Granny to conquer curse

A SOLID trial performance indicates Gold Coast filly Granny Red Shoes is set to cast off the “Caulfield curse” when she returns to clockwise racing at Doomben today.

The filly returns against a top class field in the Listed Gold Edition Plate (1200m) and on her best form should be competitive.

Granny Red Shoes will be having her first start since being well beaten at two runs at Caulfield in Melbourne in September.

The performances were out of character for the filly who had a top Queensland winter carnival, winning two Listed races and finishing second in another.

It is nothing unusual for Queensland horses to struggle at Caulfield. Sprinter Most Important finished a long last in two starts at Caulfield two years ago but has now taken his earnings to almost $1 million in Queensland.

Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds was disappointed Granny Red Shoes didn’t show more in Melbourne.

“But whatever the reason we took her home and freshened her up for the summer,” said Edmonds, who has entered the filly for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) on her home track on January 12.

“Her trial (when third over 1000m at Doomben on December 4) was solid so we will see on Saturday.”

Edmonds had a double last Saturday at Doomben and is set for another big day.

Leading the way will be stable star Houtzen who is oddson to win the Listed Bribie Handicap (1050m).