All goes to plan for Scorpio Queen

PROMISING filly Scorpio Queen completed the first leg of long-range plan when she held on to win today’s Listed $125,000 H Harvey Prestige Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m).
Scorpio Queen ($7) completed a winning treble for jockey Jim Cassidy when she held off Toowoomba filly Secret Garden ($13) by a head. Anagold ($61) was three-quarters of a length away in third with New Zealand filly Miss Artistic ($6) doing her best work late to finish fourth.
Scorpio Queen started her career on the Gold Coast with trainer Trevor Bailey before being transferred to leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller.
Part-owner Steve Kirkham revealed that the Gold Coast Bracelet and the upcoming Doomben Roses in Brisbane had been mapped out for Scorpio Queen months ago.
“The plan was to run here at the Gold Coast at her third run in, but she’s had so many setbacks because of wet tracks that we were only able to give her one run first-up at 1400m leading into this,’’ said Kirkham.
“I told Jimmy (Cassidy) she hadn’t had the miles in her legs and to cuddle her as much as he could.
“Under the circumstances, she’s done a terrific job to win today.’’
Kirkham said her next target would be the Group Three $175,000 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 19.
Scorpio Queen, by Choisir, isn’t bred to be a Queensland Oaks contender, but Kirkham hasn’t completely ruled out tackling that Group One classic at Eagle Farm on June 2.
“The Roses is her main target now, but I guess we’ll see how that race pans out and then we can make a decision on the Oaks,’’ he said.
Kirkham bought Scorpio Queen for $100,000 at the 2010 Magic Millions sale and the filly has now won four of her seven starts.
Story: Neil Archer
Photo: Trackside Photography Pty Ltd