The three-year-old is part of a three-horse Southland charge that Nathan Williamson is preparing for the upcoming Auckland Carnival.
Hidden Talent and Ruby Roe are also heading north as they look to add Alexandra Park Group 1 titles next to their names, just as their stablemate has already done.
Setbacks in the spring saw Captains Mistress begin her final start in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks with just one conditioning run.
Although she raced incredibly well to finish fourth, those setbacks seemed to cost her as she disappeared behind Arafura in the final 100 meters.
“We chased our tails all the way to get her there and she did really well under the circumstances.”
“I’ve got her at home and she’s doing really well. She just needs some racing, so we’re heading north for a gig at the Queen Of Hearts.”
“She thrived on the trip there last year and hopefully she can show that kind of form again.”
Many of Captains Mistress’s Queen Of Hearts rivals will start in the Group 3 Caduceus Club Northern Breeders Stakes this week.
Williamson has chosen to forego a lead-up race with Captains Mistress.
If her preparation continues to go much smoother than her last Group 1 tournament, the timing could be perfect for Captains Mistress to finish third in the Queen Of Hearts (December 12).
Ruby Roe will also focus on the main event as she heads north after running to placings in group and Listed races in her last three starts.
“She has raced well all the way and apart from Ashburton she has done it thanks to some tough draws.”
“I have been very happy with her since the cup week, she is going there in good shape.”
Hidden Talent will take a mix of form heading north, including a fifth-place finish at the last start in the Grand Duchess of Group 2 at Addington.
Williamson hopes one key difference will help the mare show her best in the Group 1 Queen Of Diamonds (December 12).
“In the mare races she has been outside the back line every time, while this time she will be outside the mark behind the mobile.”
“She has given I Dream Of Jeannie a lead in her two filly races and Princess Sadie a 30m lead in hers.”
“She seems very good and if she does her best, it seems like a good opportunity for her.”
Hidden Talent will make its first start at Alexandra Park in the second edition of the Queen Of Diamonds.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Jonny Turnerfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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