Craig Cousins-trained 2025 Stradbroke Handicap hope The Inflictor on song at Doomben

News.com.au

24-05-2025

The Inflictor rounded out his Stradbroke build-up with a commanding victory to the delight of punters in a Benchmark 85 Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.
The Craig Cousins -trained galloper never gave his rivals a look in over the 1350m trip, racing on the speed before strolling clear in the straight with jockey Nash Rawiller throwing the reins at the four-year-old gelding.
The Inflictor ($3.10 fav) defeated Sir Artie ($16) by 1-1/2 lengths with $101 outsider Without Revenge a short-half-head away in third.
'Put him in the box-seat (in the Stradbroke Handicap), get the run at the top of the straight and he'll be in the finish,' Rawiller said.
'I was impressed with his turn of foot.'
The Inflictor secured ballot exemption in Queensland premier race with a win in the $300,000 The Gateway back in December and his trainer confirmed one of Queensland's leading ladies Cejay Graham would ride The Inflictor at 51kg in the Stradbroke.
Cousins, who will take the week off from his day job as a truck driver on Stradbroke week, declared The Inflictor would not race again until his June 14 assignment, with the son of Under The Louve to spend plenty of time on a water walker between now and then.
'Onwards and upwards,' he said. 'I never thought it would happen to me so I'm just going to enjoy it.
'He's a character, he's a real dude this horse.
'He's a charm to have and makes my job easy.'
The Inflictor dominates Race 2 at Doomben! ðŸ'° @nashhot pic.twitter.com/VDvywPyYXw
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025
The Inflictor firmed in Stradbroke betting from $34 to $26 following Saturday's victory.
Meanwhile, Saturday's two Listed class races were won by Manhood and Belegato.
The Chief De Beers (1110m) was turned upside down at the start when the expected leader Economics missed the start hopelessly.
Rachel King aboard Manhood seized the opportunity, sending her mount to lead and dictating terms to suit themselves.
The Annabel and Rob Archibald -trained galloper led throughout to win easily from King Kapa with Cannonball rounding out the placings.
A perfect @RachelK11 ride sees Manhood take out Race 4 at Doomben for @ANeashamRacing! pic.twitter.com/7msBHZCKr7
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025
'He's just like riding a big armchair,' King said. 'He just kept building and with 53 (kilos) on his back, he just kept finding.'
In the Darby McCarthy OAM QTIS 3YO (1110m), the run of the race was key to Belegato's success.
The Liam Birchley -trained gelding trailed the speed before being presented at the top of the straight and from there he wasn't being beaten.
Belegato, under Jag Guthmann-Chester, defeated the hard closing Mayfair with in third.