicap and we’re there on the minimum with a horse who loves the mile.
“He’s a Guineas winner over a mile. He ran second in The Coast over a mile. He wasn’t too bad that day in the Guineas but he is a much better horse now than he was then.”
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