Trainer Gary Portelli isn’t setting the bar too high for Queen Of Clubs at Rosehill on Saturday but is looking forward to seeing the filly show promise over a longer distance in the Schweppes Handicap (1300m).
While a victory would be a bonus, Portelli is more focused on watching the juvenile daughter of Maurice finish strongly and take steps towards a future as a middle-distance contender.
“She shows a lot at home,” Portelli said.
“She has finished off well in her trials and is a get-back, run-on type of horse so we won’t be seeing anything different from her this weekend.
“We will work out one or two starts this campaign then stop, come back for the spring and see if she will end up in any of the classic fillies’ races.
“She is by Maurice so I think she’ll get out to 2000-metres the way she gallops.”
Queen Of Clubs made her debut early in the season, finishing midfield behind Bel Merci in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m). She followed that with another eye-catching finish over 1100m in November before being sent to the paddock.
A muscle strain derailed her most recent campaign following a trial in February, but this preparation has gone to plan and Portelli is optimistic ahead of her return.
“Where she gets to in the run, I don’t care, as long as I see her really lengthening and for her last furlong to be her best one,” he said.
“Then I can build from there.”
Queen Of Clubs has drawn barrier five in the field of eight, with Ash Morgan booked to ride.
Punters looking to back Queen Of Clubs or explore other markets this weekend can take advantage of the best online betting sites in Australia, offering leading odds, top-rated mobile apps, and bonus promotions on thoroughbred racing.