Draw to test Vanna Girl

DOOMBEN

TOP Gold Coast three-yearold filly Vanna Girl’s versatility will get a major test as she aims for three wins in a row in the Listed Pam O’Neill Stakes at Doomben today.

The new race is named after Pam O’Neill, a pioneering female jockey who is a Queensland Hall of Famer.

Before the coronavirus restrictions which decimated the winter schedule, the Pam O’Neill Stakes (1600m) was not on the radar for Vanna Girl, who was headed to the Group 1 Queensland Oaks.

However, with the Oaks scrapped the main target for Vanna Girl is The Roses on June 13 and the Pam O’Neill

Stakes has become Vanna Girl’s main lead-up.

The Toby and Trent Edmonds training partnership are not worried Vanna Girl is staying at 1600m after winning the Doomben Guineas three weeks ago.

In the Doomben Guineas, Vanna Girl drew barrier one and was ridden on the speed. Today, Vanna Girl is drawn two from the outside.

Trent Edmonds said it should be no problem because Vanna Girl did not have to lead in her races.

“Under different circumstances you can ride her back and she will run on as well. So she is versatile,” he said.

“The Roses is 2000m and that is her target. After that we can give her a break and think about the spring when dates are decided.

“It is a pity she missed a Group 1 shot this season but there is plenty around later this year.”

Vanna Girl, a $40,000 yearling, has five wins and two seconds from eight starts with earnings of $203,100.