Things did not go to plan for Queen Roulette in the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m), but trainer Leslie Khoo has already put a line through that run and is looking forward to her next start in easier company on Sunday.
It all went pear-shaped from the start of the first Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge on March 26 for the light-framed filly.
The daughter of Ruwi was the last out of the machine. First-time partner Barend Vorster’s attempt to make up the lost ground by bustling her up backfired as she soon started to overrace.
She did improve to settle somewhere in midfield, but three wide and by the time the field swung for home, she had almost emptied out. Courage still saw her stick on for a while before she eventually weakened to beat one home.
Even if the Tan Kian Beng-owned and bred galloper had never ventured beyond 1200m, Khoo said he could have had another roll of the dice in the second Leg, last Friday’s Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m), but in the end went for the softer option.
“She missed the start and it was hard for her after that,” said the former jockey.
“She was wide and gave her all but those three-year-olds she was running against were just too good.
“I think she can get 1400m, but maybe not against the same three-year-olds. She had one more week between runs and that 1200m race on Sunday will suit her better.”
Queen Roulette is back in Class 4 company against the likes of Rich Fortune and En Civil, and also Red Claw, another former Brisbane-based Meagher galloper who will try and emulate Sunday winner Kolumbia at his third start.
Queen Roulette will also reunite with a jockey who steered her to two of her three victories, Nooresh Juglall.
“Juglall could not ride her in the first Leg as he was booked on Nova Swiss, but he’s always had a soft spot for this filly,” said Khoo.
“She has pulled up well after her last race. She was quite tired after such a tough run, but she has had one month to recover.
“She has had maintenance work and her gallop this morning was pretty good. I hope we will see her back to her best this Sunday.”
