Racing: Noonan has to decide how high to aim with Varenna

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Melbourne trainer Tony Noonan is facing one of the toughest decisions of his career after Varenna Miss' impressive victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

At just her ninth start, Varenna Miss stormed to the line in the A$175,000 QTC Cup (1300m) and Noonan must now decide whether to back her up in the Stradbroke next Saturday or wait for the Winter Stakes on June 25.

Aided by a brilliant ride from Dwayne Dunn, Varenna Miss ($13) rocketed home to beat Phelan Ready ($31) by a length with Zingaling ($26) a half-length back third.

Wyong sprinter Sincero started the $3.30 favourite but only struggled into 11th and his Stradbroke Handicap claims now hang in the balance.

Noonan found himself in an identical situation two years ago after Ortensia won the QTC Cup en route to finishing third in the Stradbroke and wouldn't be drawn into making a decision on what path he will take with Varenna Miss.

"That was only her ninth race start and she will just continue to improve," Noonan said.

"She's a very good mare but we will sit down and have a good think about what to do.

"The original plan was to go to the Winter Stakes and my concern with the Stradbroke is she's still very lightly raced. But she was very dominant and when a horse is going so well it's tempting to go to the Stradbroke. I'll have to have a good think about which way to go."

Dunn stayed out of the decision-making process and preferring to concentrate on enjoying the moment. "I've always had a big opinion of her and to get on her today in one of her major wins is great," he said.

- AAP