Yulong Baby undoubtedly faces her biggest test to date in Saturday’s featured Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Doomben but trainer Mick Price is pleased with the condition of the three-year-old and is hopeful she will run a big race.
Craig Newitt will partner Yulong Baby in Saturday’s Queensland Oaks. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
The talented daughter of Commands returned to racing this time for a credible fourth in the Ben Davey Plumbing BM70 (1400m); progressing to second in the Neville Wilson Final BM70 (1700m) before making a competitive transition to black type racing when fourth in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) last weekend.
Having reportedly worked well this week, Price told Racing Ahead he is pleased with the condition of Yulong Baby and is confident her run in The Roses points towards a
“I think anything that got back in that race (The Roses) the other day was at a little bit of a disadvantage compared to Bohemian Lily rolling along in front,” Price said.
“She’s pulled up good – she’s a clean-winded little filly.
“She had a bit of a gallop on Wednesday morning and it split the week up for her.”
Price is confident the addition of blinkers for her run in the 2015 Queensland Oaks could make a difference in a competitive finish.
“We’ll put the blinkers on and C Newitt goes on, back from Singapore,” he said.
“Realistically on her ability, if she could run a place it would be very good.
“She’ll get a little rub out of the gates and see if we can hold some sort of position and see if we can run a place.”
Posting a total of two wins and three minors over eight career starts so far, Yulong Baby stamped her claims as one to watch over a five start campaign over summer, highlighted by victories in the XXXX Summer Bright Maiden Plate (1600m) and Download App BM64 (2100m) on December 31st.
Ladbrokes Australia is currently offering Yulong Baby at 2015 Queensland Oaks odds of $41 for success, having drawn the wide barrier 19.
