Smart mare Believe Yourself won’t be seen at Kranji anymore as she is being sent back to Australia on August 20 to continue her racing career.

Originally prepared by Gerald Ryan, the Sebring mare is returning to Sydney, but will this time come under the care of trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Believe Yourself came to trainer Hideyuki Takaoka with a solid record of two wins (1000m and 1200m) from four starts, but above all, with the lofty reputation of having run fourth to Mossfun in the famed Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill. She did not quite reach the same heady heights at Kranji but her decent record of three wins and three thirds from 12 starts for prizemoney close to $300,000 did please her owner Tomohiro Sekiguchi.

But with time running out for another crack at the Australian riches – which has always been on Sekiguchi’s agenda as he owns horses there as well – and the breeding barn always the ultimate goal once the chestnut five-year-old’s racing career was over, Sekiguchi thought now was the right time to head back.

“Mr Sekiguchi has discussed with Gai Waterhouse and there are no races set for her yet,” said Takaoka.

“If she gets ready quick enough and is good enough, maybe they will look at the Spring Carnival. Or else, there is the Sydney Autumn Carnival next year. That will be her last campaign and then it will be off to the barn as a broodmare.”

The Japanese handler said he was obviously sad to see Believe Yourself leave his yard but was glad he had been able to bring her back to her racing fitness for three wins at Kranji and said he would keep a close lookout for her future endeavours in Australia – both on and off the track.

“She was a good filly, quite small, but she had an engine,” said Takaoka.

“I always thought she could go over a trip even if she’s won only up to 1400m here. She ran on well in the Patron’s Bowl (1600m) even though she was checked, but she was disappointing in the Derby (2000m).

“I thought she could stay, I don’t know if she can see it out one day, but maybe the mile is best for her in hindsight.”

The Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby on July 10 was the last race Believe Yourself competed in at Kranji. She was well fancied but never really threatened after travelling in midfield for regular partner Alan Munro to finish 10th but only less than six lengths off the winner Well Done.

“Mr Sekiguchi is the one who wanted to send her to Australia as he also has racing interests there,” added Takaoka.

“Currently, he doesn’t have any horses with me anymore as he sold the last, Heavenly Hand. But he may be going to the Magic Millions or New Zealand Bloodstock breeze-ups in October and hopefully he buys a few for me.

“I wish him all the best with Believe Yourself in Australia and I will definitely keep following her career there, and after that, I hope she becomes a good mother.”