Trainer Tony Noonan has not ruled out a tilt at next month’s Group One Stradbroke Handicap with Varenna Miss following the Victorian mare’s classy win at Doomben.
Having her first start in the right-handed direction, Varenna Miss cruised in the box seat before overpowering her opposition to score by three-quarters of a length from Tierqualo in Saturday’s Act For Kids Handicap (1200m).
The four-year-old, who finished fourth in the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield in February, looked to have plenty in reserve despite not having started since her ninth in the Group One Sportingbet (1200m) at Morphettville on March 26.
“She got around the turn a little awkwardly but it was her first run for a while,” Noonan said.
“She probably wants further and her pedigree suggests she’ll get it.
“I brought her here for the Dane Ripper and then the Winter Stakes.
“But if she happened to win the Dane Ripper we’ll give her a chance in the Stradbroke.”
The Group Two Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) for fillies and mares will be run at Eagle Farm on June 4, a week before the $1 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on the same track.
The Group One Winter Stakes (1400m) for fillies and mares is at Eagle Farm on June 25.
Noonan has a big opinion of Varenna Miss, a daughter of Redoute’s Choice, who has won four of her eight starts.
“I think she’s got the makings of a very good mare later on,” Noonan said.
“She should be able to get 1600 metres and after this campaign she’ll go home and spell.
“Next autumn you’ll see a very good mare.”
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