Donna Logan knows the test that lies ahead. Photo/Michael Cunningham
Donna Logan knows the test that lies ahead. Photo/Michael Cunningham
Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs' Queensland plans haven't gone according to script, but they remain in the hunt for a Group One prize.
The Ruakaka trainers' hopes will rest with Here He Comes in the Queensland Derby with another horror gate highly likely to force the scratching of the precociousyoungster Qiji Phoenix from today's J.J. Atkins Stakes.
"His barrier of 15 makes it virtually impossible," Logan said. "From where they start at Doomben it's just too tough."
The Not A Single Doubt colt was unbeaten in three New Zealand appearances before he turned in a brave effort for seventh, after racing three and four wide from a wide alley, in the Sires' Produce Stakes.
Meanwhile, the switch to Doomben for the Derby has not enhanced the chances of Here He Comes, the winner of three races against the older horses at home, before his Queensland campaign.
He was sixth in his Australian debut in the Rough Habit Plate and showed improvement to finish a last-start fourth in the Grand Prix Stakes.
"That track at Eagle Farm last time was so bad - it was worse than anything at home," Logan said. "He did well to run as well as he did.
"He's a big-striding horse and coming back to 2200m is a worry when we've been working toward 2400, but that's what we've got and hopefully he can make the most of it."
Melody Belle dominates betting for the group one J.J. Atkins Stakes but two Queensland stables have reasons to believe better conditions can help them cause an upset.
Melody Belle is the $2.10 favourite for the season's final group one race for 2-year-olds tomorrow after Te Akau Stud syndicate paid an $18,000 late fee. It looks a wise investment as Melody Belle is coming off a five-length win in the group two BRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.
In her wake were most of tomorrow's field including Eminent, trained at Caloundra by David Vandyke, and Capital Gain from Paul Butterworth's Eagle Farm stable.
Both trainers believe they can get closer at Doomben.
Vandyke thought enough of Eminent to consider running him in the group one Champagne Stakes in the Sydney autumn but decided it would be better to set the colt for the J.J. Atkins (1600m).
Capital Gain was one of the better runs in the Sires' Stakes coming from 16th on the home turn to finish fifth.
Butterworth said Capital Gain had been looking for 1600m and some luck in his races.
