Queen No Cause For Concern in Strutt

Monday, 11 February 2008 00:00

Causeway Queen maintained her unbeaten record this preparation when she made it five straight wins in Monday's Strutt Stakes at Hobart after a brilliant ride by Danny Brereton.

Caulfield trainer Tony Vasil described Brereton's effort to get the filly across from a wide position to sit second in running in the 2100m Listed event as perfect.

"Danny gave her a perfect ride. He's a modern day Kevin Mitchell," Vasil said of Brereton comparing him to the former Melbourne jockey.

Causeway Queen, raced by syndicator Harry Lawton and eight partners, will now press on to the Listed $150,000 Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) at Launceston on February 24 but first she will be flown home in the early hours of Tuesday.

"If she pulls up well I'd be tempted. Winning five in a row is no mean feat," Vasil said.

"She's such a relaxed filly, but she has never been in a race with such a slow tempo.

"She just dropped her head and raced like a professional.

"That is a good sign."

Causeway Queen ($1.80 fav) scored by a half-length from Hidden Wonder ($15) with Little with Little Allie ($6.60) three quarters of a length away third.

Vasil, who has now won the Listed race three times, has had plenty of success over the years in Tasmania winning two Launceston Cups, with Diamond Bases (1993) and Full Of Rhythm (2001), a Thousand Guineas and an Oaks.

He also had a second in a Hobart Cup with Under The Bridge (2005).

Vasil said he would return with another Lawton syndication, two-year-old Apprehend, who will run in the Listed $150,000 Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) at Launceston on Sunday.

The Hold That Tiger colt ran third to Hips Don't Lie in the Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington last Saturday week.

Causeway Queen, who has won six of her 10 starts, boosted her broodmare value with Monday's win which was her first try in a black type race.

PICS - Quentin Lang.