John Allen upbeat on Yonce in Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes

John Allen is sure Yonce will be up to the task when her unbeaten record goes on the line in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes.

Yonce cruising to victory at Flemington last start. Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Star jockey John Allen has no doubt unbeaten mare Yonce will rise to the challenge in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.

Allen, who has ridden Yonce in five of her six wins, is also confident the four-year-old daughter of Proisir will handle the extremely heavy conditions in Sydney despite limited race experience on wet ground.

Yonce throttled the smart and progressive Gentleman Roy by three lengths two starts back at Flemington, the mare’s only experience on a rain-affected track.

“Her breeder is pretty confident she’d handle the wet no worries (and) that win at Flemington, even though it was only a Soft 5, probably was her best performance,” Allen said.

“Saturday will be the first time she comes across ground with a bit of give in it, it’s a bit unknown, but I’d be probably more confident she’ll handle it, than not.”

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Yonce has gone from a pre-Christmas Mornington maiden to the Group 1 arena in four months, gliding through the grades.

Yonce opened a $7 TAB third elect for the $1m feature behind only Colette ($4), a multiple Group 1 winner, and talented swooper Icebath ($6).

“She hasn’t disappointed us yet, I think she can step up to the mark,” Allen said.

“Every time she’s stepped up in grade she’s handled it … she’s improved every day she’s gone to the races.”

Yonce has won her first six career starts. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Allen, who won the 2019 Queen Of The Turf on Kenedna, said the drop to 1600m after winning last start at Flemington at 2000m should actually “benefit” Yonce on Saturday.

Bar an upset in the Australian Oaks on Secret Glamour ($71), Allen’s only other ride at Randwick, Yonce, could deliver the Irishman an 18th Group 1 triumph and fifth-straight in Ozzie Kheir’s colours.

Allen won the Australian Derby last Saturday with the freakish Hitotsu.

While Kheir and friends boast Cox Plate and potentially Melbourne Cup plans for Hitotsu, the untapped Yonce could also be aimed at a spring major.

“I know the owners might have a long-term ambition of getting her to the Caulfield Cup or something like that, obviously she’s never been out to a trip like that yet,” Allen said.

“See how she measures up Saturday and go from there.”

Originally published as John Allen upbeat on Yonce in Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes