Big Holt team set for QTIS Jewel qualifier

By Glenn Davis

It’s a debate that has raged for years in racing - a good colt normally beats a good filly.

But, that could be proven wrong in the QTIS Jewel qualifier at Townsville’s Cluden Park on Friday.

Trainer Georgie Holt will launch a four-pronged attack in the 1000 metre qualifier and is unsure if she’ll make the trip south for next month’s $500,000 QTIS Jewel Final at the Gold Coast if successful.

“It’s a long way for two-year-olds to make the trip to the Gold Coast from here,” Holt said.

“I took Time To Prophet down two years ago and Satisfied Mugs last year.

“Time To Prophet ran a super race to finish fourth.”

Holt’s four runners are unbeaten pair Better Blitzem and Gone Country while Scarlena and Tambo’s Sister make up her quartet.

“I think Better Blitzem and Gone Country are probably my best chances and I can’t split them,” Holt said.

“Tambo’s Sister also goes okay and has drawn well.

"She could bring them all undone if she gets to the front as she’s a natural leader.

“Better Blitzem has proved himself in the early two-year-old races and is quite a good horse.

“He’s probably faster than Gone Country but she’s smarter and she could easily outsmart him.

“Better Blitzem stargazed a bit in front last time while the filly is switched on.”

Better Blitzem has had a recent jump-out to prepare for his first start since winning for the second time over 1050 metres at Mackay in November.

Gone Country has won both starts on her home track and was too strong for her stablemate Scarlena over 1000 metres at Townsville on February 3.

“I’m not sure if any will be going to the Gold Coast for the QTIS Jewel Final and I won’t decide until after they race on Friday,” Holt said.

“Both Better Blitzem and Gone Country came out of the Capricornia Yearling Sale and will be aimed for that race unless they win on Friday.

“It’s a big ask for a two-year-old to run in both the QTIS Jewel and the Capricornia Yearling Sale race so we’ll decide after Friday where to go.”

Meanwhile, Bowen trainer Tom Button has decided to bypass the QTIS Jewel Final if he’s successful with his two-pronged attack from Dub Stepping or Mersey Lass.

Dub Stepping produced a strong first-up win at Mackay on February 13 at only his second race start.

Mersey Lass makes her stable debut after finishing fourth in a field of five for previous trainer Bill Kenning at Townsville in the middle of January.

“I’ve only just got Mersey Lass off Bill Kenning and she trialled well against older horses, but I think we’ll just race her here and miss the QTIS Jewel,” Button said.

“Dub Stepping won well last time at Mackay but he’s getting ready for the Capricornia Yearling Sale at Rocky in April.

“We’re trying to educate him to get 1200 metres so I’m taking the blinkers off him, so he’ll hopefully settle better.”