Queensland Oaks and Derby dealt a blow as Roger James aborts Brisbane carnival

New Zealander trainer Roger James has had a change of heart and will not to make the trip across the Tasman for the Brisbane winter carnival.

Kiwi trainer Roger James has pulled out of the Brisbane winter carnival.

ONE of the main fancies for the Queensland Oaks and two strong contenders for the Queensland Derby are out of the winter carnival after New Zealand trainer Roger James decided not to make the trip across the Tasman this winter.

James pulled Oaks contender Lady Cumquat and Derby hopefuls Delago’s Secret and Full Count off Thursday’s chartered flight from New Zealand to Queensland late yesterday.

James told The Bulletin it was nothing against Queensland racing and that he simply feared the three-year-olds would not cope with much more racing.

Lady Cumquat won a Group 3 race in New Zealand in March before finishing an eye-catching third in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at her only start during the Sydney autumn carnival on April 12.

She returned to New Zealand soon after but was set to make her Queensland debut in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) this Saturday.

James was not happy with how Lady Cumquat worked yesterday morning and said she will be spelled before targeting the Australian spring.

Delago’s Secret and Full Count finished one-two in a 2000m race at Te Rapa on Saturday but James said they didn’t have the constitution to push on to the Queensland Derby.

“I looked at Delago’s Secret and Full Count and thought have I really got enough to work with?” James said.

“I’ve won a few Derbies and I know you don’t win them unless you’ve got them in the right order.

“They are big rangy, frail three-year-olds and I just didn’t think I would end up there on Derby day with them at their peak.

“All three of them will head to the paddock.”