Trainer Tony Noonan thought he was onto a good thing when he nominated Varenna Miss for both the Dane Ripper Stakes and the QTC Cup.

However the master plan has gone slightly awry, with the talented mare drawing poor gates for both events on Saturday.

Varenna Miss drew gate 22 of 23 for the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m), while she fared no better in the QTC Cup (1300m), drawing gate 18 of 21.

It is a cruel blow for Varenna Miss who was an impressive winner in her last start at Doomben on May 21.

Varenna Miss is the third of five emergencies in the Group Two Dane Ripper Stakes, meaning she is more likely to get a start in the QTC Cup.

“I doubt if you would get three come out of Group Two fillies and mares race worth $200,000, so I’m planning as though she will be running in the QTC Cup.

“The barrier is not the end of the world for her because she isn’t suited to being on the fence, but she will need some luck.” Noonan said.

Dwayne Dunn has been booked to ride Varenna Miss in the QTC Cup, while Jim Byrne will be aboard the mare if she gains a start in the Dane Ripper Stakes.

A win in the QTC Cup would mean Varenna Miss is assured of a start in the Stradbroke Handicap, although Noonan is unsure whether he would start his filly in the Group One handicap.

“I’m not clear in my mind yet if she is a filly who could cope with a quick back up in such a tough race. We’ll get over Saturday first,” said Noonan.

Despite the fact she is unlikely to gain a start in the race, Varenna Miss is currently a $7.50 third favourite for the Dane Ripper Stakes. She is also rated a $7.50 chance in the QTC Cup, while her odds for the Stradbroke remain steady at $31.00.