Trainer Desleigh Forster believes a two-year-old race at Eagle Farm will determine whether several horses deserve a tilt at The Jewel.
The $500,000 race at the Gold Coast on March 14, has rapidly become the unofficial championship for QTIS bonus horses.
Nine of the 11 acceptors for Saturday’s TAB Two-Year-Old Handicap (1200m) are eligible for The Jewel including the Forster-trained Boom Spender and Soul Dancer.
“It looks to be a good race on Saturday and with The Jewel a bit over a month away it should be a good guide for some trainers to that race,” Forster said.
“For example it will probably determine whether my pair press on to the Gold Coast.”
Forster rates Boom Spender highly.
“I think he is an above average horse and on what he has shown me capable of winning a nice race,” she said.
“I don’t think he is fully switched on just yet and race experience will help.”
Boom Spender led all the way to win his only start at a recent Doomben midweek meeting.
“It was a well above average midweek-two-year old race. He jumped so well he had to lead but I think he is capable of taking a sit,” Forster said.
With rain falling during the week and more forecast, Forster has been busy re-assessing her weekend runners.
“On their trackwork I wouldn’t expect Soul Dancer to beat Boom Spender. But her only start was good and she will probably miss the Sunshine Coast to run at Eagle Farm,” she said.
“Twilighter and Zamzara will also stay at Eagle Farm while Desert Digby will miss Eagle Farm and head to the Sunshine Coast.”