Arabian Gold could make an audacious attempt at a Group One win in the star studded Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The filly extended her perfect record on wet tracks to four with victory in Saturday’s Adrian Knox Stakes, a traditional Oaks lead-up over 2000 metres, the same distance as the $4 million Queen Elizabeth.
But trainer David Vandyke and owner Nick Moraitis ruled the ATC Oaks out after she failed in the Victorian version in the spring.
“She doesn’t get 2400 metres and she is not paid up for the Oaks,” Vandyke said.
“We are likely to get a wet track again for the Queen Elizabeth and it’s tempting to go there with a light weight.
“The other race Nick is keen on is the Frank Packer Plate. That’s the race that launched Might And Power.”
The Group Three Frank Packer Plate (2000m) on Saturday week was Might And Power’s first stakes win in 1997.
Moraitis then enjoyed the ride of a lifetime when Might And Power went on to win the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups on his way to becoming a dual Australian Horse of the Year.
The best-performed filly in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in recent years has been Champagne who finished second in 1998, 10 lengths behind Might And Power.
“We are also looking at a Brisbane campaign for Arabian Gold,” Vandyke said.
“There are a lot of options for her.”
The three-year-old gave Blake Shinn the 1000th win of his career but she would need a new Queen Elizabeth rider at 53kg.
Shinn will have his best opportunity for a Group One win on Saturday aboard Zanbagh in the Oaks.
The Guy Walter-trained filly was an eye-catching fifth from a wide barrier in the Group One Vinery Stud Stakes won by Oaks rival Lucia Valentina on a heavy track.
She is the third favourite for the Classic with New Zealander Rising Romance the second elect.
