Polymnia continues her tough-luck run with barriers, drawing widest again for Saturday’s edition of The Roses (2000m) at Doomben. Co-trainer Tom Charlton remains upbeat despite the challenge, noting the filly’s consistent form and ability to overcome wide alleys in recent outings.

The Dundeel filly has already proven her mettle with a strong Hawkesbury win from a wide draw, a near miss in the Adrian Knox Stakes, and a closing third behind Benagil in the Australasian Oaks. This weekend, she will need to overcome barrier 21.

“She has drawn poorly again which has been the flavour of her preparation,” Charlton said. “But she’s handled travel well, and the 2000 metres looks ideal after a short freshen up.”

Polymnia will be joined in Brisbane by stablemate Klondike, who lines up in the Group 1 Doomben Cup. Meanwhile, in Sydney, the emerging Hurstville Zagreb steps out in the Chalouhi Handicap (1800m) at Randwick.

The three-year-old colt is on a potential path to the Queensland Derby after missing the autumn with a minor setback before the ATC Australian Derby. He’s lightly raced but progressive, and Charlton says the Randwick conditions and 1800m trip will suit him.

“He’ll appreciate the step up and the bigger track,” Charlton said. “He was unlucky at Gosford, so he gets a chance to bounce back here.”