Racing: NZ duo on course for Queensland Derby

Scarlett Lady. Photo / AAP

The odds of Kiwi filly Scarlett Lady lining up in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on Saturday have shortened but a final decision won't be made until after an inspection by trainer Graeme Rogerson today.

Rogerson ordered a blood count to be taken but the result won't be the determining factor in whether she starts.

"I had a blood count done on her and I'll get the result of that tonight but there will be no decision made until I see her at trackwork tomorrow," Rogerson said yesterday.

"I'm leaving the final decision up to her owner, Max Whitby, as I also train and bred the favourite for the Derby, Shootoff. I've had a long talk with Max and I think he's now leaning to running her."

Whitby and Rogerson's co-trainer, his wife Debbie, said after Scarlett Lady's Queensland Oaks victory on Saturday they preferred to spell her to concentrate on the Melbourne spring carnival.

"I'm not sure what sort of work the filly will do tomorrow but Deb will ride her before she goes back to New Zealand while I stay on over there to look after the two horses for the Derby," Rogerson said.

Rogerson and Whitby flew back to New Zealand after the Queensland Oaks and won the McGregor Grant Steeplechase (4150m) in Auckland on Monday with Mr Align.

The jumper will head to England next year to represent New Zealand in the Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree. "John Wheeler is a very close friend and he's taking a team of jumpers to England next year so I'll probably give Mr Align to him to train while he's over there."

Meanwhile, a 1000m gallop at Eagle Farm today will also decide if connections of Oaks third placegetter, New Plymouth filly Shez Sinsational, pay a A$27,000 late entry to start in Saturday's Queensland Derby.

Trainer Allan Sharrock, one of five part-owners of the daughter of Ekraar, believes the fillies look to have the wood on the male 3-year-olds this season.

"She's done extremely well and had a good blow after the Oaks so there's a bit of improvement still in her," Sharrock said yesterday.

"I'll know more after she gallops at Eagle Farm tomorrow but I'll be talking with all her owners to get an indication of what to do.

"I own a share with my father and there's five owners who will have a say so there won't be any deadlock."

- AAP