Real Love Ready for Queen Of The Turf Stakes

Trainer Darren Weir is confident that Real Love is primed to run a good race when she takes her position on Saturday’s 2017 Queen Of The Turf Stakes field on Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick.

Real Love has drawn ideally into the Queen Of The Turf Stakes field. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Real Love has drawn ideally into the Queen Of The Turf Stakes field. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

A former Perth galloper, Real Love has been a strong and consistent performer for Weir since arriving at the leading Victorian trainer’s Warrnambool base in early 2016, but has been unable to find winning form through four starts this time in.

Weir told RSN that he cannot fault the condition of the Desert King mare and believes that her allocation of the ideal barrier 3 will play into her chances when she contests the Queen Of The Turf Stakes.

“She’s been running OK without having a lot of luck,” Weir said.

“Barriers have been against her, but on Saturday’s she’s drawn the perfect barrier to get a good run and she certainly won’t be out the back in a race like this.

“She’ll be in the first half and it gives her a chance. She looks fantastic and had a good run up here on Wednesday morning, seemed to work well.

“She’s been a great mare and it will be good to see her get her chance in another Group 1.”

Real Love was arguably at her best when she travelled to Brisbane in winter last year for consecutive wins in the Group 3 JRA Cup (2000m) and Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2200m), before she ended her busy campaign fourth in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m).

Weir confirmed that she will continue on into the Brisbane Winter Carnival once more, as long as she performs to expectations in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes.

“After this, as long as she runs well, she’ll head up to Brisbane for races like the Doomben Cup and those sort of races,” Weir said.

“I’d say this will be her last year – she’ll head to stud after this year. It would be nice to get a placing or a win in a major, but not easy.

“If she doesn’t, she’s been a great horse for us.”

Real Love has posted an impressive ten race wins and a further twelve minors, through a total of thirty-seven career starts so far.

Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering Real Love at 2017 Queen Of The Turf Stakes odds of $16.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.