Queensland trotting filly Illdoitwhenimready has headed south. The Chantal Turpin trained three-year-old left for Sydney yesterday (Tuesday) in preparation for a raft of harness racing features over the coming weeks culminating in the Gr.1 $40,000 NSW Trotters Oaks at TABCORP Park, Menangle on May 21.
Her campaign starts next week where she will contest the $10,000 Trotters Flying Mile at Menangle.
And she heads south in-form following her excellent first-up victory at Albion Park on March 29 defeating older rivals in a time of 2:02.8 for 2138m.
“The victory proved she deserved her chance with this campaign in Sydney so we decided to give it a shot, she’ll be based with Pete’s sister Narissa who trains on the track. Obviously, it’s going to be much harder but she’s only a three-year-old once and I think the benefits of this trip away will help her long term.” Turpin said.
The Great Success – Countess Jolie filly has always shown natural ability and has built up an impressive record of two wins and two minor placings from just five career starts to date.
With limited options in her home state, connections were faced with two options and decided to press on with the current campaign.
“It was either send her back to the paddock or continue and give Sydney a go and we thought the racing campaign would be more beneficial. She won’t be overly raced during this stint in Sydney but we thought the time away would switch her on more mentally.
“There’s not much of this filly as she’s lightly framed but she continues to develop and strengthen with each campaign. I know Pete (McMullen – driver) was really impressed with her effort last week and the time was her best to date as well.
“The opposition will be very strong not only locally but I’m sure the Victorians and maybe even some Kiwi trotters might head to Sydney for some of these features coming up but the opportunity was there and we’re giving it a shot. I think racing and even training on the bigger track will be a great thing for her also.”
Illdoitwhenimready was bred by Turpin and McMullen but is raced by Turpin’s brother Jake, a contracted NRL player with the Melbourne Storm.
Jake is currently ruled out owing to a broken thumb sustained in an under-20’s game against the Cronulla Sharks two weeks ago.
by Chris Barsby