
As the curtain falls on another Queensland Racing Carnival, several of its standout contenders are being set for significant spring targets across Australia.
Chris and Corey Munce’s star juvenile JJ Atkins Stakes winner Cool Archie will not race again in 2025, paving the way for Sunrays and Philia to represent Queensland in elite company over the coming months.
Trained by Kelly Schweida, Sunrays — a filly by William Reid Stakes victor Hellbent — is Sydney-bound and will be targeted toward the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes and Group 1 Flight Stakes.
“She’s had a month off and has come through it really well,” Schweida said.
“She’s shown that she should get a mile and we’ll target those fillies races in Sydney.”
Sunrays completed her Queensland campaign with a win in the Listed Show A Heart and currently sits at $15 in Flight Stakes betting. Percy Sykes Stakes winner Tempted remains the $4 favourite.
Philia delivered an eye-catching win in the Group 2 The Roses before a below-par showing in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks. Trainer David Vandyke has her midway through a spell and is assessing her potential targets for later in the year.
Antino, the Group 1 Doomben Cup winner, is back in training with the Cox Plate firmly on the agenda, according to trainer Tony Gollan.
The high-class gelding is second favourite at $6 for the Cox Plate, just behind market leader Via Sistina at $2.30.