Vain Queen returns from a long absence to put an unbeaten record on the line at Sandown as trainer John Sadler plots a path to a Group One winter target.
The four-year-old is being aimed at the Tattersall’s Tiara in Brisbane in June and hasn’t raced since taking her winning run to four when scoring in her only start of an abbreviated campaign at Caulfield in August.
“We’ve always believed that she may be a little bit special and she hasn’t disproved that so far,” Sadler said.
“She was able to win when she wasn’t right at her last start at Caulfield.
“She’s been out and had a nice long break and appears to be in very good order.”
After winning three races as a three-year-old, Vain Queen returned with a first-up win on August 31 but was then tipped out again.
“She had scarred lungs and needed to be treated, put away and given time,” Sadler said.
“She was re-scanned and we got the all clear so we were able to bring her back and this time in she hasn’t put a foot wrong so far.”
The daughter of Artie Schiller, who is yet to be tested in stakes company, pleased in a recent straight-track jump-out and Sadler is excited to take her to the races for Saturday’s Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1000m).
“Although she’s not screwed down, she’s ready to run very well first-up,” he said.
Vain Queen was at $2.10 in the opening market ahead of Vibrant Rouge ($3.70) who Sadler rates as a “pretty good mare” and the testing material.
“I would imagine if she (Vibrant Rouge) is near her best she’ll give her a run for her money,” he said.
Vain Queen is among Sadler’s team that will move with him when he leaves Malua Racing at Flemington to train under the Aquanita banner at Caulfield from June.
Sadler is also planning to campaign Henwood, who is on the second line of betting for Saturday’s Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1300m), in Brisbane.
