Big fields expected for Aquis Jewel day

Mr Marbellouz is among the horses chasing the extra prize money on Jewel day at the Gold Coast.

Racing Queensland should be rewarded with capacity fields after introducing a double QTIS winners’ bonus on all races at the Gold Coast for Aquis Jewel day.

The highlights of Saturday’s meeting will be the $500,000 QTIS Jewel Two-Year-Old (1200m) and $200,000 QTIS Jewel Three-Year-Old (1200m).

All other races will carry a double first QTIS bonus money which means the winners, if QTIS eligible, will receive twice the set prize money.

A QTIS winner of the Listed Goldmarket Handicap will receive $145,000 while the winner of the No Metropolitan win race will be eligible for $85,0000.

An RQ spokesman said the idea had attracted lot of attention and hopefully it would translate to big fields and betting turnover.

“It is good because QTIS horses who are now five years and older will be able to share in the money,” he said.

The big prize money has already attracted several top horses including last-start runaway Doomben winner Mr Marbellouz.

Trainer Kevin Kemp hopes Mr Marbellouz can give him a record fifth Weetwood Handicap at Toowoomba on April 6.

“But first he can have a go at the Goldmarket Handicap at the Gold Coast,” Kemp said.

“It is a big prize money race and I mean for $145,000 is better than most Group races.”

“Mr Marbellouz has come back in good form and this race is ideal.”