Kelly Doughty hopes for big week

Trainer Kelly Doughtyhas produced a potential star this week and hopes stable favourite Flamboyer can complete a good few days by winning the Listed Keith Noud Quality.

The Doughty-trained three-year-old filly Benfica Princess was an impressive Sunshine Coast winner on Wednesday after coming from last with a storming run.

Doughty believes Benfica Princess will develop into a top line 2000m-2400m horse.

But the trainer’s mind has now turned to Saturday’s Eagle Farm meeting where she has one major concern for Flamboyer’s comeback in the Keith Noud.

Flamboyer was one of the success stories of the winter carnival, having six starts for two wins a second, two thirds and a fourth.

One of his wins was in the Listed Glasshouse Mountains Handicap which was Flamboyer’s first attempt at stakes company.

“He has won eight races and going on $500,000. But just as importantly he always tries. I know he is regarded by some as a wet tracker but he has won five races on good surfaces,” Doughty said.

She said Flamboyer had trialled well when third at the Gold Coast on Tuesday and was ready to run a big race in the Keith Noud.

“But what has me worried is there is so much pace in the race. He can sit outside the leaders and go well but sometimes if he gets caught in behind he can over-race,” she said.

Flamboyer is set to press on to the George Moore Stakes (1200m) and the Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m) next month.

“But we won’t be running him in the Bernborough Stakes,” she said.

“We tried him at 1600 metres last time and he didn’t get it.

“We will try to earn a wild card to Millions day as there are some nice races for him there.”