Queensland Winter Carnival find Blueberry Hill is a possible contender for the Group 1 $1m Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on September 12.
Trainer Liam Birchley is considering a start in the G1 Golden Rose for Blueberry Hill, above. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Trainer Liam Birchley is considering a Spring Carnival campaign for Blueberry Hill after the filly capped off some good Winter Carnival form with a win in the Group 2 $175,000 Bollinger Champagne Classic (1200m) at Doomben on May 9.
The Myboycharlie filly then finished second to Look To The Stars in the Group 2 $250,000 Mitavite Australia BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on May 23 and ran a courageous race when sixth to Press Statement in the Group 1 $600,000 BMW Australia J.J. Atkins (1600m) at Doomben on June 6.
“I still haven’t decided exactly which way to go with her,” Birchley said.
“One option is the Golden Rose. It is at 1400 metres which should suit her as an early season three-year-old.”
The Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 10 is also an option for Blueberry Hill but Birchley will decide if he pushes onto Melbourne after her Sydney runs.
“But I am not convinced she is a 1600 metre horse at this stage of her career. I will see how she comes along first,” Birchley said.
Birchley is in the midst of a winning streak with a Doomben double last Saturday hot on the heels of a two winners at the Grafton Cup Carnival last week.
Birchley is a regular visitor to Grafton each year and came away with the spoils this year after Rock Royalty took out the feature sprint during the week, the Listed $150,000 Crowe Horwath Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton on July 8.
Birchely then saddled up Terio Tool on Grafton Cup day twenty-four hours later to win the $20,000 Mr Sales Class 1 Handicap (1400m).
Then at Doomben on Saturday the top Eagle Farm trainer saddled up Headwater Country to win the $65,000 Garrads Horse & Hound C,G, & E Class 6 Plate (1200m) and Cum Dividend to win the $65,000 Hamilton Hotel Handicap (1350m).
