Eagle Farm Challenge for Derby Favourite

The Informant reports:

The versatility of the current Gr. 1 Queensland Derby favourite Shocking Luck will be fully tested in his final lead-up this weekend to the June 10 classic.

The three-year-old soared to the top of the market following his hollow win in the Gr. 3 Rough Habit Plate in soft going at Doomben, but Saturday's Gr. 3 Grand Prix Stakes at Eagle Farm represents a sterner challenge.

“He's a much better horse on top of the ground and we didn't think he would handle it last time out,” said Jamie Richards, who trains Shocking Luck with Stephen Autridge.

“It's going to be worse at Eagle Farm and while we don't think the two-week turnaround is a problem - he's thriving and we're happy - the track isn't going to come back and it will certainly be cutting out.”

Opie Bosson will again be aboard Shocking Luck and he will also ride Melody Belle (Gr. 2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes) and Jimmy Rea (Green Options Handicap).