Magic Millions winner Karuta Queen is unlikely to be seen in Sydney this spring with trainer Neville Layt looking to target the Melbourne carnival.
Karuta Queen has been in the spelling paddock since finishing 10th in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) on April 2.
Layt said the filly wasn’t expected back at his stables for a few more weeks.
“We’ll bring her back at the end of this month and get her ready to go down to Melbourne for the spring carnival,” Layt said.
“There’s some nice three-year-old races down there in the spring, and she’s doing very well in the paddock. She’s enjoying herself.”
Karuta Queen stormed into contention for feature two-year-old races when she won her first two starts at Rosehill in October.
Layt then freshened the filly up and she returned with a dominant win in the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions (1000m) in December.
That was only a stepping stone to an even bigger pay day for her connections as the daughter of Not A Single Doubt led all the way in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Karuta Queen suffered a shock loss in the Black Opal Stakes (1200m) at Canberra in March and her two-year-old campaign ended after the Golden Slipper where she led the field into the straight before weakening in the final 300 metres.
“She has been a lovely filly and I don’t think you’ve even seen the best of her yet,” Layt said.
“I think when she turns three she’ll be better again.”
Asked if her spring campaign would include any Sydney starts, Layt said: “I don’t think so, there could be but it all depends on how quick she comes up.”
The Queanbeyan-based trainer is yet to lock in her exact Melbourne targets.
“I’ve got to wait and get a program for the spring carnival and just have a look at the fillies races down there around Moonee Valley at 1000 metres, 1100 and 1200,” he said.
“(If we) try to stick to her own age group and she should win a couple of Group races.”
AAP TURF
