Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup will lead a two-pronged attack into Randwick on Saturday confident Queen Bellissimo will continue her consistent form in the Midway.
Having only missed the placings once in seven career starts (four wins), Widdup believes Queen Bellissimo can continue her fine form when contesting Saturday’s Midway Handicap.
After winning comprehensively when resuming in a BM 78 Fillies and Mares race on The Warra day and then boxing on gamely for a narrow second last time at Rosehill, the four-year-old will be looking to stamp her authority on Saturday’s BM 72 opposition.
Saluting in three of four attempts when aboard, Alysha Collett will once again partner the daughter of Swiss Ace.
“She’s in really good order and is drawn nicely,” Widdup said.
“She’s an adaptable mare that’s starting to develop really good form around her.
“Everything is going well with her and I’m expecting another strong performance.”
Yet to have a runner contest a Provincial Championships Final, Widdup is hopeful the mare can progress and head down that route in the autumn.
“1400m is a tricky distance and you’ve just got to have the right sort of horse.” Widdup said.
“I haven’t really got a lot suited to it (Provincial Championships), but Queen Bellissimo will run 1400m and could be one that heads that way.”
Following a disappointing campaign last time in, stablemate Switched has been readied for a return to the races. With two strong lead-up trials, the All Too Hard mare will feature in the last event on the 10-race card over 1000m.
“Her form last time probably looked disappointing, but when you go back through it, I think the furthest she was beaten by was seven lengths and a couple of those races she was only beaten two lengths,” Widdup said.
“She’s a good quality mare that’s won near $300, 000 in prizemoney.
“I could’ve run her Wednesday as well, but she would’ve carried some weight there. I think Saturday is a good starting point.
“From a good draw, she gets a race where there looks like there’s a lot of speed. 1000m might be a bit short but it’s probably a better option than carrying a high weight.”
Also the proud trainer of inaugural The Invitation winner – Icebath, Widdup is excited for what lies ahead for the Sacred Falls mare in the Autumn after a strong 2021.