Zielke unleashes big team ahead of Plate
Toowoomba trainer John Zielke made his new season intentions clear when he saddled eight runners in yesterday’s first Clifford Park two-year-old barrier trial of the season.
The 925-metre hit-out began the official countdown to next month’s feature Pat O’Shea Plate at Clifford Park.
The race opens Australia’s two-year-old season as part of Toowoomba Turf Club’s Sunday afternoon meeting on October 1.
The Zielke stable supplied all eight runners in yesterday’s trial.
Miracles Aplenty became the first horse to qualify for the Plate with her all-the-way trial victory for apprentice Ruby Ride.
The Dream Ahead filly held on to score by 11⁄4 lengths from Rains Aplenty with Hopes Eternal another half length back third.
Zielke has 17 two-year-olds in work with the majority of them aiming at early-season races.
“I have eight ready to race and all being well we’ll try to aim three of them at the Pat O’Shea Plate,” Zielke said.
I have eight ready to race.
— John Zielke
“Miracles Aplenty will possibly be one of them. I have a couple more jumping out later including a half brother to Spot the Diff.
“I picked Miracles Aplenty up as a $2000 weanling buy for Dovedeen (owners).
“She’s only small and doesn’t look anything special but she just caught my eye and she’s kept improving every step.”
Yesterday’s barrier trials also saw the reappearance of well-performed Toowoomba mare Our Beebee.
Our Beebee finished a short second for apprentice Sally Sweeney in the morning’s 925-metre open trial behind Kid Cruize.
Our Beebee has raced since finishing fifth in the Listed Three-Year-Old Princess Stakes (1600m) at Doomben during the Queensland Winter Carnival in April.
Our Beebee opened her career with four wins from her first five starts.