Trainer Joe Pride is hoping for one last fairytale moment with seasoned mare Lekvarte, as she lines up for her swansong run in Saturday’s Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick before heading to auction at the upcoming Chairman’s Sale.

Now six, the consistent grey has claimed 10 victories from 36 starts, including a surprise triumph last start in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m). Despite her past struggles on heavy ground, Lekvarte powered through to take the win.

“It was weird. I’m not sure what to put that down to, but she was good,” Pride said.

“She is an older mare who felt like running really well, I think, and normally when she hits form she holds it.”

This weekend’s Group One presents a much stiffer challenge, with Fangirl, Doncaster Mile champion Stefi Magnetica, and elite runners Atishu and Amelia’s Jewel in the mix.

“It’s another level up for her to go into a Group One race but she has been in a couple before and always run well and she loves the Randwick mile,” Pride said.

“She has won three or four times over the Randwick mile, including some black-type races.”

Among those victories are a pair of Group 2 wins in the Angst Stakes and Aspiration Quality, both secured last year at the same track and distance.

Lekvarte won’t be Joe Pride’s only runner in the race. Stablemate Sounds Of Heaven is also set to take her place in the field, and Pride believes there’s untapped potential yet to be seen.

“We haven’t seen the best of her yet,” he said.

“She has to step up in grade again but she is pretty capable. She is a nice mare and she will run well.”