Brisbane likely for Prom Queen
The Brisbane winter carnival is on the cards for talented three-yearold filly Prom Queen, but she will need to perform well in her next two New Zealand starts to book her ticket.
Her first assignment will be the Seafood Bazaar 1200m at Te Rapa on Saturday.
‘‘She’s had two trials leading into Saturday and dead-heated with Ugo Foscolo, who is not a bad horse,’’ said Kenny Rae, who trains in partnership with wife Lisa and their daughter Krystal Williams.
Rae is confident leading into the race, despite drawing the outside barrier of 10, and is banking on a strong performance in the lead-up to the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders Stakes (1200m) in a fortnight.
‘‘The outside barrier is not ideal, but she can sprint twice in a race,’’ Rae said.
‘‘I’d rather see her get to the front if she comes out of the gates well and then relax if possible, but Alysha Collett doesn’t need any riding instructions.
‘‘It’s a bit strong the field, but what I did like about it was that Alysha had been offered a ride for Gai Waterhouse in the Sydney Cup, but has stayed home because she doesn’t want to get off her. It gives you a lot of confidence.’’
‘‘ If she can win both of them (races) then she will go to Brisbane and if she is going okay and is quite not up to it then she will stay here and race against the older horses at Ruakaka.’’