Biddii Babe begins Millions campaign

Stakes-winning mare Bidii Babe will take the first step towards avenging an unlucky Magic Millions carnival when she resumes at Doomben.

Bidii Babe will be having her first start since she was unplaced in the Group One Tatt’s Tiara at Doomben in June.

She showed she was up to black-type standard with her win in the Listed Bright Shadow Stakes at Doomben earlier in the winter carnival.

Trainer Robert Heathcote said the Open Handicap (1050m) at Doomben on Saturday would be the first of four or five races for Bidii Babe leading into the Magic Millions race for fillies and mares in which she finished third in January.

“I have always rated Bidii Babe highly but like many horses who can sometimes get back in the field she needs luck,” Heathcote said.

“She started $51 in the Magic Millions fillies and mares race earlier this year and got beaten just over a length. With any luck she would have won it.”

Bidii Babe has won five races and $290,000 prize money but like many horses in Brisbane she has been disadvantaged by the closure of Eagle Farm for much of her career.

“She has won twice at Doomben but her record at Eagle Farm is three wins, a fourth and a close-up finish in a stakes race,” Heathcote said.

“It will be an understatement to say it will be good to have Eagle Farm back.”

One thing that has already changed at Eagle Farm is the unveiling of a statue of Heathcote’s seven-time Group One-winning sprinter Buffering, five times Queensland’s Horse of the Year.

“Once the track reopens it will be a real attraction,” Heathcote said.