Champagne Cuddles on track for Gold Coast

Trainer Bjorn Baker has given the thumbs-up for Champagne Cuddles to head to the Queensland carnival after a comfortable barrier trial win at Canterbury.

Ridden by James McDonald, the three-year-old filly hit the line 2-1/2 lengths clear of her nearest rival in the 900m hit-out on Tuesday to indicate she was ready to resume racing after missing the autumn carnival.

“That was excellent. James was very happy when he got off her,” Baker said.

Champagne Cuddles last raced in the Group One Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in September when she ran second to Alizee.

The Godolphin filly also consigned Champagne Cuddles to runner-up status in the Group Two Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) while Trapeze Artist blocked her path to a Group One win when she led the chasers home in the Golden Rose (1400m).

Trapeze Artist has gone on to win the Group One TJ Smith Stakes and All Aged Stakes while Alizee claimed the Group One Queen Of The Turf during the autumn carnival.

“She had three tough runs in three weeks and the form from the spring worked out really well,” Baker said.

Champagne Cuddles , who had a barrier trial at Gosford on April 10, opens her first Queensland campaign in the Group Three Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday week.