By Tim O'Connor
Queen Elida will be sent for a break and set for some of the big features at the back end of the year after another classy display at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.
Brent Lilley’s emerging megastar cruised to an 8.3m victory in the Group 2 IRT Australia Matriarch Trot and the Bolinda trainer told thetrots.com.au that the mare would now be given a short spell.
Driver Chris Alford was asked by TrotsVision host Rob Auber if the four-year-old was the most exciting trotter he’d ever driven, but the champion reinsman stopped short of declaring her that just yet.
“Ever is hard to say. I’ve driven some good ones over my time, but if she keeps going, she’s going to be good enough to win an Inter Dominion I think. Just driving her quiet with her electric speed,” Alford said.
“In 12 months, we might be saying that she’s the best one around.”
While Queen Elida won well to register her 14th victory at start 24, Alford felt she was below her best.
“She was a bit snaky tonight in the pre-race warm-up and even before the race,” Alford said.
“When she got sort of 6m in front, I could just feel her ease up and just wait.
“So she probably wasn’t 100 per cent tonight, but still got the job done really easily.”
Queen Elida’s four runs this preparation included a second placing to Mufasa Metro in the Group 3 Vulcan Trotters Free For All and wins in the Group 1 La Coocaracha, Group 3 Carlotta’s Pride Trotters Free For All and the Group 2 IRT Australia Matriarch Trot.
The daughter of Love You was named the 2021 Victorian 3YO Trotting Filly of the Year at Sunday’s awards night at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
