Muchea-based trainer Justine Erkelens is setting her sights on next Saturday’s Bunbury Cup (2000m), hoping Own The Queen can rediscover her winning form.

A standout performer last season, the talented mare dominated the three-year-old ranks by securing the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m), Natasha Stakes (2200m), and WA Oaks (2400m). However, this campaign has been anything but smooth, plagued by unfavorable barriers, bad racing luck, and an incident in the Ascot Mile that forced her jockey to ease her out.

Despite the challenges, Erkelens remains confident in her mare’s ability.

“It’s just been a shitty prep, really,” Erkelens told Tabradio. “A few things haven’t gone right for her, having no luck in running and then the mishap with the saddle (Ascot Mile). But she’s pretty smart and gets over things pretty quickly, which is a bonus with her. So, onwards to the next one and we’ll go to the Bunbury Cup and see what she does there.”

Own The Queen has shown glimpses of her best form, including a runner-up finish in the Starstruck Classic (1600m) and a strong third in last Saturday’s Detonator Stakes (1800m). With an improved racing fortune, she remains a live chance in the Bunbury Cup.

Machine Gun Gracie Shaping as Future Star

While Own The Queen eyes redemption, Erkelens is also excited about the emergence of another potential star in Machine Gun Gracie. After finishing second on debut at Bunbury, the Maschino filly impressed at Pinjarra, leading all the way and clearing out by 4 ½ lengths.

“She is showing us so much potential,” Erkelens said. “I was hoping she could win her first start because we really want to get into the Ascot 1000 Guineas in a couple of weeks. She is so quiet; a lovely filly and we were really pleased with the run.”

Setback for Northern Diamond

Not all the stable news is positive, as promising filly Northern Diamond has suffered an untimely setback. A daughter of Bondi with placings in three of her four starts, she was preparing for a return but will instead head to the sidelines.

“She’s had a bit of a minor hiccup at the moment,” Erkelens said. “At the moment she’s having a bone chip operation and will go out for a little break.”

With Own The Queen targeting the Bunbury Cup and Machine Gun Gracie on an upward trajectory, Erkelens still has plenty to look forward to this autumn.

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