Beautifully bred filly Lilliburlero will face a career litmus test when she steps out in the Fred Best Classic at Doomben on Saturday.
A daughter of former top Queensland sprinter Regimental Gal, Lilliburlero has shown promise winning two of her three starts to date.
She made her debut with a midweek victory in metropolitan grade in November, backed it up with a Saturday city win at Rosehill and was spelled after finishing third, again in Saturday company, at her only other run.
Trainer David Payne is keen to get a better gauge on where she sits in the pecking order and will throw her against some strong opposition to find out.
Among her rivals in Saturday’s Group Three race will be Gold Coast Guineas winner Academus, smart Queenslander Sizzling, New Zealander Platinum Kingdom and last start winner Jimando.
“It’s a tough field,” Payne said.
“She’s run a few times and she should have won all three.
“We’ll just put our foot in the water and see if she’s up to it. I think she has got black-type in her.”
Tim Bell will ride Lilliburlero who has drawn gate 11 in the field of 16 plus five emergencies.
Payne said the filly’s main aim in Brisbane was the Group Two Queensland Guineas (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 1.
