Trainer Kelly Schweida has bright outlook on unbeaten filly Sunrays in Jewel Fillies Prelude
Kelly Schweida says he wouldn’t swap his undefeated filly Sunrays for “anything” in the Jewel Fillies Prelude at Doomben but he has one concern about the race.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Kelly Schweida says he wouldn’t swap his undefeated filly Sunrays for “anything” heading into Saturday’s Jewel Prelude for 2YO fillies at Doomben.
But the Brisbane trainer admits he’s concerned about Sunrays jumping from barrier 11 in the 12-horse field carrying a topweight of 59kg, with Cejay Graham on board.
Schweida’s classy filly has started her career with a bang, winning a maiden on January 22 and then a 2YO Handicap race this month, both at Doomben over 1100m.
• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
In the latter race, Sunrays defeated the Rob Heathcote-trained Pretty Dubious, who will line-up in the QTIS Jewel Prelude for 2YO colts and geldings earlier on the card on Saturday.
“She’s a lovely filly with a nice pedigree,” Schweida said of Sunrays, whose great grandmother Staging finished runner-up in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 in 1998 won by Chief De Beers.
“She’s got a lot to learn but she’s still winning and that’s probably what I like about her the best.
“I think she’s well above-average. She’s a big girl who looks like a three-year-old. I wouldn’t swap her for anything.”
Staging was raced by Queenslanders Peter and Wendy Moran and all of her foals were bred by the Morans.
Peter Moran told Racenet this month that a trip to the Sydney spring carnival could be on the cards for Sunrays, who races in the same colours as Staging.
• Caulfield Cup winner has canny pointer for punters
Schweida said he had watched the trials of debutant Carbonara and was wary of the Heathcote-trained filly, who was a $6 chance with bookmakers on Friday morning, behind favourite Boomshanka ($4) and Sunrays ($5).
The Jim Mason-trained All Glass ($13), the daughter of four-time Group 1 champion All Too Hard, also makes her debut in the same race at Doomben.
“I’m a bit disappointed in the barrier on Saturday and the big weight (59kg),” Schweida said.
• Talented colt on right track for Jewel target
“If you sit three or four-deep at Doomben you’ll have trouble from that start. Cejay will have to be aggressive out of the gates and try to slot in somewhere.
“There are so many unknowns and obviously the Heathcote horse (Carbonara) is going well, I’ve watched his trials.
“But Sunrays has done nothing wrong. She put the boys away pretty well the other day (in the 2YO Handicap at Doomben).”
Sunrays is not a QTIS horse and therefore not eligible for the lucrative Jewel Day on the Gold Coast on March 8.
“She’ll have a little freshen-up after this and get ready for the (Queensland) winter carnival,” Schweida said.
“With these fillies, it’s all about getting them to black-type races, that’s the go.”
Originally published as Trainer Kelly Schweida has bright outlook on unbeaten filly Sunrays in Jewel Fillies Prelude
Data shows filly has right profile for Blue Diamond success
Trainer Jason Warren is among a growing number of trainers to embrace sports science, and it’s why he is confident his filly Palm Angel can can win Saturday’s Blue Diamond.
Hong Kong sale on hold for Doomben favourite
Stalled negotiations to sell colt Penrod to Hong Kong could be a blessing in disguise ahead of his debut in the QTIS Jewel Prelude 2YO at Doomben on Saturday.