Goulburn horseman Brad Hewitt is just another eyeing off the warm Queensland winter carnival.
The outstanding horseman is keen to head north and take part in the much revised Albion Park features which officially kicks off next week.
The metropolitan club will conduct three quality meetings on July 11, 18 and 25 with a raft of features spread across the three nights.
And following the news from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday who outlined the reopening of the state border on July 10, Hewitt is now planning and confirming his team.
It’s likely it will be a team of 8 to 10.
“I’m keen to get up there but I’ve been waiting on news regarding the border and when it will reopen, now that we’ve got a date, it will be all systems go and I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Hewitt said.
A likely contender for the Queensland campaign is stable newcomer Nostra Villa, a former Australian Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year when prepared by Emma Stewart in Victoria.
Recently purchased by Phil and Denise Thurston, the Art Major five-year-old was placed in the care of Hewitt and makes her debut for the stable this weekend at TABCORP Park, Menangle in the Success Stud Spelling Farm Pace.
A winner of 18 of her 37 starts to date and earning in excess of $444,000, the quality performer looked sharp in a recent trial at Goulburn last weekend.
Nostra Villa defeated talented type Game Set Major in a time of 1:54.2 for the 1710m event.
The Listed $25,660 Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes on July 18 is an obvious for the mare.
“We’ll know more after the weekend but I was happy with her trial but under race conditions is a bigger test, she’s a great addition to the stable and if she performs at the required level then we’ll look at the Fleur De Lil.
“I’m going to take Spare Me Days up, he always goes well in Queensland and there are some nice options for him while The Texas Ranger will also head up.
“I’ll confirm the rest of my team across the weekend. I’m booked in with Wayne Graham again so everything is in readiness.”
Hewitt has enjoyed considerable success in Queensland in recent times.
Chris Barsby