Beefeater joins NZ runners in Brisbane

New Zealand farmers Christopher and Susanna Grace have had success racing horses in Australia, most notably with dual Group One winner Shillelagh.

The are now looking to Beefeater to add his name to their sakes winners when he runs at the Brisbane winter carnival starting with Saturday’s Listed Members Handicap (1600m) at Doomben.

The six-year-old arrived in Queensland on Friday and trainer Roydon Bergerson said he had settled in well.

“I’m very pleased with him. He has travelled over well,” Bergerson told NZ Racing Desk.

“He teamed up with Jamie Richards’ horse, Mongolianconquereor,. They travelled over together and are stabled together at Bevan Laming’s.”

Beefeater’s Queensland campaign will encompass three starts, culminating in a tilt at the Listed Mumm Open (1800m) at Eagle Farm on June 22.

“His main target will be the Mumm Handicap over 1800 metres at the end of the carnival, as long as he fronts up before that,” Bergerson said.

While pleased with his charge heading into Saturday, Bergerson said the quality of nominations for the race took him by surprise.

“I’m pleased with him heading into Saturday, but I didn’t think the field would be so strong,” he said.

“There are good nominations, so we will see who pays up.”

The 21 entries include Group One winners Savvy Coup and Music Magnate.