By Glenn Davis
Trainer Les Kelly will go to Ipswich races on Wednesday with high expectations with promising filly Take Tea but has no plans to rush her this preparation.
Take Tea has started four times for two wins and a third and is looking to improve on her record in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1200m).
Take Tea kicked off her current campaign with an impressive Class One victory over 1100 metres at the Gold Coast on September 21.
The filly was ridden by former Coffs Harbour jockey Jasen Watkins who has made a big impression since deciding to base himself on the Gold Coast.
However, Watkins has a minor injury and will miss the ride on Take Tea who will be partnered by Mark Du Plessis.
“Her first-up win was quite impressive and she’s still improving,” Kelly said.
“Even if she puts in another bold showing I’m in no rush with her.
“If she comes up again next campaign, she might be a Brisbane winter carnival filly next year.”
Take Tea was bought out of the paddock by one of Kelly’s clients Paul Levick and friend Terry Moran.
“Paul and Terry went to buy some land and managed to buy her and another filly Merlin’s Magic as well,” Kelly said.
“Merlin’s Magic and Take Tea are half-sisters. Merlin’s Magic has had only four starts and is yet to win but she also shows promise.”
Kelly hopes to test Take Tea against better class city opposition if the daughter of Testa Rossa maintains her unbeaten record this campaign.
Take Tea showed she had untapped ability last time in when she won a maiden on a heavy track at the Gold Coast in April before finishing third in the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial on her home track at only her second race start.
She then ran sixth to the Tony Gollan-trained Perudo in the Listed Bill Carter at Doomben in May before Kelly decided to spell her.
Kelly also will saddle up Ligreb in the fillies and mare’s division of the Ratings Band 0-70 Handicap (1100m) and Royal Phoenix in the male’s division.
Racing Queensland webnews October 10