Doughty chases Sunshine Coast double

In-form trainer Kelly Doughty has some extra reasons to hope she can get a feature race double at the Sunshine Coast.

She will saddle Flamboyer, who will defend his crown in Saturday’s Listed Glasshouse Hcp (1400m) and Where’s That Dragon in the $100,000 Provincial Sprinters Final (1200m).

Flamboyer has been a war horse for Doughty and her husband Gary, winning nine races and $550,000 prize money.

The gelding showed he had come back as well as ever when fourth in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes two weeks ago after leading until the final 100m.

“He had to do a lot of work from a wide barrier and it was a good effort. A bit of rain wouldn’t hurt on Saturday but he has always raced well at the track and he won this race last year,” Doughty said.

“Flamboyer is having his 50th start on Saturday and it would be a great way to celebrate the milestone.”

The gelding’s chances have improved with another likely leader, The Monstar, scratched to race in Sydney.

Flamboyer was bred by Gary Doughty and part-owner Peter Breen.

“It is always good to train a winner and especially if you have bred it as well. It also an incentive to win the sprinters final with Where’s Thatdragon,” Kelly Doughty said.

“A wet track would not do her any harm and the Sunshine Coast should also suit her.”

Where’s Thatdragon, who won a heat of the series at Kilcoy two weeks ago, was also bred by the Doughtys.

She is by Hidden Dragon out of Natural Glamour making her a half sister to the Doughtys open company performer Arki.

The winner of five consecutive races last year, Arki has again been dogged by leg problems and has been sent to Victoria for treatment.

“He will have another scan shortly and hopefully his rehabilitation can continue,” Doughty said.