One of New Zealand’s leading fillies has had a stable change and is ready to make her Australian debut.
Formerly prepared by Stephen Autridge, Risque is now in the care of David Hayes and Tom Dabernig and is set to have her first run for the stable in the Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
A daughter of Darci Brahma, Risque won three of her six starts for Autridge including the Thousand Guineas at Riccarton last November.
She has been bought by Darren Thomas and Neil Werrett and has been with the Lindsay Park operation for about six weeks.
Risque had a jump-out at Flemington over 800m last Friday and was just touched out by stablemate Afleet Esprit.
She holds nominations for the Australian Guineas and Australian Cup during the Melbourne autumn carnival and for The Championships in Sydney she is entered for The Doncaster, the ATC Australian Oaks and the Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
“She’s a nice pick-up,” Dabernig said.
“You are always unsure how the kiwi form translates but she’s got quite a good record and watching her replays she goes on wet and dry ground and looks pretty versatile.
“We’ll aim towards the Guineas but I think whatever she does in the autumn she will improve on.
“She still looks tall and angular.”
Dabernig said if Risque didn’t make it to the Randwick carnival there was always the option of taking her to the Adelaide or Brisbane carnivals.
Damian Lane will ride her in the Kevin Hayes.