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.

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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."

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