In Masquerade To Run At Grafton
- Monday, 29 June 2015 08:48
Promising stayer In Masquerade will miss the Queensland Cup at the Sunshine Coast in favour of a trip south to the Grafton Cup.
Saturday's 3200m Listed Queensland Cup will be run at the Sunshine Coast for the first time because of the closure of Eagle Farm for renovations.
Trainer Desleigh Forster said In Masquerade had earned a tilt at a feature race with her win at Doomben on Saturday over 2200m and the $150,000 Grafton Cup (2350m) on July 9 was the best option.
"I have my doubts she could run 3200 metres around the Sunshine Coast," Forster said.
"She can make a long run in her races and that should suit her at Grafton.
"Obviously any black type would further improve her stud value."
Former South African jockey Robbie Fradd will retain the ride.
"Robbie was unlucky on her at Ipswich at her previous start but made up for it at Doomben with a smart ride," Forster said.
Trainer Bryan Guy has confirmed a Grafton Cup run for his stayer Noisy Ocean who ran 11th but only three lengths from the winner In The Genes at Doomben over 1600m on Saturday.
"That should top him of nicely. He had 59 kilograms at Doomben and should drop a few kilos at Grafton," Guy said.
There were 11 entries taken on Monday for the Queensland Cup, one of a handful of stakes races left in Australasia over the Melbourne Cup distance.
Escado, a last-start winner of the Group Three Tatt's Cup at the Gold Coast, is by far the highest-rated on 100, a mark earned in the 2013 SA Derby.
Lovethebeaches, a five-length winner of the Stayers' Cup (3200m) at Randwick on June 6, will make the trip from Newcastle.
Major Major, Bachelor Zeel and Pop `N' Scotch, who finished fourth, sixth and eighth behind Escado at the Gold Coast were among the Queensland Cup nominations.
Shoreham, who ran Escado to a head at the Gold Coast, will run in the Grafton Cup.
