Greg Cave believes Queen Of Jerusalem is ready to take the next step and play a major role in the Group 3 City Of Belmont-WA Oaks (2400m) at Ascot.
The God Has Spoken filly meets her toughest test to date on Saturday, but Cave says if she continues her rate of improvement he’s certain she can measure up.
Queen Of Jerusalem stretched out nicely when fifth on her return, was beaten a head second-up and went one better to break her maiden status at Ascot.
Stepping up to 1800m, the three-year-old hit the line powerfully from the back of the field and scored a confidence-boosting win by a short head.
Cave anticipates Queen Of Jerusalem to take further improvement from the run and is confident she can defy market expectations and take the next step.
“She’s in with a chance and I’m pretty sure she will get the trip the way she races,” Cave told The Races WA.
“Her last three starts she has really hit the line well and she is going into the race fit and in form.
“She is going to be better in six months, but you have to have a throw at the stumps.
“The way she is racing and the way she is going she is a definite chance of getting a mile and a half.
“I’m going into it with a bit of confidence and she has pulled up really well from her last start.
“It didn’t knock her around or anything and she is as bright as a button.”
A field of 10 runners will contest the WA Oaks with Queen Of Jerusalem to jump from barrier eight.
Shaun O’Donnell replaces Troy Turner who has elected to partner Natasha Stakes runner-up Feels Danish.
“The draw was never going to matter to her because she will get back,” Cave said.
“Her style of racing is going to suit her, she’ll just get back to midfield or just behind midfield.
“She is a relaxed and well balanced filly and doesn’t have to do anything stupid.
“Shaun rode her on Saturday morning and said he can’t complain.
“He’s happy and looking forward to the ride as well.”
Tabtouch rates Queen Of Jerusalem a $17 chance.
Adam Durrant’s Constant Dreaming heads the market at $2.20.