Brilliant Mind on Queensland Derby trail

Trainer Gary Mooreis looking forward to Brilliant Mind starting his winter campaign at Eagle Farm.

The well-bred Brilliant Mind will be given a chance to emulate his Group One winning sister Youngstar and lead trainer Gary Moore’s assault on the winter three-year-old Classics.

Brilliant Mind is set to tackle the Group Three Gunsynd Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday on the first step towards the Group One Queensland Derby on June 8.

The gelding is by Cox Plate winner So You Think out of Danehill mare Starspangled making him a three-quarter brother to the 2018 Queensland Oaks winner Youngstar.

Moore went to the Magic Millions Sales in Adelaide to buy Brilliant Mind who has a win and three seconds from six starts.

Brilliant Mind has already had one trip to Queensland when unplaced in the Magic Millions Maiden In January.

Moore believes Brilliant Mind is now a more mature horse and he is looking forward to getting him to the big Eagle Farm track on Saturday.

“He has taken a while to get there but he is starting to show us what he can do,” Moore said.

“Brilliant Mind might have trouble beating a horse like Gem Song at set weights over 1600 metres at this stage.

“But he is well and I am looking forward to Saturday.”

The Kris Lees-trained Gem Song is the odds-on favourite for Saturday’s race.

Brilliant Mind will follow the traditional path to the Queensland Derby by running in the Rough Habit Plate and Grand Prix Stakes after Saturday.

Moore also has high hopes for filly Happy Every Day in the Queensland Oaks on June 1.

“She led them in the Australian Oaks at Randwick and didn’t get beaten all that far,” Moore said.

“The Queensland Oaks at 2200 metres around Doomben will suit her better.”

Happy Every Day will run in the Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) on Saturday week.