Progressive: Qld filly Eleniark is bypassing this weekend's Gr.3 Raith Memorial in Sydney Photo by Dan Costello
Plans for promising Brisbane filly Eleniark have been shelved.
Connections have been toying with the idea of sending their three-year-old south to Sydney for a shot at the Gr.3 $30,000 JL Raith Memorial this Saturday night.
Eleniark is unbeaten in all three starts to date this season and looms as one of the best fillies in her home state but connections are going to wait and bypass the upcoming Sydney feature.
“We gave her a trial on Friday afternoon and she performed well although she didn’t win and we discussed our options across the weekend and decided her work today (Monday) would determine whether the trip went ahead or not.” Trainer/driver Grant Dixon said.
Eleniark was beaten a by a neck margin behind Sams A Champ in Friday’s trial in a time of 2:00.3 while the last half was covered in a slick 56.3 seconds.
But a trip to Sydney next month for the Gr.1 Form 700 $200,000 NSW Oaks on February 25 remains a distinct possibility.
The Somebeachsomewhere – Ark Monroe filly will be set for local targets later this season which includes the QBRED Triad plus the winter carnival features during July.
Eleniark is not eligible for the Australasian Breeders Crown in Melbourne at the end of the season.
“This timing is just not right to make this trip now so we’ve decided to stay home and hopefully we will make the trip next month for the Oaks.
“Her trial was ok and her work today was also sound but probably not as sharp in comparison to the previous weeks. It’s a long season for a three-year-old and unfortunately, you can’t race in everything.”
Eleniark has won 5 of her 10 starts to date which includes a victory in 1:54.9.
