Anderson tests merit of winter challenge in Princess Stakes 2016

Chris Anderson will know more about the strength of his winter carnival squad after racing at the Sunshine Coast.

Anderson has built a strong team in his five years at Eagle Farm but now wants to go a step further to be a force in stakes races.

Three-year-olds Subsolar and Mystic Opal in the Listed Princess Stakes and Elegant Composure in the IGA Handicap will carry his hopes on Saturday.

Anderson is hoping Subsolar will earn a chance at the Group One Queensland Oaks on June 4.

“I have been waiting to get her on a big track like the Sunshine Coast and over a middle distance,” Anderson said.

“She had her first start at the Sunshine Coast in January and Paul (Hammersley) got off and straight away told me she wanted ground.”

He said since then Subsolar had given every indication that Hammersley is right.

“She won at 1350 metres at Ipswich but her third behind the Soldier Of War at the Gold Coast over 1800 metres is what has given me confidence,” Anderson said.

“Just about everyone agreed she was most unlucky and probably should have finished with the winner if not beaten him.

“Soldier of War is very highly rated so we took great heart from the run.”

Anderson said Mystic Opal ran an encouraging race when fourth at Doomben two weeks ago but 1600m would probably be as far as she got.

“But I hope she might measure up into a Queensland Guineas filly,” he said.

Elegant Composure will be aiming for her sixth win from six starts on Saturday.

“She is up in the weights, has an outside barrier and is against a field of handy horses. If she can race well we will have a real chance in the fillies and mares races this winter,” he said.

 

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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