Most expected this would be a logical target given her stunning wins in all three starts since moving to Australia and joining Jason Grimson’s stable.
She will be the favorite to take those four wins in the $150,000 Group 1 Queen of the Pacific (2760m) on Saturday night at Melton.
Her owner Mick Boots said the focus will then switch to the $250,000 Group 1 Chariots Of Fire in Menangle on March 7.
Captains Mistress will have to qualify for the Chariots, most likely via the $30,000 Paleface Adios at Menangle on February 28.
Although Cambridge would fit into her schedule, Boots said he wasn’t excited about it.
“I have had approaches but as it stands I would prefer to keep her in Australia for the time being,” he said.
“I don’t want to race her too much. I’m already thinking about her value as a broodmare and remembering that the mares that race a lot hard rarely become good broodmares.
“Unless things change, I will retire her at the end of her four-year season.
“She is a very well-bred mare and I was offered a lot of money for her before she left New Zealand, but I wanted to keep her for myself for breeding.
“I am getting more and more involved in breeding. I now have sixteen foals at home and two more in Victoria.”
In addition to the Chariots, Boots is keen to return to Queensland and attempt to win the $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun in July.
“I would like to see her at least get a start in the race this year,” he said.
That’s a reference to Racing Queensland’s controversial decision to vote her out of last year’s Rising Sun despite an excellent record.
Boots said Captains Mistress was close to rival champion stayer Swayzee as the favorite horse of the more than 250 horses he owns.
“She’s getting closer,” he laughed.
Boots will be in Melton on Saturday evening to watch both Captains Mistress and Swayzee race.
Swayzee tries to successfully defend his Hunter Cup crown.
“The draws will be so important. It’s a great group of horses at the moment. Leap To Fame is the best around and Kingman is the new kid on the block,” he said.
“Cam (Hart, driver) was happy with his race at Cranbourne (Cup) considering where he was and how the race was run.
“He said he felt very strong at the line and continued strong well beyond the line.
“People have said it’s all about who draws best, so we’ll need more luck in the draw than we did at Cranbourne.
“He is a fantastic old horse that always gives everything.”
Boots said plans for Swayzee had yet to be finalized after the Hunter Cup.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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