Gary Portelli admits Queen Of Clubs may lack the sharpness to compete with top fillies in sprint distances, yet he anticipates she will shine when stretched out over longer staying distances.

This three-year-old filly is targeting the Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) in April, with Saturday’s Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick serving as her initial step along that preparation.

“We’re on an Oaks campaign,” Portelli said.

“Winning a stakes race is what we’re hoping to do, and I don’t think that’s going to come until she gets to 2000 metres.

“I don’t think she is sharp enough to win against these really good fillies like Apocalyptic, who is a really sharp horse. She will be hard to beat right up until the mile, but from there on, the gate opens up a bit more.”

Sired by the esteemed stayer Maurice, Queen Of Clubs held her own in a couple of Princess Series events last spring prior to experiencing heart arrhythmia that left her unplaced in the Flight Stakes (1600m).

Both her debut victory and her only black-type placing came on soft ground, and Portelli notes that any rainfall during the autumn carnival would benefit his filly.

“If we happen to get rain when we get to our grand final period, it would certainly help,” he said.

“She loves it wet and the autumn is often a wet time.”

Portelli is also preparing Verona Rose for a return in the Triscay Stakes (1200m), although he would have favoured a start over a touch longer; nevertheless, he is pleased with her physical development since claiming the Inglis Bracelet (1600m) at Flemington back in November.

Admitting she requires “three or four lengths” improvement to challenge the top mares, Portelli is encouraged by her current trackwork.

“It’s a different horse you’re going to see this weekend. She’s more powerful. She’s got more condition on her. She knows what she is here for now, and she never runs a bad race,” Portelli said.

“Whether she’s up to the real Group One horses, we will find out this campaign.

“She’s heading towards a Coolmore (Classic) if she can really get some form under her belt, and we’ll just try to earn as much prizemoney as we can in the process.”

Verona Rose has secured victories in two of her three first-up appearances, though this Saturday marks her initial outing below 1300 metres. Bettors can explore the best Australian betting sites for options on the Light Fingers Stakes.

The post Portelli playing the long game with Queen Of Clubs first appeared on Just Horse Racing.