A clash with champion Black Caviar awaits speedy filly Karuta Queen after she romped away with Saturday’s Listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill.
Trainer Neville Layt confirmed Karuta Queen would head to Melbourne for the Group Two weight-for-age Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on October 8, the race Peter Moody has earmarked for Black Caviar’s spring return.
“I might be getting a bit keen but we might go down and take on Black Caviar,” Layt said.
“If she runs second to Black Caviar I’ll be happy.”
Sent out an even money favourite on Saturday, Karuta Queen mustered her customary early speed and took up the running.
She had her rivals off the bit and chasing coming to the turn and they made little headway with Karuta Queen running out a commanding 2-1/2 length winner over Al’s Magic Miss ($6.50) and Hollyweird ($12) who could not be split for second.
It was the filly’s first win since the Magic Millions at the Gold Coast in January but Layt said he took heart from her second-up fourth behind crack colts Smart Missile, Foxwedge and Helmet in the Run To The Rose (1200m).
“Her run the other day behind those three boys was super,” Layt said.
“I thought she had it won 50 (metres) out but she just wilted a little bit.”
Jockey Tommy Berry enjoyed the Heritage victory, blowing a kiss just before the winning line which cost him a $200 fine from stewards.
He said he had a soft spot for Karuta Queen who ran a sharp 1.02.97 for the 1100m.
“She’s my favourite horse, I wouldn’t do it on anything else,” Berry said.
Nor does Berry have any qualms about the challenge of taking on Black Caviar who paraded at Caulfield on Saturday.
“Black Caviar is the best horse in the world, more than likely she’s going to beat us,” Berry said.
“But when you run those times over 1000 only Black Caviar can get past us.”
AAP TURF
