by Chris Barsby
Inter Dominion winning horseman James Rattray is eyeing off a Queensland raid.
And while local officials were hoping it was with his recently retired superstar pacer Beautide, it’s his fresh-faced two-year-old pacing filly Arts Treasure that’s likely to make the trip north.
The Roll With Joe – Art Start filly is eligible for the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Fillies Final which is scheduled for July 15 at Albion Park, the final night of the 2017 Brisbane winter carnival.
And the talented rookie scored an important victory at Newcastle on Saturday night when leading throughout in the Harness Breeders NSW Princess Series in a time of 1:58.1.
It was her maiden victory from four starts.
The filly covered the mile in splits of 30.3, 30.9, 29.2 and 27.7 seconds.
“It was important to gain a victory because her chances of landing a spot in the QBRED feature are a lot better now, hopefully another win will all but secure her a start and then we’ll head north and give it a shot.” Rattray said.
Following the victory, Arts Treasure now sits comfortably in the top ten ranked fillies.
But the list is subject to change quickly with several fillies eyeing a spot in the feature and all wins between now and the week leading up to the event proving crucial.
“I think she’ll prove competitive in any race she contests and the Brisbane race is no different, I’ve had a good opinion on her from the start and she continues to improve each time she goes to the races. Her efforts at Menangle have all been very good and against talented fillies.
“She’s got speed and manners so I’m happy to give this race a go, the local fillies look pretty handy but I think my filly will prove hard to beat with any luck.”
The leading local contenders include Fame Assured, Ark Teamo, Datsgood, Queen Zenobia, Aqua Miss, Well Disguised, Red Charmer and Sammari among others.
Rattray is no stranger to campaigning in the Sunshine State after bringing talented pacer Modern Ruler north two years ago for the open class features.
Back in 2013, Rattray took part in the Invitation Drivers Championship at Albion Park which landed him a victory behind the Kerry Smith trained Billy Badlands.
Meanwhile, another impressive winner from Newcastle on Saturday night was three-year-old colt Astride for Craig Cross and Luke McCarthy who proved successful in a heat of the Breeders Challenge.
The Somebeachsomewhere – Pearl Stride talent rated 1:56.2.
Bred and raced by Emilio and Mary Rosati, Astride is being considered for the Queensland Derby on July 15 at Albion Park.
The 2017 Queensland winter carnival starts this week at Redcliffe and culminates on July 15 at Albion Park.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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