Walsh taking blinkered approach; European success for Sir Peter; Trainer making most of Karaka graduate;

Walsh taking blinkered approach

Sue Walsh will play the blinkers card with Exquisite Jewel in next Saturday’s Gr.1 Queensland Oaks.

The Foxton trainer will add the headgear to sharpen the filly up following her late finish for fifth in the Gr.2 The Roses.

"Jim Byrne came in and said there was no way he was getting off her for the Oaks,” Walsh said.

"I warned him that she would go to sleep mid-race and that she'd need a good dig up to get going and he said that was exactly what happened. The blinkers might help her to get going more quickly.”

European success for Sir Peter

New Zealand Bloodstock principal Sir Peter Vela celebrated success on the international stage at the weekend.

His Fastnet Rock filly Hundi posted her maiden success in England when she won at Salisbury after placing in six of her previous seven starts.

Trained by Charles Hills, the Irish-bred three-year-old is out of the Warning mare Hawala and is a half-sister to the stakes winner and Group One performer Air Chief Marshall.

Trainer making most of Karaka graduate

Peter Moody is enjoying the rewards of racing Upham after he could find few takers for shares in the New Zealand-bred three-year-old.

The leading Australian trainer purchased the son of Mastercraftsman out of Wentwood Grange’s 2013 Premier Sale draft at Karaka for $100,000, but was unable to fully syndicate the gelding and his wife Sarah retained an 85 percent holding.

Upham has subsequently won three of his eight starts and is now a leading Gr.1 Queensland Derby contender following his victory in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes.