The wetter the better for Statement in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes
A firm track and lack of match practice came against northern hemisphere raider Statement at her Australian debut, but connections are anticipating an improved performance under different conditions at Randwick.
The dual black-type winner settled midfield in the Emancipation Stakes (1500m) and held her position to be beaten just over five lengths by Roots in an even performance.
Sean Corby, representing Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien, says Statement should strip much fitter for what was her first hitout since October and will relish the soft conditions in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.
“She ran well a couple of weeks ago in the Emancipation. She was a little bit slow away from the gates so hopefully the run will sharpen her up,” Corby said.
“She hadn’t run in a few months so that should have brought her on fitness-wise too.
“She would like the ground to be as slow as it can possibly be. It was a little bit quick for her the last day so it should suit her better this weekend.”
John Allen partnered Statement at Rosehill and sticks with her for the Group 1 assignment.
She will face a capacity field of 17 rivals, headed by former UK mare Alcohol Free, who makes her debut for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
Sold for $10 million to Yu Long Investments in December, Alcohol Free is a four-time Group 1 winner overseas and brings A-class formlines, finishing third to unbeaten champion Baaeed in the Sussex Stakes (1609m) at her most recent appearance.
Alcohol Free is a $3.30 Queen Of The Turf Stakes favourite with Statement a $31 chance.
