Queen to clash with Caviar

Karuta Queen bounced back to her brilliant best and booked a trip to Melbourne with a brilliant front-running victory in the LR Heritage Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Queanbeyan based trainer Neville Layt said his flashy filly could face the world’s best sprinter when the spring spotlight shifts south next month.  “I’m getting a bit cheeky but we might go down and take on Black Caviar,” Layt said.  “She had an easy run in transit and when Tommy (Berry) let her down, she was as good as ever.”

Karuta Queen (3f Not A Single Doubt – Card Queen by Final Card) began her career with an unbeaten winning streak culminating in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January.

Sydney businessman Glenn Williams purchased her for $30,000 from Turangga Farm at the 2010 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale.  She is by Arrowfield Stud sire Not A Single Doubt from G3 VATC Blue Diamond Prelude winner Card Queen.

Berry said he couldn’t wait to partner the filly in Melbourne and said he wouldn’t mind running second to Black Caviar.  

“She produced that same explosive turn of foot that she showed in the Magic Millions Classic.  It doesn’t matter what’s behind her – unless it’s Black Caviar – they have to be able to run the time to catch her.”

Karuta Queen’s dam Card Queen is now based at Durham Lodge in WA after changing hands for $55,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.  She has a Blackfriars filly catalogued for the 2012 Perth Magic Millions yearling sale.