Racing: Addictive Habit draws wide in Doomben

Addictive Habit (right) is at long odds in the A$650,000 feature. Photo / Trish Dunell

Lee Somervell won't be afraid to put Addictive Habit's versatility to the test during his Queensland stay.

The Cambridge trainer's first focus, however, is today's A$650,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup, in which his charge will step from the outside gate.

"He's quoted over here at 50-1 and we've been done no favours with that outside draw, but we've got to cop that," Somervell said.

"It would be nice to think we can still get a slice of it and then look forward. There are a lot of options over here for him.

"I've thrown in a nomination for the Stradbroke Handicap and that will depend on the weather. He can sprint well and if there was any rain it would bring the quicker ones back to him."

Somervell has been delighted with Addictive Habit's condition since his arrival in Brisbane last Sunday.

"He's settled in really well at Bevan Laming's place here at Jacobs Wells, it's a lovely property with great facilities," he said.

"Michael Cahill will ride him and I'm delighted to have him on. He's been out here a couple of times this week to ride him and he's happy as well."

The winner of the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile before a break, Addictive Habit was a bold first-up second behind Allez Eagle when resuming and then finished midfield in the Group 1 Easter Handicap.

"The horse is loving the climate here, as is his trainer, and he's improved daily," Somervell said.

"He's an on pace runner so we will be using that early speed on Saturday to try and get over. With Leebaz in there the pace should be on and that's what my bloke needs."

- NZ Racing Desk