The wetter the better for Fleet Dove.
That’s the opinion of trainer Kelly Schweida who is hoping for rain-affected going ahead of Saturday’s Group Three Vo Rogue Plate (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
“A bit of rain wouldn’t hurt this filly and there’s a bit forecast,” Schweida said.
Eagle Farm was rated a Good 4 ahead of Saturday’s meeting although the bureau of meteorology is predicting rain on Friday.
Schweida rated Fleet Dove one of the unluckiest runners in the Gold Edition Plate although he said she would not have beaten the winner Isotope or runner-up Away Game.
“I’m pretty happy with the way she’s going and I thought her run was super in the Gold Edition,” he said.
“Robbie Fradd rode her and he was adamant she should’ve run third.
“She wouldn’t have beaten the first two that day but she was never on the track and she only just got beaten for third.”
Fleet Dove will be stepping up beyond 1350 metres for the first time in the Vo Rogue from the outside alley in the 17-horse field which Schewida admits is a question mark.
“Going to 1400 metres for the first time is always a query especially at Eagle Farm, it’s more like a mile at Doomben,” he said.
Stablemate Racecourse Road, a last start Doomben winner, also has drawn the outside alley in the Magic Millions QTIS Magic Ticket (1200m) but Schweida remains upbeat about his chances.
If Racecourse Road wins on Saturday he will gain a wildcard entry into the Magic Millions QTIS Open race at the Gold Coast on January 16.
