Star Queensland mare Shez No Fake is back in work.
The Bill Crosby owned and trained, Gary Whitaker driven mare returned to stable life late last week in preparation for the Triple Crown of the QBRED Triad features coming up next year.
The new Racing Queensland board headed up by Chairman Kevin Dixon have re-introduced the QBRED 4yo divisions after they were dropped by the previous board this year along with the Breeders Classic series at the Gold Coast.
And that was music to the ears of Crosby and Whitaker.
“That is definitely our main aim with her this season. Everything will be worked in and around that feature, winning the Triple Crown would be a huge achievement.” Whitaker said.
Shez No Fake recorded brilliant victories in the 2yo and 3yo Finals and the clean sweep is within obvious reach.
The Gr.2 $50,000 QBRED Triad Final will be staged at Albion Park on May 4, 2013.
Shez No Fake has not raced since crushing her rivals in the $20,000 Redcliffe Oaks on August 3 and the Art Major mare has flourished during her time away from the track.
“She’s a great doing mare, always has been and the weight growth is quite noticeable. I wouldn’t say she has grown any taller, maybe a little but she has filled out well.
The shoes have gone back on and she’s back jogging and the build-up has begun so we’re probably looking at a New Year return all going to plan.
The QBRED feature is the main aim but we’re certainly going to be looking at plenty of other nice races along the way, maybe even a trip to Sydney if I can convince Bill.”
Shez No Fake went to the paddock in brilliant form winning her past three starts after a minor hiccup mid-way through the season that resulted in a rushed preparation for the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks won by New Zealand filly O Baby.
“She ended up with a little virus after she raced at the Gold Coast in May and then we tackled the Queensland Oaks first-up and fresh.
Her effort in that race was very good considering but Bill had her back to her best for the remainder of her 3yo campaign culminating in the Redcliffe Oaks victory.
Her talent is exceptional, clearly one of the most gifted horses I’ve ever driven and I believe we haven’t reached her full potential yet so it augers well for the future.”
Shez No Fake has won 10 from 13 to date while amassing more than $147,000 in prize money.
