Princess to pay tribute to Drew at Caulfield

Brad Waters - Tuesday August 29

Princess Of Queens could provide an emotional post-script to a sad occurrence if she can notch a win at Caulfield on Saturday.

Advertisement
Admired sports broadcaster Drew Morphett passed away last weekend. Photo: ABC

Karen and Drew Morphett are listed in the ownership of the mare, who will compete in the open mares' handicap (1400m) at Caulfield a week after the sudden passing of the latter, who was an outstanding sports broadcaster with the ABC and Channel 7 during a 40-year career.

The Morphetts are well known in racing through their spelling centre Cloverdale at Pakenham South with the operation including the Mick Price stable among many clients.

"I knew Drew through Kaz Morphett, who I have dealt with for over 20 years," Price said.

Princess Of Queens is a lightly-raced four-year-old mare with 10 starts to her name but the daughter of Magnus has posted a pair of city wins in a record that includes a last-start Sandown victory.

The win was in Benchmark 70 company but both the mare's performance and the ride of apprentice Chris Caserta impressed Price enough to warrant a test in open mares' grade on Saturday.

"I thought it was a good win and the kid rode her really well so I'll keep Chris Caserta on," Price said.

"He'll claim three (kilograms) and she just needs to draw a gate and have a bit of luck."

Price also nominated Princess Of Queens for a race in Adelaide on Saturday but decided that assignment would not suit the half-sister to Group III winner Prince Of Brooklyn.

The Caulfield trainer has also entered the promising Heavenly Descent for the mares' handicap in which she is set to resume after winning the last three runs of her previous campaign.

"She had a little injury in behind in her joint and had three months off and is coming back for the mile races," Price said.

"She has strengthened and is in good order. She is working like she wants a mile.

"If she's good enough, she's by Snitzel so she has got a little pedigree, if she can get some black type, that's what we would be aiming for to increase her value."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
King’s Legacy Filly Salutes for Yulong
The first stakes-winner for her sire King’s Legacy when winning the Group III SAJC David Coles AM Stakes (1200m) last season, Steel Trap was subsequently purchased by Yulong privately and she posted her first win in their colours at Sandown on Wednesday.
Hellbent Winner Impresses at Sha Tin
Astute trainer Mark Newnham paid $425,000 at the 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale to secure a promising two year-old by Hellbent and Invincible Ibis delivered on that promise when scoring a last to first win at Sha Tin on Wednesday.
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
First Win for Storm Boy Half-Brother by Pierro
Progressive Pierro colt Shangri La Boy is a very different horse to his older half-brother Storm Boy and while that Group winning colt is covering his first book of mares at Coolmore this spring, this fellow is on his way with an impressive maiden win at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Talented So You Think Mare Goes Two for Two
So You Think is setting the pace for winners this season as we head into October and one of those promising winners is talented four year-old mare Enamorada, who made it two wins in as many starts when saluting at Sandown on Wednesday as favourite.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 1
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.