Trainer Kelly Schweida says Autumngirl is behind in her preparation for the 2025 Queensland Oaks

Trainer Kelly Schweida thinks he has a Queensland Oaks filly on his hands in the promising Autumngirl … but recent wet weather has put her ‘way behind the eight-ball’ as she prepares to return to the races on Saturday.

Kelly Schweida admits Autumngirl is “way behind the eight-ball” in her preparation as the Brisbane trainer targets the Queensland Oaks for his rising star filly.

Recent torrential rain in southeast Queensland has caused havoc for thoroughbred trainers in the region, including Schweida.

He was busy at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney last weekend and Monday when trying to line up a trial for his three-year-old Autumngirl.

In-form jockey Cejay Graham rode the filly between races during last Saturday’s meeting at Eagle Farm in an unusual move forced by the recent horrible weather.

Schweida was told that barrier trials would be held on Thursday but they ended up being run on Tuesday when Autumngirl surged late to finish third behind Trapeze Alert and Sanctuary Storm on a Soft 7 track at Doomben.

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“We didn’t know whether the trials would be on so we’re way behind the eight-ball with her,” Schweida said.

“She hadn’t trialled for about three to four weeks (due to the wet weather).

“I got caught between a rock and a hard place. I had to do a bit with her on Saturday, probably a little bit more than what I wanted to.

“I tried to get her into the jumpouts on Monday (at Eagle Farm) but she wasn’t eligible because she’s not a Listed or Group horse.

“Nothing was going right, it’s painful. A lot of other people are in the same boat but when the visitors come they’re fit and hard and they’ll roll over you.

“When you set them for a target, with these types of horses you can’t afford much error.”

That target is the $700,000 Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 7.

“She’s a half sister to Miss Joelene by (five-time Group 1 champion) The Autumn Sun so you’d think she’d run a trip but who knows?” Schweida said.

“That’s Plan A and then we’ll work our way back. But we’re behind the eight-ball and it comes around pretty fast.”

Trainer Kelly Schweida. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

Autumngirl hasn’t raced since placing sixth in a Class 1 at Doomben on January 22 underneath James Orman, who is now riding in Hong Kong.

But she returns to the same venue first-up this Saturday for the QTIS 3YO Quality Fillies Handicap over 1350m.

TAB has posted Autumngirl as a $6 chance, second in the market behind early favourite, the Matt Dunn-trained Moscow Circus ($4.80).

“She’s a lovely horse on the way up,” Graham said after riding the filly last Saturday at Eagle Farm.

“I haven’t had a lot to do with her but I assume she’s on a path where she’s going to get a lightweight.

“Hopefully that’ll hold me in good stead to obtain the ride on her.

“From what I’ve seen of her, I was very pleased with that gallop out there (on Saturday).

“She got through the going really well and was really sharp (over 1000m). She did have a good blow so hopefully that will top her off nicely into Saturday.

“I would say she’s one to watch.”

Originally published as Trainer Kelly Schweida says Autumngirl is behind in her preparation for the 2025 Queensland Oaks