Steno, for trainer-driver Jocelyn Young Photo by Photography by Jodie Hallows
Exciting mare Steno will be out to press her claims to get an invitation to next month’s Queen Elizabeth II Mile (1609m) at Menangle when she lines up in tomorrow’s Swandoo Harness Racing Pace (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
The Jocelyn Young-trained mare enters tomorrow night’s event having won her past six starts, including last month’s Golden Girls Mile (1684m) at Pinjarra.
The daughter of Sweet Lou has established herself as one of the state’s best mares in that time and put herself in the frame for a potentially lucrative trip to Sydney.
Despite winning the Golden Girls Mile comfortably, Young said she left Pinjarra underwhelmed by Steno’s performance.
“I thought her run in the Golden Girls Mile at Pinjarra was just a bit below (her best),” Young told TABradio.
“She ran a quick last half but I wasn’t that happy with her.
“It was three weeks between runs and she just got away from us a bit.
“She pulled up well after her trial last week.
“She’s right where we want her.”
Steno’s performance tomorrow night is likely to be the final opportunity she has to secure an invitation to the Queen Elizabeth II Mile, with Club Menangle having the option of handing out up to two invites to the $200,000 event on May 4.
Young said it was unlikely Steno would get a slot in Friday week’s $1.25 million Nullarbor (2536m) and was also prepared to forego lining up in the Empress Stakes (2536m) to get to Sydney.
“If she goes well tomorrow, we hope to get our invite to Sydney,” she said.
“We will race this Friday and, all things going well, hopefully we get that invite to Sydney.
“We need to start preparing to run her over the mile.”
While Steno looks a clear standout in tomorrow’s $27,000 event, she will have to overcome the outside draw in the field of nine to maintain her winning streak.
Young said it was likely she would look to use Steno’s gate speed to find a prominent spot in running.
“That’s probably the first thought that comes to mind,” she said.
“At least there is a couple of horses between us and Cyclone Charlotte, because she is quick out.
“She can be sat up but that makes it harder.”
Steno is a commanding $1.36 favourite with TABtouch for tomorrow night’s event, ahead of Cyclone Charlotte ($3.50) and Acharne Girl ($9).
Tim Walker
https://www-harness-org-au.akamaized.net/wa/PAM18032410.mp4?_=2
