Beluga Blue in Queensland Oaks bid
Leon Macdonald knows Beluga Blue will cope physically with the 2400 metres of the Queensland Oaks but concedes she needs to be mentally on her game.
To that end, the Adelaide trainer will put the blinkers back on Beluga Blue who went wide at her first distance test when fourth in the South Australian Classic (2500m).
The filly was doing her best work at the business end of the Group Three race in which she finished 2-1/2 lengths behind the winner, Oaks rival Chabaud.
“We took the blinkers off for the South Australian Classic to try to make her settle,” Macdonald said.
“But she had to come wide off the track and that didn’t help.
“We are going to put the blinkers back on.
“At least I know she does run a mile-and-a-half.”
Stable rider Clare Lindop will stay at home with Macdonald securing Glen Colless for the Beluga Blue mount on Saturday.
“He is a strong rider and he should be able to handle her,” Macdonald said.
Colless is riding under a stay of proceedings pending his appeal against a suspension out of his Group One-winning ride on Malaguerra in the BTC Cup.
It will be the second trip away from home for Beluga Blue who finished second to another Oaks rival, Godolphin filly Ambience, in the Group Three Wakeful Stakes at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival.
In the belief she was too immature, Macdonald resisted the temptation to run her in the VRC Oaks won by Jameka with Ambience third.
Ambience’s best run this preparation was her half-length second to Sofia Rosa in the Australian Oaks at Randwick last month.
Beluga Blue is a $26 chance in the Oaks with Dawnie Perfect, Falkenberg and Imposing Lass occupying the first line of betting at $7.
Ambience at $9 along with Self Esteem and New Zealanders Provocative and Romantic Maid.