Love Conquers All 'on the mark'

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes believes his talented sprinter Love Conquers All is set to end his frustrating run of Group I seconds in Saturday’s $1 million AAMI Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

The high class four-year-old produced a satisfying gallop on Tuesday morning ahead of his winter grand final on Saturday.

"We went across to Caloundra and he turned in a good gallop,” Hawkes said.

"He’s right on the mark.

"I said going into the 10000 that whatever he does he’ll improve on and he’s done that.”

Love Conquers All goes into Saturday’s feature with a profile that matches the one Black Piranha carried into the Stradbroke two years ago when he recorded his first Group I victory.

In 2009, Black Piranha finished second in his three Group I lead-ups to the Stradbroke, the George Ryder Stakes, Doncaster Mile and Doomben 10000.

Love Conquers All heads into Saturday with identical form references.

In 2009 Black Piranha carried 55kg to defeat Danleigh but Love Conquers All will carry 54.5kg after the weights are raised by 1kg on Wednesday.

Love Conquers All is the $7 third favourite in the Stradbroke behind the favourite Beaded at $5 and Black Piranha at $6.50.

Story: Clinton Payne RaceNet

Photo: Martin King Sportpix www.sportpix.com.au