Plumaro set for Group test tomorrow
RACING: Toowoomba filly Plumaro will be out to unleash some of her untapped potential when she tackles a classpacked field of two-year-olds at Doomben tomorrow.
Plumaro steps into the Queensland Winter Carnival spotlight when she lines up in the $250,000 Group Two Sires Produce Stakes (1350m) for trainer Kevin Kemp and jockey Jimmy Orman.
The Spirit Of Boom youngster stamped herself as one of Queensland’s most exciting juveniles with two booming wins in her first campaign which also included two eye-catching seconds.
She hasn’t raced since charging home for second behind Boomsara in the $250,000 Two-Year-Old Jewel (1200m) at the Gold Coast on March 17.
Connections opted for an immediate break for Plumaro with the Sires Produce and possibly the Group One JJ Atkins (1600m) at Doomben on June 9 as winter targets.
Plumaro helped ready for race-day her return with a three-length Clifford Park jump-out victory on May 15.
Kemp said Plumaro’s return preparation had gone to plan as she stepped to 1350 metres for the first time in her biggest test to date against a quality field headed by Ladbrokes early race $2.90 favourite Zousain from the Chris Waller stable.
“We’ve had the Sires in mind for her since her second in the Jewel at the Gold Coast and so far so good with her,” Kemp said. “She’s done nicely and has worked well. She won a jumpout pretty easily here the Tuesday before last and is doing everything we’re hoping she would.
“From two alley on Saturday we’re thinking she shouldn’t be too far back in running.
“It all depends on the pace in the race but ideally we’d like to see Jimmy have her around mid-field somewhere.
“To have a shot at a carnival race like the Sires is a great thrill for all her connections and if she races well we’ll probably go to the JJ Atkins with her from there.”
Plumaro yesterday was listed at $9 in Ladbrokes Sires fixed-price betting.
■ TRAINER Matt Kropp will step into the Group One arena for Toowoomba tomorrow when he saddles outsider Delaney’s Desire in the $500,000 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Doomben.
■ TOOWOOMBA jockey Nozi Tomizawa will be hoping he is returning to Clifford Park on a high when he lines up for six rides on the card. Earlier in the day Tomizawa will continue his association with classy Gold Coast mare Sylpheed who he rides for the mare’s Japan-based owner Tommy Sekiguchi in the Group Three Glen Logan Park Stakes (1350m).
■ THE Battle Of The Bush continues tomorrow when Nanango Race Club hosts the 11th qualifying race of the series on its five-race card. The $100,000 series final is run at Doomben on June 23.