Consistent mare Vain Queen has returned to racing in typically smart form this time but will likely complete a Caulfield barrier trial on Tuesday as a fine tune-up ahead of Saturday’s featured Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m).
Vain Queen is currently rated outright favourite to win Saturday’s Robert Sangster Stakes. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
Posting seven wins and one minor place finish through her impressive fourteen career starts so far, Vain Queen ran on for a credible fourth in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) first-up on February 28th; placing a close second to Lucky Hussler in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) most recently on March 27th.
Sure to relish a step-back to fillies and mares company in the 2015 Robert Sangster Stakes, trainer John Saddler told AAP he is pleased with the condition of the Artie Schiller mare and will make a decision as to her final preparations today (Monday).
“It’s not something that I would normally do so close to a big race,” Sadler said.
“The jump-outs last week at Caulfield were on the inside grass and I didn’t want to trial her on that track.
“I’ll make up my mind on Monday whether I give her a jump-out or whether she’ll have a nice gallop instead.”
Stamping her claims as one to watch when comfortably taking out each of her first four competitive starts in 2013, Vain Queen returned in late autumn 2014 for fourth in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1000m).
Returning to the winner’s via a pair of minor sprints in Melbourne through June, Vain Queen was unlucky to finish fourth in each of the Listed All Victorian Sprint Final (1200m), Group 3 TheShark.com.au (1100m) and Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) but ended her season in the best way possible when taking out the Group 3 Mumm Stakes (1100m) on Oaks Day.
2015 Robert Sangster Stakes nominations are due by midday today, while a final field and barrier draw will be completed and released on Wednesday.
Vain Queen is currently rated outright $4.60 favourite to win the 2015 Robert Sangster Stakes with leading online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
