Tim Walker | Photo: PACEPIX
Shannon Suvaljko’s decision to drive Lion Queen over Remarkable Rock has given trainer Mike Reed plenty of confidence going into Harry Capararo Westbred Pace (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Reed said he was planning on finding another driver for Lion Queen for the $30,000 event after the Peter Anderson-trained Remarkable Rock drew barrier one.
“I thought Shannon might drive the one,” Reed told Racing WA Harness.
“He said to me that it’s a winnable race for Lion Queen and the main danger has drawn outside her.
“I think we will let her settle and then look to put her in the race.
“She worked really well this morning.”
Lion Queen was well beaten when sixth to stablemate Bettors Pride at Gloucester Park last week.
While Reed said he was originally concerned by the margin of the mare’s defeat last week, he was heartened by driver Chris Lewis’ report.
“Last start she ran home in 56 and was three and four wide,” he said.
“Chris said she went well and not to worry about where she finished.
“She ducked home pretty well.”
Lion Queen has built up a formidable record of seven wins and six placings from her 17 starts, including a placing in last year’s WA Oaks.
The Control The Moment mare has scored two wins from her six starts this campaign and only missed a top three placing in two other starts.
Reed said he hoped to target Lion Queen at a four-year-old race on ‘W’ night at Gloucester Park in September, alongside star stablemate Water Lou.
“I will probably give her a couple more starts before the good race that’s there for her in September,” he said.
“I don’t want to turn her out, so I will probably race her fortnightly or every three weeks before that.
“We will aim her and Water Lou at the race.”
Reed said Ruby Lou and Quinton could also feature prominently on the Gloucester Park card if their respective races were run to suit.