Group One berth a mere formality

PROGRESSING to another Group One should be a mere formality for exceptionally-bred filly Steno.

Already a ‘black type’ thanks to her Australian Pacing Gold Final success in April, Steno is engaged in a New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge semi at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

Drawn to find the lead from barrier four, the Cameron Ross-trained three-year-old is a short priced favourite to make her way into next week’s $150,000 decider.

By Sweet Lou, Steno – which was third in the Group One Queensland Oaks two starts ago – is from former star mare Lady Waratah.

Retired with 20 wins and eight placings from 36 starts, Lady Waratah captured four Group Ones.

As a broodmare Lady Waratah boasts a perfect record from seven starters.

“I gave her a break after the Oaks which she really needed,” Ross said. “In the end I gave her two weeks longer than planned, but it did her the world of good.

“She was able to contest one of the latter heats, which she won, and has felt terrific since.

“She’s drawn four, but comes into three when the emergency is taken out, so the idea is to go forward from there.

“On paper she appears to be in the weakest of the two semis, but they have all earned their spot in the second round and can’t be taken lightly.”