Justalittle Torque Photo by Dan Costello
Classy Brisbane mare Justalittle Torque is looking to join her famous mum as a feature race heroine.
The Wayne Graham trained mare is the first foal from former 2012 Gr.1 Ladyship Mile winner Torque In Motion, an outstanding mare that raced with great distinction during a shortened career owing to injuries and constant niggles.
Unraced as a two-year-old, Torque In Motion managed to run second in the Australian Oaks, Queensland Oaks, Gold Coast Oaks, Redcliffe Oaks, QBRED Triad and Breeders Classic before returning the following season to claim both the QBRED Triad and Breeders Classic.
As an older mare, Torque In Motion would claim the Gr.3 Robin Dundee on her way to winning the Ladyship Mile in a time of 1:53.2 defeating Our Sixpence and Bettor Cover Lover.
The following season, Our Sixpence would reverse the result on Torque In Motion in the Ladyship Mile.
Her final start came in the 2013 Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park when unplaced behind Suave Stuey Lombo in a time of 1:51.8 before being retired to stud.
Torque In Motion won 19 of her 38 starts while banking over $380,000 in stakes for trainer Vicki Rasmussen and regular reinsman Shane Graham.
In the breeding barn, Torque In Motion has had four foals to race for three winners including Justalittle Torque, Torque Is My Girl and Torque Onetwothree.
Her current two-year-old is Lets Torque A Deal, a filly by Roll With Joe who showed nice ability in her debut earlier this week.
All of her progeny to date have been fillies.
And all are raced by breeder Ian Corazzol.
The best of the progeny from Torque In Motion is Justalittle Torque, a daughter of Mr Feelgood who has won 13 races to date while earning in excess of $100,000.
But a feature race victory has eluded her to date.
With the 2020 Albion Park winter carnival officially kicking off tomorrow night, Justalittle Torque has an excellent opportunity to claim some black type.
Justalittle Torque starts in the $21,160 Queen of Hearts Pace, a feature event for the older mares over the sprint trip of 1660m.
Last week, Justalittle Torque resumed with a stylish second behind reigning Queensland Horse of the Year Colt Thirty One in the Open pace.
“It was a great run, yes we got an easy trip and sat on the back of Colt Thirty One but she made ground on him in straight in what was a very fast final split. We couldn’t have asked for any more from her.” Driver Shane Graham said.
Dropping back against her own sex would seem a much easier target but its anything but, the Queen of Hearts field is loaded with talented mares including the likes Smooth Showgirl, Fame Assured and the Craig Cross duo of Delightful Tara and Love My Sister amongst others.
And Justalittle Torque is drawn a little awkwardly in gate four.
“The draw is sticky, we’ve got pace to our inside and pace to our outside so we’ll need some luck going our way. I’d say Smooth Showgirl and Fame Assured look the hardest to beat from their ideal draws.
“I’m expecting improvement from last week’s effort but she’ll need to be sharp, these mares are capable of going fast time so we need to get a good trip.
“It would be great to pick up one of these mares features during the carnival, she deserves it and it would be very satisfying both Dad and Ian.”
Next week, Justalittle Torque will contest the Listed $25,660 Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes.
