Racing: All-Kiwi finish tipped for Queensland Oaks

Photo / Ross Setford

Trainer Howie Mathews is staying loyal to his homeland and predicts an all-Kiwi finish in the group one Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm today.

Mathews will saddle up Poste Restante, a last-start third in the group three Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben on May 12.

Poste Restante is a $12 chance in Queensland Oaks markets behind $4.80 favourite Quintessential and New Zealand Oaks winner Miss Artistic at $5.50.

Mathews has great respect for the New Zealand pair, particularly Quintessential since her outstanding Queensland Oaks trial when a slashing fourth to Invest in The Roses at Doomben last start.

"I'd love to see my filly win but she's got the job ahead of her against Miss Artistic and Quintessential," Mathews said.

"The Kiwis look to be the better staying fillies although Peter Moody has a nice filly [Rock Hit] and you've got to respect anything he runs. On what we've seen so far theKiwis should fill the first three placings."

Mathews has been to Queensland on only four previous occasions since he started training in 1977 and landed the biggest win of his career when Coshking won the group one Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm in 1989.

Mathews, who has won four group one races, has booked James McDonald for Poste Restante but Chris Munce will have the ride if the filly backs up in the group one Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm today week.

Poste Restante took some time to settle into her new Brisbane surroundings when she first arrived from New Zealand but Mathews reports the daughter of Postponed has thrived since.

He plans to spell Poste Restante in Queensland after her winter campaign and has not ruled out sending her to Melbourne for the spring.

- AAP