By Glenn Davis
Promising filly Susurri will launch her campaign for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks this winter when she makes her return in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.
Susurri hasn’t started since winning on a heavy track at Doomben a month ago which confirmed trainer Barry Lockwood’s plans to head towards the Brisbane winter carnival.
Lockwood plans to give Susurri her next start in two weeks before aiming for the Listed The Bracelet (1600m) at Doomben on April 28.
“All going well she’ll go into The Bracelet third up then if she shows she’ll get further she’ll head into The Roses and then the Queensland Oaks,” Lockwood said.
“If she can stay she’ll head towards the Oaks and if she can’t we’ll just reassess things and aim our sights a little lower.
“But her breeding suggests she’ll get a trip and I’m very confident she’ll at least run 1600 metres.
“It’s just a matter of taking her up in distance gradually.”
Lockwood has a big opinion of the daughter of Von Costa De Hero but feels she could be vulnerable in her return.
“It’s a fraction short for her on Saturday and she’s badly drawn,” Lockwood said.
“She’ll need a few things go her way if she’s to be in the finish.”
Lockwood’s greatest concern is the tempo of the race.
“She’ll get back that’s for sure and she’ll have no hope if they run the race like they did at Doomben last week,” he said.
“Everything that won last week was on the pace and the track definitely favoured the front runners.”
Susurri is one of several smart horses in the Lockwood stable.
He also has winter plans for talented three-year-old Cruze who hasn’t raced since placing at Doomben in January while Showus Ya Diamonds is back in work after an injury enforced break.
“Cruze is a very handy horse but needs to get a little stronger,” Lockwood said.
“I’m looking at the winter with him as well while Showus Ya Diamonds has only just returned to work after being hurt in the barrier at the Sunshine Coast in January.
“He hurt his leg in the barrier and pulled up lame straight after the race.”
Lockwood was aiming Showus Ya Diamonds for Inglis Three-Year-Old Sprint at Warwick Farm in February before the setback.
Racing Queensland webnews March 29