Gary Portelli accepts that Queen Of Clubs might not have the pace to rival the leading fillies over short courses, though he believes her future lies in stamina tests further out.
Bound for the Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) this April, the three-year-old begins her autumn assignment in Saturday’s Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
“We’re on an Oaks campaign,” Portelli said.
“Winning a stakes race is what we’re hoping to do, and I don’t think that’s going to come until she gets to 2000 metres.
“I don’t think she is sharp enough to win against these really good fillies like Apocalyptic, who is a really sharp horse. She will be hard to beat right up until the mile, but from there on, the gate opens up a bit more.”
A progeny of the noted staying stallion Maurice, Queen Of Clubs performed adequately in a pair of Princess Series contests last spring before heart arrhythmia caused her demise in the Flight Stakes (1600m).
Her first win and only listed placing occurred amid rain-softened surfaces, and Portelli highlights that autumn showers would aid his charge.
“If we happen to get rain when we get to our grand final period, it would certainly help,” he said.
“She loves it wet and the autumn is often a wet time.”
Portelli likewise reintroduces Verona Rose in the Triscay Stakes (1200m), ideally over more ground but impressed by her growth since the Inglis Bracelet (1600m) success at Flemington during November.
Though conceding “three or four lengths” extra speed is needed versus premier mares, her barn manners excite him.
“It’s a different horse you’re going to see this weekend. She’s more powerful. She’s got more condition on her. She knows what she is here for now, and she never runs a bad race,” Portelli said.
“Whether she’s up to the real Group One horses, we will find out this campaign.
“She’s heading towards a Coolmore (Classic) if she can really get some form under her belt, and we’ll just try to earn as much prizemoney as we can in the process.”
Verona Rose boasts a 2-from-3 first-up strike rate, yet this will be her shortest trip yet under 1300 metres. Punters should review racing betting markets for the upcoming Light Fingers Stakes.
The post Portelli playing the long game with Queen Of Clubs first appeared on Just Horse Racing.