Sunspeed breeder Trevor Delroy is hoping his luck in Group 1 company this season takes a turn in the right direction on Saturday.

Delroy’s promising filly Gondokoro (NZ) is second favourite for the G1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The Wyadup Valley Farm owner struck out during the autumn carnival when Ethiopia (Helenus) bogged down the G1 Doncaster Hcp at Randwick while Angola (Helenus) missed intended assignments in the G1 BMW and G1 Sydney Cup.

Gondokoro (3f Zabeel – Kisumu by Carnegie) is spot-on for the $400,000 classic according to trainer Pat Carey.  “She has made good progress since her excellent run in the Doomben Roses,” Carey said.  “I was really happy with her work here on Tuesday morning, she has held her form well and goes into the race 100%.”

Carey believes the step up to 2400 metres on the roomier Eagle Farm track gives the filly her best opportunity to turn the tables in the Queensland Oaks.  “No horse was finishing the race off better than she did at Doomben and she’s done a treat since,” he said.  “I’m just hoping the track isn’t too wet for Saturday to give every horse their best chance.”

Gondokoro ran a brave second to Dear Demi (Dehere) in the G3 Doomben Roses two weeks ago and has certainly been favoured with an inside alley.  “From the draw my only worry is she might get held up at a crucial stage,” he said.  “But, realistically, she should get every chance under Rhys McLeod.”

Gondokoro is a sister to G1 South Australian Derby winner Zabeelionaire.  Their dam Kisumu commenced her career in Perth before travelling east where she was G2 placed behind champion filly Miss Finland in the Angus Armanasco Stakes at Caulfield.

Delroy has kept Kisumu in New Zealand where she has been covered exclusively by Zabeel.  She has an unnamed 2yo filly, a yearling colt and a filly foal by the Cambridge Stud champion and she was bred back to him again last year.