The flying filly Karuta Queen demolished her rivals in the $100,000 Heritage Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday to set up a clash with Black Caviar in Melbourne next month.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Trained by Neville Layt at Queanbeyan, the 2011 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner was far superior to her rivals.
After driving to the lead under Tommy Berry the Not A Single Doubt filly stepped up a gear from the 300m and had too much class in the run home, coasting easily to win by 2.5 lengths.
Al's Magic Miss chased the winner all they way and held on to dead heat with the running on Hollyweird.
Karuta Queen again showed she is as fast as filly around, running the 1100m in 1.02.97 and her final 600m in a sizzling 33.38.
Layt said that he was now looking at the $200,000 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on October 8 as the next race for Karuta Queen, a race Peter Moody has on the agenda for Black Caviar.
“She ran well and I do not know if I am getting a bit cheeky her but we might go down and take on Black Caviar,” said Layt.
“She had an easy run in transit and when he let her down she was cruising.
“I am going to nominate her for it, it is 1000m at weight-for-age and I get in with nothing on her back.
"If I run second to Black Caviar I will be happy.
“You have got to have a go, if you are not in it you cannot win it."
Karuta Queen will carry 51kg if she starts in the Schillaci Stakes with Black Caviar to carry 56.5kg.
Berry said Karuta Queen gone have gone much faster.
“Look at the clock,” said Berry.
“She ran enormous time. I knew she was good enough to win this race by lengths and that is what she did.
"Now we can go down and take on Black Caviar on over 1000m.
“Black Caviar is the best horse in the world. More than likely she is not going to beat us, but when you run those times over 1000m only Black Caviar can pass her."
Karuta Queen is by Arrowfield Stud's Not A Single Doubt out of the Final Card mare Card Queen and was purchased by owner Glenn Williams for a modest $30,000 at the 2011 Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.
Her earnings have now advanced to $1,593,750.
