By Glenn Davis
Kiwi trainer Tony Pike will consider a late nomination for the Group 1 Queensland Derby if talented filly Simply Sacred is successful at Ipswich on Wednesday.
Simply Sacred, a Leith Innes mount, faces a big step up in class in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (2210m) after breaking through for her maiden win over 1685 metres at Ipswich on May 12.
The $600,000 Queensland Derby (2400m) will be run at Eagle Farm on June 8.
Pike already has another promising filly Our Intrigue, who is one of the fancied runners for Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Doomben, also nominated for the Queensland Derby.
“Simply Sacred was very dominant when she won her maiden at Ipswich last start but we’ve always had a big opinion of her,” Pike said.
“This is a big step up in class from a maiden to an open three-year-old but I think she is good enough to take the step.
“The extra distance will suit her.
“She was late on the scene and missed the Queensland Oaks but if she wins well enough, I might throw in a late nomination for the Derby.”
Pike is a regular visitor to Brisbane each winter and is having a fabulous run this time with his small team.
The Cambridge trainer has had four winners from 12 starters this trip including Group 1 wins from The Bostonian in the Doomben 10,000 and Kingsford-Smith Cup.
His other winners were Our Intrigue at the Sunshine Coast on May 15 and Simply Sacred at Ipswich.
Pike has two other runners engaged at Ipswich with Come In Spinner in the Maiden Plate (1200m) and Terra Sancta in the Class Six Handicap (1710m).
Come In Spinner failed to handle the heavy track when the gelding led and weakened to finish ninth to Diplomatic Miss in a 1200-metre Maiden at the Sunshine Coast on May 19.
Terra Sancta finished ninth in the Listed Member’s Handicap (1600m) at Doomben on May 11.
“Come In Spinner was first-up after an 18-month break and I expect a big improvement from him in this,” Pike said.
“I was also happy with Terra Sancta’s last run. It was too short but he hit the line well.
“I think he’s a really good chance this time.”
Racing Queensland webnews May 28