Although Millie De Lune didn’t make the field for the Queensland Oaks, she could still make an impact during the winter carnival with a strong performance at Randwick this weekend.
Trainer Matthew Smith had aimed the filly at the Group 1 event earlier this month, but a lack of prizemoney saw her miss out. She rebounded with a win over 2000m at Randwick on June 7 and now steps out in the Elite Sand & Soil Handicap (1800m).
“We didn’t quite get to the Oaks,” Smith said. “The Randwick race was a good option and this race, I probably don’t jump them up in grade that often this quickly, but it fits in perfectly with her preparation in our off season.
“She is fit and well so we thought we’d give it a shot.”
Millie De Lune faces older rivals this time, but Smith believes she’s improving and potentially en route to the Group 3 Winx Guineas at the Sunshine Coast on July 5.
“If she won on Saturday she could go to Queensland for the Sunshine Coast Guineas,” he said. “Otherwise, we will chip our way through the grades and get her up to 2400 metres.”
Smith also runs Astero in the Listed Civic Stakes after gaining a start as first emergency and Time Quest resumes in the Switzerland @ Coolmore Handicap.
“His first two runs were excellent and his run the other day was good,” Smith said of Astero. “He hasn’t been beaten far in any of them.”
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