Up-and-coming Casino Prince filly Baccarat Baby launches her autumn campaign for the Sydney classics in the Midori Plate (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Trainer David Vandyke has Group 1 plans for the lightly-raced 3yo who won five of her first six starts in Queensland last year.  That earned her a trip to Sydney in October when she was an eye-catching fifth, beaten less than a length, in the Flight Stakes Gr.1 at Randwick.

“She’s not at her top yet but she’s ready for 1200m after winning a barrier trial at the Sunshine Coast earlier this month,” Vandyke said.  “She’s nominated for all the Group 1 races but I’m not sure of her grand final yet.

“We know she can get a strong mile but I’d love to see her get 2000m.  She will get back at Eagle Farm which is her normal pattern of racing and I expect her to finish strongly.”

Baccarat Baby holds Group 1 entries for the Randwick Guineas and Rosehill Guineas in March and the Australian Oaks and Coolmore Legacy Stakes in April.

Casino Prince booked another spot in the $500,000 Country Championship Final at Randwick in April when Lucciola Belle won Heat 2 at Port Macquarie last Sunday.  His Dubbo-based gelding Westlink had won Heat 1 on February 10.

Fellow Vinery sire Pluck (USA) is also in contention for the Country Championship Final with Awesome Pluck.  He was caught wide when third to Lucciola Belle and trainer Jenny Graham will attempt to qualify him in Heat 8 at Muswellbrook on March 24.

In New Zealand, Mossman 3yo More Wonder is overdue for a change of fortune at Group 1 level in the Haunui Farm Classic (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday.  He has been the victim of wicked luck in running during his last two starts in the Levin Classic and Thorndon Mile.

“I think he’s a really good horse, so we will see how good of a judge I am,” trainer Graeme Rogerson said.  “He probably should have won a Group 1 by now.”

More Wonder has also been entered for the New Zealand Derby Gr.1 at Ellerslie on March 2.  “If everything goes to plan, we will head to Sydney,” Rogerson added.  “I’ve nominated him for the Australian Derby and I might even run him against Winx in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes!”

In other news across the ditch, More Than Ready 3yo Bella Pronto scored a last-to-first victory at Avondale on Wednesday.  She was forced very wide after being severely hampered at the half-mile but flew home to get up in the last stride.

Bella Pronto (3f More Than Ready – Rose Of Pania by Redoute’s Choice) failed in three starts around the NSW provincials for Bjorn Baker last year but looked a different filly altogether first-up for new trainer Stephen Marsh.  She cost $225,000 from Baramul Stud at the 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions and is from an unraced sister to multiple Group 1 winning mare Lotteria.

More Than Ready can build his stakes tally this Sunday with Fast And Ready in the Tasmanian Oaks LR.  The Victorian visitor is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens and is from a half-sister to T J Smith Stakes winner Phoenix Park.

The Vinery legend also has Lockroy ready to break through in the Pinjarra Classic LR on Sunday.  He put the writing on the wall first-up for Gangemi Racing when fourth in the Scenic Blast Stakes LR at Ascot three weeks ago.

BACCARAT BABY