18 May 2022 | APHRC Media
“If we can fly, we’ll be there.”
Those were the words from Harkness (near Melton) trainer Joe Pace in relation to the possibility of being in Brisbane for the TAB Constellations.
The winter carnival runs from June 17 through to July 23 with 11 Gr.1 features programmed while there is over $2.5 million in prizemoney up for grabs.
Albion Park will hold their major meetings on July 9, 16 and 23.
Pace prepares an in-form team spearheaded by Gr.2 Cranbourne Cup winner Supreme Dominator, a winner of 13 races from 53 starts and almost $300,000 in stakes.
His most recent effort came back on February 5 when unplaced behind King Of Swing in the Gr.1 Hunter Cup at Melton.
But a return to racing is imminent following a public trial at Melton this week (Monday).
Supreme Dominator finished behind Queensland bound stablemates Triple Eight and Better Eclipse in a 2240m mobile trial.
The winning mile rate was 1:59.2 with the final half covered in 55.4 and 26.8 seconds.
“It was a nice trial, and he went well, the weather was shocking, and it developed into a sprint home, so I was pleased with his work, but he’ll need a few more trials before he resumes,” Pace explained.
“He’s a bad traveler, so if we can fly, we’re keen to have a go but he won’t come via road. As it stands, I’m not sure if it’s possible but we’ll wait and see.” Pace added.
Supreme Dominator has a raft of features throughout the carnival to target including the Gr.1 $106,070 Redcliffe Gold Cup on June 25 followed by the Gr.1 $152,500 Garrards Sunshine Sprint on July 16 and the Gr.1 $355,000 TAB Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship a week later, both staged at Albion Park.
Pace would also consider his latest acquisition from New Zealand, three-year-old pacer Justalittlesip for a Queensland campaign.
The Franco Ledger gelding boasts sensational form lines and was unextended in his Melton trial when second behind Major Mal.
“He’s a lovely horse and he’ll trial again next week at Geelong before we look for his debut start for us; my son Adrian took the drive in the trial, and he was really good.”
The Gr.1 $106,070 Queensland Derby is scheduled for July 23.
For further information, contact the APHRC on (07) 3262 2577 or www.thecreek.com.au
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