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A lightly raced son of Group 1 powerhouse Merchant Navy, the gelding returns off an 11-week break for just his third start, and behind a smart and dominant trial win at home nine days ago.
In contrast to the storm and rain-hit northern NSW coast, Moree is expecting very warm weather for the meeting with the track surface firming all the time.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Winter target for Harlem Queen
Craig Kerry
Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle was looking more at Queensland winter targets with Harlem Queen despite her working home well in her second trial back at home on Wednesday.
The Flight Stakes runner-up made up good ground late to cut the margin to star stablemate Private Harry, which led and won the 900m group and listed trial.
Doyle said Harlem Queen was still “a bit behind the eight-ball” and she might be set for the Queensland Oaks or mile races over the winter carnival rather than autumn events in Sydney.
He was happy with the last trial of unbeaten colt Private Harry before his task in the group 1 Galaxy on March 22 at Rosehill. He said Private Harry would have three more track gallops at home before the $1 million 1100m race.
Doyle has Wooloowin in the group 3 Newcastle Stakes on Friday.
“It’s a big step up, but she deserves her chance and has kept improving,” he said.
Pride wants dry track for Brigidine Gal’s next step
Craig Kerry
Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride was hoping for a dry track when Brigidine Gal looks to take the step to stakes grade at Kembla Grange on Friday week after a second midweek city win on Wednesday.
The three-year-old filly, with Regan Bayliss riding, came from the back of the field with a strong sprint in the 1300m benchmark 64 handicap at Warwick Farm to win by just over a length.
Pride was confident of another top run in the group 3 $250,000 mile race for three-year-old fillies.
“It was a good effort,” Pride said of Brigidine Gal’s second win in five career starts.
“That race at Kembla generally hasn’t got the top-liners in it, and she’s potentially on her way to being a really nice filly.
“I think the big, roomy straight at Kembla will suit her.
“She can only improve on that. I hope it isn’t wet down there next week because I think that’s a little weakness for this filly.”
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
