SYDNEY - Waikato trainer Roger James has engaged top Sydney jockey Darren Beadman for his classy filly Gaze in the group three Doomben Roses in Brisbane today.
Gaze is one of the favourites in the 2020m race for 3-year-old fillies on the back of her close second behind Super Lacuna
in the Gold Coast Bracelet a fortnight ago.
It was her Australian debut after a fifth-placed finish in the New Zealand Oaks in January and a win in a premier quality race at Ellerslie on April 15. Her main target is the Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 3.
Gaze looked to have the Gold Coast race won until Super Lacuna surged home late, but James said she needed that run and would strip fitter at Doomben.
"You don't bring them over at their peak if you are aiming at an oaks, so I'm hopeful she has improved and will go on with it," James said.
He said he had rung Beadman and was fortunate enough to secure his services, while the other plus was Gaze's barrier draw of two, as she drew wide at the Gold Coast.
James said he respected Super Lacuna and there were a few newcomers to make it a strong race, but he rates Gaze highly.
"Put it this way, she's not over here for the weather," he said.
James has opted to start La Sizeranne in the listed Glenlogan Park Stakes for fillies and mares over 1350m at Doomben today.
He could have started her in the BTC Sprint on the same day over the same distance, but opted for the lesser graded race.
New Zealand's best performed mare in recent seasons, Miss Potential, returns to an Australian racetrack when she lines up in the BTC Sprint.
She has it all against her, with topweight of 59kg and a difficult barrier draw of 18.
Bazelle [Doomben Cup] and Cog Hill [Lord Mayor's Cup] are the other two Kiwi-trained horses today's Doomben card.
- NZPA
