From Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou
Horse: Banana Queen
Message: (Saturday, Scone Race 8, Dark Jewel Classic) If she races well here, the stable were planning to take her up to the Queensland carnival, but we’ll see how we go. She’s got to run very well for us to continue on with her. The plan was to purchase her and then to send her to stud this year. But if she can run a good race for us, or potentially win, it would be the cherry on top of the purchase last week (Inglis Chairman’s Sale). She’s a magnificent-looking mare, she’s fit, she’s healthy and I think she’ll make a tremendous broodmare when that time comes for her. Banana Queen will start from barrier six in the Dark Jewel, in which Dylan Gibbons will ride.
From Luke Pepper
Horse: Opal Ridge
Message: (Saturday, Scone Race 7, Ortensia Stakes) Opal Ridge was triumphant in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) on the corresponding program 12 months ago and this time around she will line up in the shorter Ortensia Stakes (1100m) on Saturday. It was amazing to win the Luskin Star last year. It was our first Scone Cup carnival and to win a black-type race with her here meant a bit more. She had a very intense three-year-old campaign and ended up in Brisbane, and she only had five weeks off before she came back for a crack at the Kosciuszko where she obviously ran 2nd. After that, she was on tired legs. We decided to set our sights on the Brisbane winter carnival this year and give her a good break, which she deserved. Opal Ridge had furnished during her spell, returning bigger, stronger and more mature. She has a great first-up record with three wins and a Kosciuszko placing from her four fresh runs. Her grand final is the Tatt’s Tiara at the end of June, so there is natural improvement in her, but she has done enough to be ready for her first-up task.
From Kim Waugh
Horse: Shadows Of Love
Message: (Saturday, Scone Race 8, Dark Jewel Classic) The mare has managed a top-three finish in eight of her nine runs this season, highlighted by four wins. She was always a little bit immature early, so we took our time with her. We’d give her a few runs and then stop. She is a lovely mare and she is still maturing. (Jockey) Tim Clark said he got pushed out on the turn (last start) and it cost her a bit of ground, but he was very happy with the way she went. I couldn’t be happier with her going into Saturday. As long as she is comfortable and back off the speed, she will run well. I don’t want her too close because she’s got that great turn of foot if she can get a smother.
From David McColm
Horse: Torovista
Message: (Saturday, Scone Race 2, Highway Hcp) Torovista has factors in his favour with successive wins and a close 4th at Eagle Farm, has barrier 3 and (Dylan) Gibbons. He won’t take anyone’s eye in the parade, plain and lightly framed. When I saw him first time, I wasn’t sure what to think with his form. When he settled in and built up, he started to work extra well and just took it to the races – amazing mate. Probably a late maturer and a different environment. Up in grade but we’re coming down with winning form and knowing he has the gate speed to lead or be on-pace. And when you’ve got a bit of a motor, that’s what matters most.
From Joseph Pride
Horse: Private Eye
Message: (Saturday, Brisbane Race 8, Doomben 10,000) Private Eye ran an impressive 3rd in last month’s G1 All Aged Stakes despite drawing barrier 10 of 13 on a Heavy track. I thought Private Eye’s run in the All Aged was terrific as he doesn’t like the Heavy. He normally only has short preparations, but he’s had four so far and has stood up.
Horse: Mazu
Message: (Saturday, Brisbane Race 8, Doomben 10,000) Mazu won the Doomben 10,000 in 2022, has drawn barrier eight of nine and is coming off a win in his most recent start, the G3 Hall Mark Stakes. Mazu’s win last time was very good and he should roll forward and get into a good spot and hopefully run a cheeky race.
From The Editor
Scone Race 7 – Insurrection
Scone Race 8 – Shadows Of Love
