THE stage is set for a thrilling night of chasing after the cream of Queensland’s sprinters and stayers stamped their tickets to the National Finals with commanding performances in the qualifying heats at Q2 Parklands.
The Queensland National Distance (710m) heats belonged to the favourites, with two of the country’s premier stayers proving exactly why they loom as the dogs to beat.
Soiree ($1.50) produced another polished display in the opening heat, making it three straight victories as she held off kennel mate and sister She’s Peakin in a memorable family quinella.
The talented Zack Monelli x Shishkin bitch continues to thrive over the Purga staying trip, boasting six wins and three placings from just 10 starts over the 710m journey. The latest success also lifted her career earnings beyond an incredible $366,000, with her record now standing at 15 wins and 12 placings from 38 starts.
If Soiree laid down the gauntlet, Beautiful Child emphatically picked it up.
The $1.90 favourite was never seriously threatened in the second heat, stretching her winning streak to six consecutive victories while remaining unbeaten in three appearances over the 710m at Q2 Parklands.
The My Redeemer x Rumbling Away bitch continues to build an imposing reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging stayers and heads into the final full of confidence.
The Queensland National Sprint (520m) produced a pair of quality contests, highlighted by an impressive market move and an equally impressive victory from Wildash Jane.
Backed from $10 into $3.50, the Linda Ashford-trained bitch justified the late support by powering past $2 favourite Winsome Jet to claim the opening heat.
The second sprint qualifier saw class prevail as Zipping Lee lived up to favouritism at $2.10, giving trainer Jedda Cutlack another feature race success.
The Sprint Championship Final 520m and Queensland Distance Championship Final 710m will both be run tonight with $24,000 in prize money on the line for both features.
