Star Queenslander primed for semi

STAR Queensland filly Stripes will continue her quest for a second rich futurity victory this weekend.

Trained by prominent horsewoman Chantal Turpin, Stripes was triumphant in the Qbred Triad Final at Albion Park on August 22.

The three-year-old’s Group One success completed a clean sweep of the series, having also won a heat a week earlier.

Given a short break after the $153,000 decider, Stripes was then first-up at Club Menangle where she proved too good in a New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge qualifier September 29.

Driven by Turpin’s husband Pete McMullen, Stripes covered the mile in 1:50.4, with her time only six-tenths of a second outside the Anntonia’s Australasian record.

Kept fresh since her win, Stripes is set to return to Club Menangle for Saturday night’s semi-finals, with local reinsman Cameron Hart booked to drive the daughter of Inter Dominion champion Tiger Tara from barrier four.

“She can be a bit funny out of the gate, so we won’t push too hard, but she will hold her spot early,” Turpin said. “Cam knows what he is doing, so we’ll leave it up to him on the night.

“Jason (Grimson) has been looking after her for us and he is very happy with the way she has trained on since her last run.”

TAB Fixed Odds have Stripes listed as a $2 favourite, with Eye Wish is considered the main danger at $2.90.

Winner of her last two starts, including a series heat, Eye Wish will begin from barrier five.

Prepared by astute trainer Russell Jack, Eye Wish hails from a family littered with high class performers, including Breeders’ Challenge winners Eye See Diamonds, Rockin Marty and Hardhitter.

“Eye Wish is in terrific form and is the main danger, but they have all earned their spot in the field and have to be respected,” Turpin said.