Trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith believes it will be a case of a third state bringing some overdue fortune for his mare Unequivocal in the Listed Just Now Quality at Doomben.
The Hawkesbury trainer has a high opinion of Unequivocal who has had little luck in her most recent starts.
She was sixth in the blanket finish to the Group Three Nivison Stakes at Randwick three starts back and was then seventh in the Group Three Maybe Mahal Stakes at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.
Unequivocal returned to Sydney last start and was ninth behind Festivity at Rosehill two weeks ago.
However, Mayfield Smith said Unequivocal’s form was much better than it appeared on paper.
“She was only three-quarters of a length from the winner in the Nivison and then in the Maybe Mahal she was pushed into the worst part of the track when she was making her finishing run,” Mayfield-Smith said.
“Everyone was complaining about the section of track so her effort was pretty good.”
Mayfield Smith said at Unequivocal’s last start she suffered interference just after jumping and she was pushed back through the field.
“They walked in front so she had no chance as she is a mare who likes to travel strongly and then finish on strongly,” he said.
Mayfield Smith said it was hoped Unequivocal could pick up some black type while campaigning in Queensland.
“She is a nicely bred Not A Single Doubt mare so black type would add to her value,” he said.
Mayfield Smith has a good knowledge of Brisbane racing having won the Group One Stradbroke Handicap with Landsighting and the Group One BTC Cup with Famous Seamus.
“I would be a lot more confident with Unequivocal if it was at Eagle Farm but at least at Doomben they seem to run along in most races which will suit her,” he said.
Mayfield Smith has booked Melbourne jockey Craig Williams, who is in Brisbane for a State of Origin challenge, for Unequivocal.
“You might as well get him while you can,” Mayfield Smith said.
