Central Queensland owner Fred Noffke after more glory

By Glenn Davis

When a trainer loses a star galloper of the calibre of Sheza Alibi, the natural reaction would be one of regret and bitterness.

But, not for Rockhampton trainer Kris Hansen who is hoping to win the $150,000 Capricornia Yearling Sale Classic at Rockhampton on Saturday with Ready Marea.

Hansen put the early polish on Sheza Alibi, who is possibly the nation’s next superstar following her sensational win in the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap last Saturday.

Sheza Alibi is raced by Central Queensland grazier Fred Noffke who also owns Ready Marea.

Hansen admitted he was one of those cheering the three-year-old filly who produced a big finish to claim Sydney’s prestigious Randwick feature.

“I was cheering her home coming around the corner and I’ve always said she’s going to be the best sprinter in Australia,” Hansen said.

“And, I still believe she’s going to be even better as a four-year-old.

“I took her to Brisbane when she ran second to Autumn Boy then it was decided her future was in the south.

“I’ve got no problems with that and I’ve still got a couple of horses I train for Fred.”

Ready Marea hasn’t raced since finishing third in a field of four in a QTIS Jewel qualifying race at Rockhampton in February.

“She just had an off day then and I’ve forgotten she ever went around,” Hansen said.

“It was just one of those things as she’s still a baby and it was only her second run of her career.

“I’ve freshened her up since then and she’s back on track and should be very competitive.”

Hansen has booked apprentice McKenzie Apel for Ready Marea despite the feature being a non-claiming race.

“She can’t claim but I just think McKenzie will suit her,” Hansen said.

“It’s a strong field with Better Blitzem in the race and Liam Birchley’s Swift Dragon.”

A former apprentice jockey, Hansen has been training for only four years after cutting his teeth learning under his father, popular Rockhampton trainer Kevin Hansen.

Like many young apprentices, he lost a battle with weight and only lasted around nine months in the saddle.

Hansen completed an extensive “apprenticeship” in stables around the world, gaining knowledge before he went out to train on his own.

He spent more than a decade at the Gold Coast with Bryan Guy while also working for John Hawkes in Sydney.