The John Sadler trained Heidilicious has been confirmed as a starter for Saturday’s Group One Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.
Heidilicious was second favourite in last Saturday’s Queensland Oaks, however she blew start of the race and was forced to settle last before unleashing in the home straight to finish fifth.
In her previous start, in the Doomben Roses, Heidilicious also missed the kick and was flying home when the race was all over.
Her manners at the gates in both of those starts left stewards with little choice but to make her barrier trial before she could start in a race again.
After pulling up in good condition after the Oaks run, Heidilicious was trialled this morning at Doomben. Wearing a barrier blanket, she relaxed and came out of gates without a hitch and completed the 820m gallop in a canter.
“She trialled and passed with flying colours.
“She had the barrier blanket on and jumped out no problems at all. Allan Russell rode her in the trial and she followed the field but he said she was keen and worked well,” said Malau racing manager Troy Corstens.
Corstens also said that the run in the Derby was as much about giving his filly valuable race experience before the spring carnival.
Heidilicious has only had six race starts, but the Zabeel filly did show some good from before coming to Queensland. She won twice in Victoria and was placed on two other occasions. The two less than impressive runs in her career can be put down to missing the start.
The decision to start Heidilicious in the Derby is bad news for stable mate The Chevron, who currently sits 23rd in the order of entry.
The Chevron is likely to be an emergency in the Derby and Corstens said that if he was unable to secure a run with The Chevron in the Derby, then the horse would be entered in the 2400m Brisbane Cup.
The Chevron is also lightly raced, but the stable has high hopes that both will develop into top class stayers at their next campaigns.
Heidilicious will be looking to continue the good run for the fillies in the Queensland Derby. Two of the last three Queensland Derby’s have been won by fillies, with Riva San saluting in 2008, while Dariana took out the Group One feature last year.
Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady currently sits atop the order of entry for the Group One Queensland Derby, however trainer Graham Rogerson is yet to commit the filly.
Heidilicious is currently an $11 chance in the Derby, while its stable mate The Chevron, who is not guaranteed a start is quoted at $8.50. Oaks winner Scarlett Lady is currently a $4.20 favourite for the race, despite the fact that she is not a confirmed starter.
