Gary Portelli recognises Queen Of Clubs may struggle with speed against premier fillies in dashes, but he is confident of her prowess when tackling endurance tests.
The three-year-old filly charts a course to the Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) in April, starting with the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick this Saturday.
“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.”
Out of the proven stayer Maurice, Queen Of Clubs was solid in two Princess Series heats in spring until heart arrhythmia ended her bid when unplaced in the Flight Stakes (1600m).
Soft conditions prevailed for her maiden triumph and black-type best, per Portelli, who sees autumn wet weather as a plus.
“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.”
Verona Rose rejoins Portelli’s autumn team for the Triscay Stakes (1200m), a trip he might have extended, but her post-Inglis Bracelet (1600m) Flemington win in November has seen marked improvement.
Portelli admits “three or four lengths” sharpening is essential for elite mares, yet her preparations inspire.
“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.”
She has triumphed twice in three fresh starts, but Saturday drops her below 1300 metres for the first occasion. Dive into betting markets for the race surrounding the Light Fingers Stakes.
The post Portelli playing the long game with Queen Of Clubs first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
