(Rod Gallegos is a leading commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

If you happen to be like me, a perceived dinosaur, take a look at the Brisbane Cup field at Eagle Farm on Saturday, cast your eye over some of the previous winners of this once proud staying test, then retreat to a quiet corner and sob!

For instance, remember some of these stirring racetrack triumphs: Tulloch's emotional comeback to beat Sharply in 1961 (pictured, above); Macdougal's last stride defeat of Grand Garry in 1959 as a prelude to winning that year's Melbourne Cup; wonderful warhorse Foxseal in 1985; winemaker Wolf Blass winning his first Group One with Grooming in 1992; the miniature mare Mode beating Tails (much to my chagrin) in 1972; Balmerino in 1976.......

Exigencies of space prevent me going further.

Suffice to say, this feature race dating back to 1866 once was a grand test of equine stamina boasting a cavalcade of brave staying horses.

Since 2007, however, it has degenerated into a Group Two and the distance trimmed to 2400 metres.

These days it isn't even a main supporting bout for the Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday, and has been relegated behind the Queensland Derby, T.J. Smith and Queensland Guineas.

No wonder the staying stocks of Australia are dwindling. If racing authorities continue to shorten staying races like the Brisbane Cup and the Perth Cup, our once-proud pinnacle event, the Melbourne Cup, will be a gilt-edge gift for European invaders.

Just to underline and highlight my contention, this year's Brisbane Cup looks to be a soft target for the European import, Glass Harmonium.

The Mike Maroney-trained five-year-old has been a model of consistency in his three Australian essays, highlighted by a win in the weight-for-age Eagle Farm Cup last Saturday.

If there is an upset it may come from Persian Star. This Melbourne-based mare has the best staying credentials having won at 2800 metres and 3200 metres.

*****

THE $1million Stradbroke Handicap is the highlight event on Saturday. Without Black Caviar and Hay List, it now provides a spirited betting affair.

Once more the lure of the long odds has gripped me, though, and I think Border Rebel is grossly over the odds.

Because he is untested beyond 1350 metres, there may be a substantial question mark over him in a tough 1400-metre pressure test like the Stradbroke.

However, I keep harking back to his solid effort when he led and finished fourth in the Doomben 10,000 under weight-for-age conditions. Back in a handicap he drops a remarkable 5.5 kilograms, he has drawn a reasonable alley and will be ridden by one of the most loquacious lads in Australia racing, Tim Bell. He can talk the talk - and walk the walk as well.

*****

AS FOR the Queensland Derby, the fillies may out-fire the colts and geldings.

The run of Shez Sinsational in the Oaks was full of merit. Having her first tilt at 2400 metres, she got to the line busily and should benefit from the experience. The owners thought enough of her prospects to fork out a $27,500 late entry fee to gain a start in the Derby.

Equating that to betting terms, the owners have taken a bit better than 10-1 for their outlay.

Heidilicious, the only other female in the race, ruined her Oaks chances with a terrible start but still made up a tremendous amount of ground to finish fifth.

Having passed a barrier test on Tuesday she is expected to jump more cleanly this Saturday.

*****

(Race fan subscribers to Foxtel and Austar will have a special treat this weekend which is highlighted by the Stradbroke Handicap meeting at Eagle Farm. From midnight on Friday June 10, until midnight Monday June 13, pay TV viewers will have open access to Sky Racing World and Sky Racing2 in addition to the normal Sky Racing1 service.)