Trainer Joe Pride is hoping Lekvarte can end her career with a Group One victory as she heads into Saturday’s Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, her final race for the stable.

The six-year-old mare, who will be auctioned as a breeding prospect at the upcoming Chairman’s Sale, has had a remarkable career, winning 10 of her 36 starts. Pride was particularly surprised when she won the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) last start on a heavy track, given her previous aversion to wet conditions.

“It was weird. I’m not sure what to put that down to, but she was good,” Pride said. “She is an older mare who felt like running really well, I think, and normally when she hits form she holds it.”

Pride acknowledges Lekvarte will need to elevate her game to compete against top horses like Fangirl, Stefi Magnetica, Atishu, and Amelia’s Jewel on Saturday.

“She has won three or four times over the Randwick mile, including some black-type races,” Pride said.

Stablemate Sounds Of Heaven will also race, and Pride is confident she can improve on her last start second in the Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill.

“She is a nice mare and she will run well.”